lighteningstrike
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (June-July 2018)
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Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
Just get on the patch and walk it and see first hand. No serious doubts for me leave on Tuesday and am 73. Mind you it's my 10th Camino. Nevertheless, try it.Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
We all have these doubts. I am on the camino for the first time and wasn't really well prepared. I had my doubts and still do. Every night I examine the route for the next day and check options like bus etc.Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
I think more 25 year olds,are fitter than me being 73, and I walked from Oviedo to Muxia last fall with no problems. Do not carry too much. You have time to break in some shoes,which is the most important thing. I would suggest an easier Camino like the Madrid,and if you finish it and want to walk more,do it. Or stop. Whatever suits you. This is your camino,so do it your way and you will have a wonderful time. The important thing is not to back out,and take a chance,you will not regret it.Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
Your dates are almost exactly what ours are...we are walking June 21-July 28. I say you should go for it! Ease your body into it. Don’t do too much too soon. Hike early to beat the heat, and take one day at a time. Pretty soon all of those “one days” turn into the whole CaminoWell, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
You do realise that by leaving Spain on the 24th that you miss the St James' Day fireworks in Santiago?
Apart from that oversight, my advice is between now and leaving to get lots of walking exercise. If you can walk it in under 30 minutes, do so if you have the time. Or cycle. Avoid your car like the plague. You need to average 23 km/day over the whole trip. Assume you will walk about 4 km/hr so 6-7 hours per day. that includes toilets stops and the odd coffee. There is nothing saying you can't take 10 hours to go the same distance if you need to and there are plenty of potential stops along the CF. Just start early ie get out the door by about 0630 while it is a bit cooler and start walking. Try to finish your day by about 3 pm because that's when the heat really does start to get to you. In the first week be kind to yourself and if you do less that 23 km, don't panic. If you overdo it you will injure yourself. Smell the roses/thyme/lavender etc. I do suggest taking an umbrella as a portable sunshade. It can really make the difference in the hot weather. Hydrate, hydrate and then hydrate some more. Dunk a buff or your tshirt in the nearest fuente because that makes a big difference. Try to avoid walking on asphalt and the road itself as they are surfaces that kill your feet.
You'll be absolutely fine. Don't think about it. Just do it. You will have an amazing time.Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
The HUGE Feast of Santiago celebration every year at Santiago de Compostela officially kicks off with world class fireworks on the night of the 24th, just before midnight. This ushers in the feast day. Too many folks assume the fireworks are on the 25th (the day of the feast) and plan wrong.
FYI, the best viewing spot for the fireworks is from the area around the very large eucalyptus tree (the one with the bench surrounding it) on the pedestrian walk in Alameda Park. It is identified on the TI map by a camera logo, indicating a scenic view. I usually meet with friends and party here each year.
If you do not yet have a confirmed reservation for place to stay. MAKE IT TODAY! Too many pilgrims walk into Santiago around the 24th or 25th and will not be able to find a bed, at any price, at any location near to town. Tourists will take care of themselves. Fortunately, I am working as a volunteer then, and have a place to stay.
Each year, we have to direct people to Plaza de Galicia to catch the #6 bus (dir San Marcos) to ride out to Monte de Gozo, to stay at the large albergue some 5 km outside the center of the city. By the time the 25th rolls around each year, you need to go that far out of Santiago to 'hopefully) find a bed for the night.
Please plan ahead...
Hope this helps.
Go to a proper walking shop, the assistants are trained to assess the best options for your feet. It will be an investment, but look at it this way: the shoes will outlast the camino if you get good ones, and the cost will be rationalised down to less than €1 per day over a year... you are a student: ask your granny for an early birthday present! And your budget, going back to your original post. 6 years ago we walked with a young German couple who had a VERY tight budget. They survived to tell the tale. Water beats every other drink for its hydration benefits, and with careful shopping you will feed yourself the kind of food that will sustain you without having to buy rubbish food. As another poster has taught me, - ‘just sayin’- ! Have a great time and keep us posted. I hope you will not have any lightning strikes as you walk...Hello everyone, I wanted to say a huge huge thank you for all your messages of advice and encouragement. I've been really blown away and actually quite moved by the posts here, as well as those of you who've reached out to me by private message. The thought of meeting similar kind souls on the Camino has been a real boost!
It's lovely to hear that I'm not the only one to have doubts, that that's normal, and that although this will be a challenge, it won't be impossible. What has helped most is all of you who have pointed out that this will be MY Camino - if I can't do it all in time, or need to take rest days, or need to catch a bus at some point, that's ok, it won't be any less 'real'. I think so much of my anxiety came from the fear that I'd go ahead and start, find it an awful/exhausting experience, and then think 'Well I'm stuck here now, I've started and have no choice but to keep on going, even though I can't.' It sounds silly even typing it out like that!
I've decided that I need to go and try, I'll certainly regret it if I don't. I'm sure I'll post with further questions in the future (for a start - I have spent all of today and yesterday trying to find some comfortable walking shoes, and absolutely none will fit properly! What am I doing wrong?!) but for now, a big thank you once more. You've really helped me, and I'm excited to see how this adventure unfolds!
DO NOT CANCEL.Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
Like you it changed my life to you have me close to tears reading your post. God bless you.When I left for the Camino, I didn't want to go. I'd booked it months before when it was an abstraction, but when it came time to go, I cried on the way to the airport. I cried AT the airport. I cried on the plane. I wrote lengthy desperate emails to my friends saying this was a terrible idea and I was an idiot for thinking I could do it. At the hotel in Madrid, my walking partner and I considered abandoning the whole idea and blowing our money in Paris. But fortunately, she was wiser than I was and said, "No, I came to walk and I'm going to walk," and so we walked.
It was hands-down the most difficult experience of my life due to health issues that showed up halfway through. There were days when I got half a kilometer down the road and had to sit and rest for half an hour before continuing. It took me a week to walk what others did in two days. I actually have a recording of myself one mile outside of Santiago sobbing into my phone recorder, "I'm tired, I can't go any further."
At the square in front of the cathedral, I collapsed in the rain and wept with gratitude and awe. Lots of people stared, but I didn't care.
It was hands-down the most amazing experience of my life. It changed my life. It changed me.
The doubts are part of the experience. Honor them, invite them along, and then leave them behind along the Way.
Buen Camino. <3
This is so true! I love the phrase “accept it and let it pass through you.” I couldn’t put it any better.Let your fear come -accept it and let it pass through you . Many before you -millions over a thousand years - have felt the same fear as you and have gone through it . You can too ! Enjoy yourself . It will be a marvellous adventure of a lifetime .i wish you well . Buen Camino
A beautiful and powerful personal testament. Thank you for sharing.When I left for the Camino, I didn't want to go. I'd booked it months before when it was an abstraction, but when it came time to go, I cried on the way to the airport. I cried AT the airport. I cried on the plane. I wrote lengthy desperate emails to my friends saying this was a terrible idea and I was an idiot for thinking I could do it. At the hotel in Madrid, my walking partner and I considered abandoning the whole idea and blowing our money in Paris. But fortunately, she was wiser than I was and said, "No, I came to walk and I'm going to walk," and so we walked.
It was hands-down the most difficult experience of my life due to health issues that showed up halfway through. There were days when I got half a kilometer down the road and had to sit and rest for half an hour before continuing. It took me a week to walk what others did in two days. I actually have a recording of myself one mile outside of Santiago sobbing into my phone recorder, "I'm tired, I can't go any further."
At the square in front of the cathedral, I collapsed in the rain and wept with gratitude and awe. Lots of people stared, but I didn't care.
It was hands-down the most amazing experience of my life. It changed my life. It changed me.
The doubts are part of the experience. Honor them, invite them along, and then leave them behind along the Way.
Buen Camino. <3
Agree totally - once you decide your Camino starts. Goes are far as you want.Hey lighteningstrike,
Fitness: Grab your pack, put 10% of your body weight in it and go for walks. Where you pack with the weight around the house while you do things. Also, I've spoken to many who have done little to no preparation for the trip and have had no problems.
Heat: Get tech fabrics, drink plenty of water, and have a big hat with a big brim. Many many many pilgrims walk this time of year.
Finances -- Be frugal. Buy your food from the grocery, stay at places that are donativo (donation).
The way I see it, you can fly to Spain begin walking, have an adventure, test yourself, see how far you get and come home with stories to tell friends. Or, you can stay home and never know.
In honesty, don't be afraid. One of the many great things about the Camino is that everyone helps each other.
Please go. Please walk.
Buen Camino.
Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
You can do this! take it easy and listen to your body as far as how far to go each day. Pack light and edit along the way if you need to lighten up along the way, gear can be donated to others or mailed ahead to Santiago at a special pilgrims rate through correos. For a very low daily rate of 4-5 euros a day you can send your things onto your next stop ( once you get a feel for your achiveable daily distance). Money wise this is probably the most economical form of European travel imaginable. You'll find people of all ages an fitness levels out there too, just take good care of your feet. I did the norte/ primativo yo celebrate my 60th leaving 6/19 last year everytime my feet really complained I stopped and rested somewhere, usually with my socks and shoes off laying down for a bit with my feet up, at your age the swelling feet of the aged shouldn't be an issue but letting your feet and footwear dry out midday will pay off huge. Don't let worries rob you of a fabulous and potentially life changing experience. Buen Camino!Well, as the title says, really.
I booked my flights to Biarritz and from Santiago a while back, planned dates are 19th June to 24th July. But now that my start date is only 3 weeks away, I'm seriously worried if this is something I'm ready for, or if I should cancel.
There's not one specific reason for my fears - I think the most pressing are:
I'm sorry, I'm sure these questions have been asked repeatedly on this forum, and I know ultimately it's my decision whether to go ahead with the Camino or not. But any advice, wisdom, encouragement or pragmatism would be very much appreciated, as I try to make my decision!
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino?
Many thanks.
I did the Camino in Oct/Nov last year, I was 55 then, quite overweight and in a sedentary job. While I wasn't doing it in the middle of summer, it was still quite hot for the first few weeks and I was only doing about 20kms a day and I made it. It's just one foot in front of the other. You can do this. Good luck and enjoy it.
Well, as the title says, really.
- Fitness (or lack there of) - I'm 25, not very fit, but not overweight and don't have any health conditions that would impair me. Just a fairly sedentary person who does barely anything in the way of exercise. I don't think this can be improved in the next 3 weeks, but am scared this is going to be too much of a challenge for me. Just how fit do you need to be?
- Heat - I'm a student, so this is the only time I have to walk the Camino, but am worried about how I'll deal with Spanish mid-summer heat.
- Finances - again, I'm a student, so my budget is fairly limited. What would be a reasonable budget for the Camino
Many thanks.
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