Running and walking the Camino

[Guenanda]

Hello. I am planning to walk the Camino next in April/May next year. I have been thinking that it could be nice to alternate the between easy running and walking...has anyone tried it? Also, what are your advises on walk using running shoes?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - some people do this. Amado who is forum user ran from Lourdes to Santiago. Get in touch with him for his experience. This is his website:
http://amadopicardal.blogspot.com.es/

 

[evanlow]

Can only comment on the shoe. Boots for me first 4 Caminos. Trail runner for the last 3.

Thought it might be a risk on my ankle without the extra support but turn out not to be so. Blister no more and a lot more nimble and comfy.

 

[Older Guy]

Hello. I am planning to walk the Camino next in April/May next year. I have been thinking that it could be nice to alternate the between easy running and walking...has anyone tried it? Also, what are your advises on walk using running shoes?

Didn't try it. Where I live trail running is a big sport, so yes it could be done. The problems I see have to do with your gear. Most extreme distance trail runners have some ultra-light packs that include hydration, first aid supplies, food, rain gear.

My suggestions would be

(1) Take two packs, a walking/hiking pack and a ultra-light running hydration pack
(2) On those days that you plan to "run/jog" make sure that you send your luggage forward with one of the sevices, but wear your ultra-light running pack
(3) Choose days where you aren't going to be spending huge amounts of time on paved surfaces for "running/jogging. That is don't run into or out of Burgos & Leon and I wouldn't run into Santiago. (Also avoid Roman roads, rocky trail sections and muddy trail sections for running.)
(4) Rather than strictly "running/jogging" you might want to do a modified "slow Fartlek" (Swedish speed play) type of thing. Walk a while, jog a while, run a little, walk/jog, etc.

Good Luck

 

[jayree]

When I walked the CF I often wished I could run some of the segments, particularly on the Meseta. Now that backpack transport services are widely available, including Spain's Correros, you should have no trouble. Several members on the forum have discussed their running experience.

 

[Guenanda]

Thank you all for your kind replies! I have actually decided that I will not run in my first Camino as I understood that I don't want to rush the Camino. Gracias!

 

[Michael Caleigh]

I walked my first Camino in boots but decided to do the next in Trail Runners from the same brand. They feel amazing here on my local walks. Much lighter and less ´warm´on my feet.

 

[SYates]

Thank you all for your kind replies! I have actually decided that I will not run in my first Camino as I understood that I don't want to rush the Camino. Gracias!

No reason why you can't do a little run/sprint out of poor joy when the mood takes you ;-) Running is not the same like rushing as long as you take the time to smell the roses and listen to the music of the wind ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Guenanda]

No reason why you can't do a little run/sprint out of poor joy when the mood takes you ;-) Running is not the same like rushing as long as you take the time to smell the roses and listen to the music of the wind ;-) Buen Camino, SY

I love the smell of the roses and will certainly take the time to smell them and listen to the wind Can't wait to go!