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Thanks for your positive words. Did you watch what you ate during your Camino? I imagine if I drank beer every night and had coffee with ham baguettes every day I might not lose much weight.you will lose weight and your body grows with every step
good question!Thanks for your positive words. Did you watch what you ate during your Camino? I imagine if I drank beer every night and had coffee with ham baguettes every day I might not lose much weight.
First day SJPdP to Orisson, then Orisson to Roncesvalles on day two? But is there an itinerary out there for someone trying to build up to full distance?On the Camino walk short distances at the beginning until you feel your body get into its groove.
Don't worry about someone else's itinerary, just walk your own Camino. Walk until you feel tired and then start looking for a bed.First day SJPdP to Orisson, then Orisson to Roncesvalles on day two? But is there an itinerary out there for someone trying to build up to full distance?
Yes, my feet were very sore after the one stage I did 2 years ago. I couldn't put any pressure on them the next day and hobbled to the bus stop for Pamplona.It sounds like your feet are the critical aspect here.
Yes, I might just catch a bus to Finisterre after arriving in SdC, for a day trip. That is, if I do not have much time left.But, trying to also fit in Finstere, in my opinion is pushing it, if you are unsure of your fitness.
I have never used poles but my knees and feet do hurt on downhill sections. Should I get 2 poles or is 1 often enough?Are you using poles? they can really make a difference.
I've been to Pamplona before and I would like to walk through it this time.From Zubiri to Pamplona can be split by staying in La Parada de Zuriain or in Zabaldika but it is a relatively easy day (21.2km). After Pamplona, I would also shorten the day by staying in Uterga.
I used to prefer a single wooden staff too. I really disliked the idea of twin poles and felt like an idiot trying to use them. That was until both knees gave up working on the Via de la Plata several years ago. I had to return home to the UK barely able to walk for several weeks. Diagnosed as osteoarthritis in both knees. For a while I thought that was the end of my long distance walking. Instead I learned to use twin poles effectively and have walked several thousand km since without any serious knee problems. Including walking the entire VdlP in a little over a month recently. I wouldn't attempt a long distance walk without twin poles now.I use a single pole but I think that the purists prefer two
He's not joking... this could be a long detour. Once you get into threads about carrying poles on planes you might get lost forever.Ah, poles on a plane, prepare for a much longer thread.
This might be the best option. Thanks!pick up another cheap pair in St Jean which you 'donate' back once you arrive in Santiago.
From my experience, poles are a must! Just bought a couple new sets of poles, very similar to those you linked, for my wife and me from Amazon. I like how they break down into three pieces for fitting into a pack. However, and as has been mentioned, I’m not sure what the airline rules are from Australia for bringing poles in your pack into the cabin. As I would encourage you NOT to check your pack, and unless you know for sure that you can bring them on board, buy your poles in SJPP. There are several outfitters there that have what you’ll need.Are these poles good enough? I need something that will fit in my 30L backpack for the flight from Australia to Europe and they seem pretty compact and light.
This sounds like really good advice. Take care of yourself EARLY in your walk to prevent/lessen injury or blisters. You have lots of time!If you managed to walk to Roncesvalles via Valcarlos in one day, you are probably fitter than you think. Splitting the first day at Orisson or Borda is always a wise choice. The second day can also be split by staying at Viscarret/Biskarreta in www.laposadanueva.net . From Zubiri to Pamplona can be split by staying in La Parada de Zuriain or in Zabaldika but it is a relatively easy day (21.2km). After Pamplona, I would also shorten the day by staying in Uterga. After that you can gradually build up your distances as your body allows.
I LOVE my liner! Even in beds with sheets and blankets. I feel at home in the liner!Thanks for all the great info. Regarding sleeping in albergues, should I bring a sleeping bag liner or can I get by with the blankets and sheet provided at the albergues? I am looking at the Sea to Summit Expander Travel Liner on Amazon.
I like 2 poles!I use a single pole but I think that the purists prefer two
I am the least qualified to comment on this, but the Camino is much more like a long walk than a hike. How heavy are these? Have you tried lighter trail runners? My husband loved his.I have a new pair of Merrell Moab 2 Ventilated, which are a new pair of the same type of shoes I used whilst hiking in Nepal 3 years ago. I will start wearing them every day to wear them in.
Hi!I am in my late 30's and about 30kg overweight. I have managed to walk 10-12km at a fast pace (in about 2:15 hours) during our hot summer, without a backpack. But, not two days in a row.
In March 2020 I did the first stage of the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, via the Valcarlos way. It was cold and wet, but with a nice break in Valcarlos for a coffee I did manage to make it to Roncesvalles. Covid-19 forced me to hurry back to Australia after the first stage before Australia's borders were closed (locking me out), so I only did the first day. My feet were in a lot of pain on the morning after my arrival in Roncesvalles.
I want to attempt the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in May, but that leaves me only 2 months to get some training in. Am I leaving it too late to get physically ready to handle the French Camino? I will have about 40 days to get to Santiago (and hopefully Finisterre).
Also, what will the weather be like in May? I will have a woolen fleece for cold days and night times. But I would prefer to walk in shorts and a t-shirt if possible.
I totally agree! It’s the getting up and starting each day that is difficult when you are tired and in pain but once you start you fill with a new energy! Walk at your own pace and believe in your heart it’s not a race, it’s your journey!Hey Hurrying!
once I started my first Camino (3100km) without much training, 60 pounds overweight plus 30 pounds backpack.
I walked the first weeks not more than 25km and had a rest day. I had much pain all over the place but I arrived at the ocean and lost my 60 pounds overweight!
Just take it easy, walk in your pace, find your rhythm and LISTEN to your body. Also you will lose weight and your body grows with every step! 40 days is plenty of time to walk the Francés!
Enjoy your walk
edit: sometimes it feels that you can't walk at all but after the first 3km you will start enjoying againbe positive!
If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest that you visit a podiatrist/foot doctor to have your gait analysed. I had knee problems for a while years ago, and my GP sent me to a podiatrist who provided custom orthotics. My knee problem disappeared and I no longer have any plantar fasciitis. Worth checking into, as how our feet fall affect everything up to and including our shoulders and neck.Yes, my feet were very sore after the one stage I did 2 years ago. I couldn't put any pressure on them the next day and hobbled to the bus stop for Pamplona.
I have a new pair of Merrell Moab 2 Ventilated, which are a new pair of the same type of shoes I used whilst hiking in Nepal 3 years ago. I will start wearing them every day to wear them in.
Yes, I might just catch a bus to Finisterre after arriving in SdC, for a day trip. That is, if I do not have much time left.
I have never used poles but my knees and feet do hurt on downhill sections. Should I get 2 poles or is 1 often enough?
I've been to Pamplona before and I would like to walk through it this time.
Hello there J , for a newbie for the Camino, wish I know what the abbreviations are for A, G, R, H, J,… I’m guessing, . A. Albergues , H, hotels, G,R,and J, not sure, confusing. SorryHere's an example of short stages from SJPDP to Pamplona
View attachment 119933
I bought a pair of these after a few comments on here. As a seasoned long-distance walker over many years they are the best shoes I have ever worn. It may be because I bought a pair 2 sizes larger than my normal shoes. That gave me extra room for my toes that frequently suffer, especially when going downhill. My only decision now is to whether to buy a new pair before my walk in May and wear them in although nowadays I am not sure that they need it.I have a new pair of Merrell Moab 2 Ventilated, which are a new pair of the same type of shoes I used whilst hiking in Nepal 3 years ago. I will start wearing them every day to wear them in.
It's from the planning site that I linked to above.Hello there J , for a newbie for the Camino, wish I know what the abbreviations are for A, G, R, H, J,… I’m guessing, . A. Albergues , H, hotels, G,R,and J, not sure, confusing. SorryCheers !
I am overweight but fit if you can say that in the same sentence? I am able to walk about 25km with a full pack in a day but I have built that up. 2 months is still time to train, include hills and vary the terrain. What Pasino says about the first 1km to 3km in the morning is true but you soon get into the rythmn for the day.Hey Hurrying!
once I started my first Camino (3100km) without much training, 60 pounds overweight plus 30 pounds backpack.
I walked the first weeks not more than 25km and had a rest day. I had much pain all over the place but I arrived at the ocean and lost my 60 pounds overweight!
Just take it easy, walk in your pace, find your rhythm and LISTEN to your body. Also you will lose weight and your body grows with every step! 40 days is plenty of time to walk the Francés!
Enjoy your walk
edit: sometimes it feels that you can't walk at all but after the first 3km you will start enjoying againbe positive!
I've walked the Frances from SJPdP to SDC three times in Merrell Moab Ventilator's, low style. They worked like a champ for me, and I love their stability and the shank for support. I find they're a compromise between trail runners and actual hiking boots/shoes. I've since switched to Oboz Sawtooth low's for two other Caminos and prefer their wider toe box.I am the least qualified to comment on this, but the Camino is much more like a long walk than a hike. How heavy are these? Have you tried lighter trail runners? My husband loved his.
Weather varies from year to year.I am in my late 30's and about 30kg overweight. I have managed to walk 10-12km at a fast pace (in about 2:15 hours) during our hot summer, without a backpack. But, not two days in a row.
In March 2020 I did the first stage of the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, via the Valcarlos way. It was cold and wet, but with a nice break in Valcarlos for a coffee I did manage to make it to Roncesvalles. Covid-19 forced me to hurry back to Australia after the first stage before Australia's borders were closed (locking me out), so I only did the first day. My feet were in a lot of pain on the morning after my arrival in Roncesvalles.
I want to attempt the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in May, but that leaves me only 2 months to get some training in. Am I leaving it too late to get physically ready to handle the French Camino? I will have about 40 days to get to Santiago (and hopefully Finisterre).
Also, what will the weather be like in May? I will have a woolen fleece for cold days and night times. But I would prefer to walk in shorts and a t-shirt if possible.
@Hurrying, instead of starting out from SJPdP again, have you considered just continuing your walk from Roncesvalles this year? This would give you a chance to avoid that especially challenging stage which puts a lot of strain on joints and heart, and allow you to ease into your camino.In March 2020 I did the first stage of the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, via the Valcarlos way.
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My feet were in a lot of pain on the morning after my arrival in Roncesvalles.
Yes, get a liner but more importantly, don't forget your emergency supply of Vegemite. It is a little hard to get on the Camino.Thanks for all the great info. Regarding sleeping in albergues, should I bring a sleeping bag liner or can I get by with the blankets and sheet provided at the albergues? I am looking at the Sea to Summit Expander Travel Liner on Amazon.
SJPdP - Saint Jean Pied de PortHello there J , for a newbie for the Camino, wish I know what the abbreviations are for A, G, R, H, J,… I’m guessing, . A. Albergues , H, hotels, G,R,and J, not sure, confusing. SorryCheers !
Just a thought if you find you need a rest day you can always send your bag forward to your next albergue - so you walk with just a daypackI am in my late 30's and about 30kg overweight. I have managed to walk 10-12km at a fast pace (in about 2:15 hours) during our hot summer, without a backpack. But, not two days in a row.
In March 2020 I did the first stage of the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, via the Valcarlos way. It was cold and wet, but with a nice break in Valcarlos for a coffee I did manage to make it to Roncesvalles. Covid-19 forced me to hurry back to Australia after the first stage before Australia's borders were closed (locking me out), so I only did the first day. My feet were in a lot of pain on the morning after my arrival in Roncesvalles.
I want to attempt the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in May, but that leaves me only 2 months to get some training in. Am I leaving it too late to get physically ready to handle the French Camino? I will have about 40 days to get to Santiago (and hopefully Finisterre).
Also, what will the weather be like in May? I will have a woolen fleece for cold days and night times. But I would prefer to walk in shorts and a t-shirt if possible.
Have the big breakfast, drink beer at lunch time and wine at night without a concern. Desert. and those chocolate pastries are good too.Did you watch what you ate during your Camino? I imagine if I drank beer every night and had coffee with ham baguettes every day I might not lose much weight.
But if u only drink 1 beer and 1 cheece and ham sandwich a day u will definitely lose weight!Thanks for your positive words. Did you watch what you ate during your Camino? I imagine if I drank beer every night and had coffee with ham baguettes every day I might not lose much weight.
Beer, or any alcohol containing drink is a big NO while walking. Especially for a person struggling with mileage, especially in hot weather. The best would be to start the day with a porridge, not so easy in Spain though. Hydration and electrolyte balance is of utmost importance. The party may start after laundry and showering done.Have the big breakfast, drink beer at lunch time and wine at night without a concern. Desert. and those chocolate pastries are good too.
You will use it up with the energy for walking, does your body good.
Me. My shoulders are a mess. I am taking physiotherapy for them. My legs are fine. Listen to your own body and try to get as fit as you can, gradually.(Poles transfer up to 20 percent of the energy required for forward motion from your legs to your shoulder muscles. Who wouldn't want that?)
From their website:Apparently I may need to use www.expressbourricot.com for the SJPdP to Roncesvalles section, because I am starting in France?
25km's in 7 hours, including a lunch break? That is about 4km per hour (after subtracting some time for the lunch break), mostly uphill... I have accommodation booked and paid for already, but I am doubting I can go up that steep ascent at 4km per hour, including rest and meal breaks!I left SJPdP at 07.50 after a minimal breakfast, stopped at Orisson for a rest, drink & food, and arrived at Roncesvalles at 14.45.
On Napoleon? As opposed to "the route down through the forest"? I didn't realise Napoleon route had 2 paths into Roncesvalles.The longer winding road route is the prudent option.
On Napoleon? As opposed to "the route down through the forest"? I didn't realise Napoleon route had 2 paths into Roncesvalles.
There is a choice at Col de Lepoeder, a fairly direct but steep route down through the forest, or a less steep but slightly longer one that leads to Roncesvalles.
Only at the end, after the Lepoeder Pass. Both options are clearly marked at the split. The Pilgrim's Office will also tell you about this. I took the steeper route and would advise you to take the less steep one, unless you have solid hiking experience.On Napoleon? As opposed to "the route down through the forest"? I didn't realise Napoleon route had 2 paths into Roncesvalles.
I would say yes. I think you should start by doing the three standard stages to Pamplona. Sleeping in Zubiri is therefore a decision you can already make...Should I book accommodation for the second night in Zubiri? Looks like there are quite a few options there.
You do not need passport photos. And yes, you can easily get the credencial from the very friendly and helpful Pilgrims Office in SJPP, even in the morning before setting out if you don't arrive in time the day before.In 2020 I vaguely remember getting the Pilgrim Passport in STPdP. Do I need to give them passport photos, or am I getting confused?
- or Leki Vario Micro, or Black Diamond ZZ poles.Are these poles good enough? I need something that will fit in my 30L backpack for the flight from Australia to Europe and they seem pretty compact and light.
Woollen fleece is a must..Also, what will the weather be like in May? I will have a woolen fleece for cold days and night times. But I would prefer to walk in shorts and a t-shirt if possible.
The camino, especially the Frances is very versatile. If you feel out of shape or overweight just walk accordingly.I am in my late 30's and about 30kg overweight. I have managed to walk 10-12km at a fast pace (in about 2:15 hours) during our hot summer, without a backpack. But, not two days in a row.
In March 2020 I did the first stage of the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, via the Valcarlos way. It was cold and wet, but with a nice break in Valcarlos for a coffee I did manage to make it to Roncesvalles. Covid-19 forced me to hurry back to Australia after the first stage before Australia's borders were closed (locking me out), so I only did the first day. My feet were in a lot of pain on the morning after my arrival in Roncesvalles.
I want to attempt the French Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in May, but that leaves me only 2 months to get some training in. Am I leaving it too late to get physically ready to handle the French Camino? I will have about 40 days to get to Santiago (and hopefully Finisterre).
Also, what will the weather be like in May? I will have a woolen fleece for cold days and night times. But I would prefer to walk in shorts and a t-shirt if possible.
" I turn the woolen fleece inside out and sit in the sun. The moisture build up will evaporate, it looks like I am steaming and it will cool."Woollen fleece is a must..
I use Woolpower woolen Merino fleece, 200 gr quality(from Sweden), starting from morning in 0 to 2 dgr C , yes in May...
I don a bycycle safety high viz vest, light and breathable againt the morning breeze, and by 10 oclock, I turn the woolen fleece inside out and sit in the sun. The moisture build up will evaporate, it looks like I am steaming and it will cool.
Shorts is a must as I work up so much heat while hiking.
So do not leave at home...
- in ´14 I walked the CF, at home I chucked the woolen Merino to my wife and asked her to have a sniff. She could not detect any BO , so Merinos, for Pete´s sake..
(I use merino socks, underwear, neck gaiters, btw)
When you get to the Meseta, you will have your time of short sleeves, and your calves will get the full impact of the sun as you are now heading almost due west...
Come prepared and do have fun,
your new life has just begun
Solvitur Ambulando
caminoteca is openI read an adage on the forum before my fist Camino in 2015 that I wish I had listen to more - start as old woman, finish as a young one.
Go extra slow in the beginning (meaning shorter distances) and as your body conditions, you will naturally pick up the pace after the first 5-6 days. Days 1-4 are hard, 3 or 4 is usually the worst then hopefully you move though. So go easy on your self. Take those rest days and perhaps consider starting in Roncesvalles.
Yes on the poles for down hill - I am a single pole fan - and I usually check a small bag with my pole and a few things that can’t make it on the plane. Like a Swiss Army knife.
That said shops in SJPP are great, there also used to be a shop in Pamplona - CaminoTeca - but I am unclear if it is still open.
I say go for it. It’s your Camino, but the biggest lessons for me were don’t pack your fears and be open - adapt as you go.
Buen Camino.
Is there a store like that in SJPdP? I probably need to get some hiking poles and maybe some last minute stuff before the first stage.caminoteca is open
Yes. Boutique du Pelerine. And you can even reserve items to purchase when you arrive.Is there a store like that in SJPdP? I probably need to get some hiking poles and maybe some last minute stuff before the first stage.
I am thinking of buying the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 because they seem to be more breathable and have more padding on the bottom for road surfaces. I already have some Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator but when I used the same type of shoe in Nepal a few years ago I remember they got tight during the day when my feet swell. Plus, May onwards might get a bit warm so having more breathable shoes would be nice. I can save my Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator for day to day use or proper hiking in future and get these Nikes.I recommend shoes designed for road running, but breathable.
I am going to get my backpack sent ahead on the first stage from SJPdP to Roncesvalles and walk with a foldable small daypack with just my valuables and a packable rain coat (similar to a poncho), and a bottle of water. I have 39 days to get to Santiago so I should be ok, hopefully I can walk on to Finisterre in that time, but no pressure.Walk the amount per day you feel you can safely manage, slowly upping the amount and making sure to factor in rest days. there are so many accommodation options this is easy on the Frances.
Keep your pack weight as low as possible, this is important as the weight is added on to your own and effects your joints.
No photo required. BTW check the shop on this forum: Ivar has a few standard passports left for sale as well as the more colourful Holy Year 2021 version (The Pope extended Holy Year 2021 to cover 2022 too)In 2020 I vaguely remember getting the Pilgrim Passport in STPdP. Do I need to give them passport photos, or am I getting confused?
Quite a lot of the SJPdP economy is based on selling pilgrim kit. The challenge is to refrain from grabbing lots of extra kit off the shelves in a last minute rush of anxiety!Is there a store like that in SJPdP? I probably need to get some hiking poles and maybe some last minute stuff before the first stage.
If you do all of that you're going to be one of the fittest people starting the camino!I will also do planks, squats, lunges and pushups to get my core ready to carry the backpack and walk for 6+ hours per day during my Camino.
Road runners may be fine, but I would check how much support they provide in real life with a backpack on. Another matter is that sole cushioning may not surrvive all 800km. The only time I wore road runners (Asics Pulse) was on VdlP and they lasted roughly for 600km to Zamora. 83kg own weight + about 10kg backpack.I am thinking of buying the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 because they seem to be more breathable and have more padding on the bottom for road surfaces
The weather on the Napoleon route is unpredictable. It may be cold and rainy (and often snowy) any time of the year. There is no way that I would walk it, even in May, without a layer for warmth and some food and adequate water.I am going to get my backpack sent ahead on the first stage from SJPdP to Roncesvalles and walk with a foldable small daypack with just my valuables and a packable rain coat (similar to a poncho), and a bottle of water.
I will ask about the weather at the Pilgrim's office the day before. I can include a fleece (if I am not already wearing it) in the daypack. Why would I need food though? Doesn't Orisson have food and isn't there a food truck on the mountain somewhere?The weather on the Napoleon route is unpredictable. It may be cold and rainy (and often snowy) any time of the year. There is no way that I would walk it, even in May, without a layer for warmth and some food and adequate water.
I walked the Napoleon route beginning on Sept. 30, 2015. The weather was fine all the way through. You can certainly get food at Orisson. But a fellow pilgrim whom I met the night before at Corazon Puro (this albergue no longer exists), where we were spending our first night in Spain, went to SJpdP with me the same morning, then stayed over one night while I began my walk. I met her by chance again in Pamplona and she told me of the cold, rainy, really miserable weather which she met walking from Orisson a day after myself. I don't know whether she met a food truck at the top of the trail, but there was none there when I went through. She and others sheltered in the hut near the top of the pass. In such a situation, I would want food, adequate water, and warm clothes. I would certainly carry them with me (I did not send my pack ahead). Mountain weather can be miserable at any time of year and is always unpredictable.I will ask about the weather at the Pilgrim's office the day before. I can include a fleece (if I am not already wearing it) in the daypack. Why would I need food though? Doesn't Orisson have food and isn't there a food truck on the mountain somewhere?
I would recommend offloading your heavier items into the small folding backpack and carrying your well fitted regular pack which has a good suspension system.I am going to get my backpack sent ahead on the first stage from SJPdP to Roncesvalles and walk with a foldable small daypack with just my valuables and a packable rain coat (similar to a poncho), and a bottle of water
Thanks for all the great answers so far! One more questions: how many pairs of underwear and socks should I bring? I am thinking 4 pairs of each? My plan is to bring 3 t-shirts, 2 pairs of trousers that convert into shorts, and a pair of shorts. Then I will bring a woollen fleece and a convertible rain jacket (that packs into a tiny bag for storage). I plan to do laundry every 2 days or so. Wear one set whilst walking, then shower and change into the next days set and sleep in those clothes, then walk in them. Rinse repeat.
For socks I am thinking of buying 4 pairs of injinji socks. Will they last 800km?
I guess that you will get a variety of responses to your question but most with a view of reducing the weight you carry. I would cut back on your list to a maximum of 3 pairs of underwear and socks (although I would go for 3 pairs of socks and 3 pairs of liner socks), 2 shirts, 1 pair of trousers, and a pair of shorts. Laundry every day so that will cut back on the number of items you need. Not tried Injini socks.
The problem is that I would need to pay for laundry every day, or hand wash. Secondly, how will I dry the clothes? Do albergues have drying clothes hanging everywhere? Will someone try to hang their drying underwear on my bunk bed?If you get into the habit of doing your laundry every day it becomes part of the pilgrim routine and second nature.
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