Leaving SJPDP Oct 10th

[j3Othon]

I am from just north of San Francisco California. We land in Barcelona, travel by train to Pamplona, and bus to SJPDP. This will be my second Camino, as I completed the final leg last year. This year I will be taking the Valcarlos route and stopping the first day at Roncesvalles. Anyone else?

My issue last year was blisters, even though I did all I could do to avoid them. I lost a toenail, and took 3-4 months to recover the feeling in about 5 toes. Took that long to start running and exercising again. I will limit my distance on a daily basis this time. Last time I was averaging 20 miles a day. That was a bit much. This time my longest trek will likely be SJPDP to Roncesvalles on Day 1.

See you out there...

 

[Glenshiro]

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Yes 20 miles a day is a bit much. I did it 3 days in a row, in temperatures in the mid-30s C a few years ago and it nearly killed me! I now stick to 15 miles/25 km a day.

Sounds as if your problem last year might have been caused by slightly too small footwear - could that be possible?

I used to get blisters, I now swear by 1000 mile socks - never had a blister since I started using them.

 

[J F Gregory]

I am 67 years old and am pretty active, but I limit myself to 12 - 15 miles per day. Our first Camino we walk in 33 days. #2 45 days to stop and smell the roses. Next we will walk the Portuguese route and draw it out to 3 weeks.

 

[kdespot]

Hello j30thon from your neighbor in Sonoma County! I'm so envious... this is such a good time of the year to go! Everyone has their own methods, but I found that the bit of extra weight that it takes to carry a pair of walking sandals was so worth it. Every day I changed my socks and switched from my walking Merrills to my Kean sandals about 2/3 through my walk. Never had blisters. ¡Buen Camino, vecino!

 

[j3Othon]

I've changed my mind. I'm going the Napoleon Route, right over the top. Thanks for the support and advice.

 

[j3Othon]

Hello j30thon from your neighbor in Sonoma County! I'm so envious... this is such a good time of the year to go! Everyone has their own methods, but I found that the bit of extra weight that it takes to carry a pair of walking sandals was so worth it. Every day I changed my socks and switched from my walking Merrills to my Kean sandals about 2/3 through my walk. Never had blisters. ¡Buen Camino, vecino!

I'm going to carry extra shoes as you suggested. Thank you.

 

[j3Othon]

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Yes 20 miles a day is a bit much. I did it 3 days in a row, in temperatures in the mid-30s C a few years ago and it nearly killed me! I now stick to 15 miles/25 km a day.

Sounds as if your problem last year might have been caused by slightly too small footwear - could that be possible?

I used to get blisters, I now swear by 1000 mile socks - never had a blister since I started using them.

I bought some REI socks that are 'guaranteed' to prevent blisters. We shall see. I want to try the 1000 mile socks you suggested. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Glenshiro]

I've changed my mind. I'm going the Napoleon Route, right over the top. Thanks for the support and advice.

Good for you! I have walked the Napoleon at ages 63 and 64, only moderately fit, and I'd do it again tomorrow. Here's hoping you get good weather. And good luck with the socks.