RevBarbaraG
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF (2018)
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Stretching before and after training walks as well as proper diet and nutrition is important prior to walking the Camino as the training walk itself. You cannot depend upon walking the Camino to lose the weight.
Also upper body and core conditioning is important. Remember, the pack is on your upper body, even if it is being supported with the assistance of a hip belt. Pushups and planks help.
I wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it..... and to build as much fitness and endurance as I can before the REAL training programme: el Camino!
All good advice.
I’m still asking my original question: are there any FIRST TIME pilgrims who would like to share their experiences during training? A sort of peer support group where we encourage each other.
Then it might be interesting to highlight this in your title. Might attract more new pilgrims although new and old pilgrims are relative concepts in my view.
Socks almost turned into an issue for me. Was told (at a sporting store) thin silk underneath thicker pair. And that advice gave me my only blister. Thin works for me, my husband swears by the combo and my brother can only do a thick pair! Definitely make sure you have foot comfort down! Also even though I'm about to start my third Camino I still do some training primarily on inclines. What's the saying, if you get lost on the Camino just look for the highest hill and go up!shoes, socks etc is part of the deal. Iron out any problems on this side of the channel!
I wore WrightSocks double layer socks with built-in liners. Since I walked in the summer I preferred thin socks so their Cool Mesh socks worked great for me.The most important things to take care of are your feet. If you get bad blisters you will not be able to walk far. You may have heard this before, but it worked for me -- wear a thin pair of socks under a thick pair of socks. If you have not already bought your boots (or shoes), wear the two pairs of socks when you try the boots (or shoes) on. And try them on late in the day, not in the morning. Wear the footwear around the house for a couple of days. Most shops will let you take footwear back as long as you haven't worn them outside. If you get the slightest discomfort, take them back and change them. I didn't do any training for my caminos, but a lot of people recommend it and I wouldn't want to argue with them.
Shortly after getting back from my Portuguese Camino last year, my left knee started to bother me. I still continued my daily walks, even though it was painful and it was affecting my stride.
Finally I had a 'light bulb' moment and decided to stop my daily walks completely. Consider my amazement that my knee had completely healed after about three weeks and now that I have resumed walking again, no further issues....so far.
If it does start to act up again, I will hopefully have the brains to stop training and let it heal.
I have no doubt it has some accumulated wear issues, but I am always hesitant to go the medical route as I know people that had knee issues that after surgery ended up being much worse.
Thanks for this, have not heard of these socks! Am going to look for them!I wore WrightSocks double layer socks with built-in liners. Since I walked in the summer I preferred thin socks so their Cool Mesh socks worked great for me.
https://wrightsock.myshopify.com/collections/double-layer/products/coolmesh-ii
Despite being 66 years "young", the knees continue to do great! Now just need a miracle cure for constant hip/sciatica discomfort. Got to be something out there!I’ve done several rounds of the Orthovisc injections over the past 10 years. Absolutely amazing stuff that staves off surgery. Have hiked the Grand Canyon (7 - 11 miles straight up/down depending on which trail ) with no pain.
I realize that, but some of us just can't help sharing our "wisdom".All good advice.
I’m still asking my original question: are there any FIRST TIME pilgrims who would like to share their experiences during training? A sort of peer support group where we encourage each other.
I realize that, but some of us just can't help sharing our "wisdom".
And the Camino is one of the best places to get that!! If we don't see each other out there, Buen Camino to you!I reflected after writing that post that I am obviously in great need of the spiritual purification which the Camino offers.....
The most common thing a doctor would've told you would be to rest it for at least a month so you did the 'right' thing anyway. Glad it's better!Shortly after getting back from my Portuguese Camino last year, my left knee started to bother me. I still continued my daily walks, even though it was painful and it was affecting my stride.
Finally I had a 'light bulb' moment and decided to stop my daily walks completely. Consider my amazement that my knee had completely healed after about three weeks and now that I have resumed walking again, no further issues....so far.
If it does start to act up again, I will hopefully have the brains to stop training and let it heal.
I have no doubt it has some accumulated wear issues, but I am always hesitant to go the medical route as I know people that had knee issues that after surgery ended up being much worse.
Hi, I just started training for my first Camino about a week ago and am walking about 3-5 miles a day but on cobblestone/concrete because I live in a European city. Also, I have more time to prepare as my trek begins in about 3 months. I think your plan is fine. I would suggest on days when you wake up hurting from the prior day, make that day's walk LESS strenuous so your muscles can recover. I really agree with someone else's suggestion about doing other exercise to help build endurance. For example swim if you can or maybe a rowing machine. You mentioned wanting to shift weight. What I've noticed is I am definitely hungrier after increasing my walking. So if you're trying to lose, choose your foods well so you don't sabotage your two goals! That may be a big challenge. I focus on protein, fruits, veggies, some other carbs and liquids. Also, consider taking a snack with you for a mid hike boost. Just get used to eating it every day because you'll probably do that on the Camino. Regarding weight in your pack, I like the simplicity of using liter bottles as "dead weight" in your bag but not crazy about the wave action liquids create in the pack. I'm using some of the stuff I'm taking with me and whose weight I already know (sleeping bag, jacket, etc.) If you can weigh some of the things you're taking, it will help you build up the weight in your pack and also guide you as to what to leave behind once you realize how heavy even 7kg can be every day! I'm trying to increase my weight each week. If you increase your weight by a kg each week, I think you have time to get close to your goal before you leave. I don't know if this helps you in any way as, really, I am a newbie. I'm just as green as you are!I wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it..... and to build as much fitness and endurance as I can before the REAL training programme: el Camino!
All good advice.
I’m still asking my original question: are there any FIRST TIME pilgrims who would like to share their experiences during training? A sort of peer support group where we encourage each other.
No te preocupes!I reflected after writing that post that I am obviously in great need of the spiritual purification which the Camino offers.....
We are three months out from the start of our Camino. We are walking every day unless too hot (we are in the Sydney Aust area) for upwards of 6km with some longer 12km walks. Wearing in our walking shoes. Will increase to longer walking next month. Have our pack weight down to 7 and 8kg. First Camino for us setting off from SJPP on 5th May have booked into Orisson for the first night and Roncesvalles for the second. Will take pot luck after that. We are allowing 49 days and hope to make it through to FinisterreAll good advice.
I’m still asking my original question: are there any FIRST TIME pilgrims who would like to share their experiences during training? A sort of peer support group where we encourage each other.
Hi, I just started training for my first Camino about a week ago and am walking about 3-5 miles a day but on cobblestone/concrete because I live in a European city.
......
If you can weigh some of the things you're taking, it will help you build up the weight in your pack and also guide you as to what to leave behind once you realize how heavy even 7kg can be every day!
Hmmm... that's what I did do, as a first timer preparing for my first Camino.But, can you clarify what you mean by "...share their experiences during training." It sounds like you are not looking for training tips, but what has happened to people while they are training? Believe me, this whole forum is great at encouraging beginners and veterans alike
We are allowing 49 days and hope to make it through to Finisterre
I was on retreat last week, and my fellow retreatants showed a lot of interest in the Camino. One person asked me what my apprehensions were. Top of the list is that I simply will not be able to complete it. Next is that I will complete it, but it will be so hard or painful that I will hate it.
I have 38 days, but need to be at O’Cebreiro after 31 days, as that’s where my husband and friends are joining me. We have three days in Santiago at the end (have booked an apartment) - but are talking about taking a bus to Finisterre to at least see it.
I suppose..... if I don’t make as much progress as I hope.... I won’t necessarily finish this time. Good excuse to go back
First walk wearing my rucksack today. Initially I was travelling light, carrying only my sleeping bag, purse and keys, with my rain cape tucked in the back (didn’t need it - lovely day). Oh, and about a litre of water in the hydration bladder - far more than needed for a couple of hours on a cold day, especially since I included a coffee stop.
On the way back, I called at the supermarket and did some shopping, then walked the mile and a half home with the much heavier pack. Still comfortable (well - fitting pack with good padding), but I really noticed the difference the extra weight made on my knees and feet - as has been said somewhere on the forum.
So, out of interest I weighed my pack when I got home - just over 9kg. Then I emptied the shopping, and filled my pack with near enough what I expect to be carrying on my Camino - my clothes and some hygiene products (more than I will actually take), plus a big thick book to simulate my guidebook, notebook and my spare shoes. That was barely 7kg.
Still a bit of fine tuning to do, and I will need to add my phone charger, maybe a plastic food container, knife & fork, small torch etc. But I feel I am in the right ballpark with my kit list.
PS - as one who hikes all the time with a water bladder, I plan on taking mine as well. Many people discourage this as water is plentiful and you can fill up along the way.
Lots of folks use a water reservoir, and while water supply is frequent, I like the ability to decide when to refill rather than 'having' to refill.
First walk wearing my rucksack today. Initially I was travelling light, carrying only my sleeping bag, purse and keys, with my rain cape tucked in the back (didn’t need it - lovely day). Oh, and about a litre of water in the hydration bladder - far more than needed for a couple of hours on a cold day, especially since I included a coffee stop.
On the way back, I called at the supermarket and did some shopping, then walked the mile and a half home with the much heavier pack. Still comfortable (well - fitting pack with good padding), but I really noticed the difference the extra weight made on my knees and feet - as has been said somewhere on the forum.
So, out of interest I weighed my pack when I got home - just over 9kg. Then I emptied the shopping, and filled my pack with near enough what I expect to be carrying on my Camino - my clothes and some hygiene products (more than I will actually take), plus a big thick book to simulate my guidebook, notebook and my spare shoes. That was barely 7kg.
Still a bit of fine tuning to do, and I will need to add my phone charger, maybe a plastic food container, knife & fork, small torch etc. But I feel I am in the right ballpark with my kit list.
@RevBarbaraG every camino for me is a first! And that also applies to any training I do before. So I'm considering myself as part of your cheer squad and a team member. I'm impressed with your regime.
My knees are my weak point. I am trying to do stairs whenever they present themselves because I know my knees are better if the muscles around them are strong. I find down is harder than up, there is no latex left in those joints and each landing is a "thump, thump, thump"!
All good advice.
I’m still asking my original question: are there any FIRST TIME pilgrims who would like to share their experiences during training? A sort of peer support group where we encourage each other.
I wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it...
I wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it..... and to build as much fitness and endurance as I can before the REAL training programme: el Camino!
Hi there, I laughed and enjoyed your message as I am very much the same!! First time Pilgrim starting in SJPP Easter ‘18. I have read via the forum others comments about just being consistent in getting out and walking. Keep it up + we may see you along the path. Buen CaminoI wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it..... and to build as much fitness and endurance as I can before the REAL training programme: el Camino!
If the boots are causing you pain you might want to reconsider your footwear choice. Boots are not particularly necessary for walking the Camino. Many of us prefer trail runners. I've successfully walked from SJPDP to Finisterre twice in lightweight New Balance Vazee Summit trail runners.it. i've bought boots and wear them constantly in the hope that my feet get used to them instead of the usual flat tennis type shoes i usually wear (i seem to get shin splint type aches
Hi, would love to compare notes on training. I walked a mere 3 miles today in horizontal rain and an awful lot of mud. and found it strangely quite invigorating. But know I have to set to and get my fitness level up. I leave here on 9th Match and intend to begin my walk on 11th March from St Jean which is the anniversary of my husbands death. The thought of the Camino has kept me going through this difficult year. So I have only one month to get myself together, contact me by conversation(PM) if you want to get in touch. Best wishes SusanI wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it..... and to build as much fitness and endurance as I can before the REAL training programme: el Camino!
@Susan Campbell You should edit your post to remove your email address, which any internet spammer can find. If someone wants to contact you they can send a private message through the forum, and you can exchange email addresses in the private message if you wish.Hi, would love to compare notes on training. I walked a mere 3 miles today in horizontal rain and an awful lot of mud. and found it strangely quite invigorating. But know I have to set to and get my fitness level up. I leave here on 9th Match and intend to begin my walk on 11th March from St Jean which is the anniversary of my husbands death. The thought of the Camino has kept me going through this difficult year. So I have only one month to get myself together, you want to get in touch. Best wishes Susan
All my training never stopped my feet from being soooo painful!!! Not a blister in sight though. After the 10km mark I could quite happily stop for the night but that would take 11-12 weeks to complete a Camino. As it was I took 7 weeks last time!The most important things to take care of are your feet. If you get bad blisters you will not be able to walk far. You may have heard this before, but it worked for me -- wear a thin pair of socks under a thick pair of socks. If you have not already bought your boots (or shoes), wear the two pairs of socks when you try the boots (or shoes) on. And try them on late in the day, not in the morning. Wear the footwear around the house for a couple of days. Most shops will let you take footwear back as long as you haven't worn them outside. If you get the slightest discomfort, take them back and change them. I didn't do any training for my caminos, but a lot of people recommend it and I wouldn't want to argue with them.
I only wore el cheapo socks..$10/pack of 5!! No blisters at all. Shoes are my passion - if they are the perfect fit for your foot, the battle is won. Everyone's different.Socks almost turned into an issue for me. Was told (at a sporting store) thin silk underneath thicker pair. And that advice gave me my only blister. Thin works for me, my husband swears by the combo and my brother can only do a thick pair! Definitely make sure you have foot comfort down! Also even though I'm about to start my third Camino I still do some training primarily on inclines. What's the saying, if you get lost on the Camino just look for the highest hill and go up!
Hello.. your plans sound like ours in 2016, down to taking 49 days!!...tho ran out of steam for Finisterre. Maybe this time as we leave Oz for the del Norte on the 1st May...Buen CaminoWe are three months out from the start of our Camino. We are walking every day unless too hot (we are in the Sydney Aust area) for upwards of 6km with some longer 12km walks. Wearing in our walking shoes. Will increase to longer walking next month. Have our pack weight down to 7 and 8kg. First Camino for us setting off from SJPP on 5th May have booked into Orisson for the first night and Roncesvalles for the second. Will take pot luck after that. We are allowing 49 days and hope to make it through to Finisterre
Would love to compare training notes. I am leaving from St Jean on 11th March on the first anniversary of my husband’s death. I walked yesterday for 3miles in horizontal rain and really found it quite invigorating. Life tends to overtake me and it’s often hard to get out, could do with a ‘training buddy’ ! Best wishes SusanI wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it..... and to build as much fitness and endurance as I can before the REAL training programme: el Camino!
Hi, would love to compare notes on training. I walked a mere 3 miles today in horizontal rain and an awful lot of mud. and found it strangely quite invigorating. But know I have to set to and get my fitness level up. I leave here on 9th Match and intend to begin my walk on 11th March from St Jean which is the anniversary of my husbands death. The thought of the Camino has kept me going through this difficult year. So I have only one month to get myself together, if you want to get in touch. Best wishes Susan
Would love to compare training notes. I am leaving from St Jean on 11th March on the first anniversary of my husband’s death. I walked yesterday for 3miles in horizontal rain and really found it quite invigorating. Life tends to overtake me and it’s often hard to get out, could do with a ‘training buddy’ ! Best wishes Susan
I wondered if anyone who is currently preparing for their first Camino would like to compare experiences on training?
I’ve just started training properly in the past week. I did 8.4 miles last Friday, about 4 on Tuesday and 5.5 on Wednesday, 8.8 yesterday (Friday) and 5 this morning. Today was the first day I’ve followed a longish walk with another walk the following day. I was conscious today of yesterday’s miles in my legs. I need to get used to that!
My plan is, loosely, to walk a minimum of 2 hours/5 miles every day, possibly with one day off each week. Three days a week I’ll do a longer walk, within the next couple of weeks I intend to make that at least 10miles, sometimes up to 14. In the last 3 weeks or so before I leave, I will make sure to do two long days back to back each week. I also plan on adding some hills.
I have six and a half weeks till my Camino. In the next week, I’m going to get to grips with my new rucksack, with its hydration bladder, and practice walking with it. A low weight to start with, but building so that by the end I am walking with my full pack.
I have a history of alternating between being very active (and therefore having good fitness) and doing very little. I am carrying far too much weight on my body, and am doing my best to shift some of it..... and to build as much fitness and endurance as I can before the REAL training programme: el Camino!
@Susan Campbell - sorry to hear about your husband. May you find peace and healing on the road to Santiago.
I’m 10 days into the period when I have time to do as much training as I wanted to (i.e. no work), but have done less than I was intending. At least 30 mins per day.... and am making a point of doing hills when I can find them. It’s been very cold here the past week, and that mizzly drizzly greyness for which the UK is famous.
I know that on the Camino I will have to walk whatever the weather....
I’m planning a couple of consecutive days of walking tomorrow and Tuesday, to include some hills, and later in the week a trip to the outdoor store. I need some more socks (I plan on 4 pairs of thin inners and 3 pairs of thicker outers) and to look at footwear. I have a pair of lightweight boots.... but they do tend to induce a slight numbness in my toes after long distances, which doesn’t bode well. They also have quite a lot of wear in them already, and I’m not convinced they have enough life for another 500 miles.
Great advice! You sound like a military man. It is a large part mental and as long as the physical is taken care of, anything is possible. My partner and I are doing the Del Norte in May and he has no concerns that his bilateral knee replacements done 17 months ago will hold him back!! I have reservations but probably because I'm worried I'll be the one groaning!!The human body is able to cope with a lot of physical activity. More than the normal person realise. Mentally you need to reach the point where you know what your body is capable off. If you believe you can do it then your body will follow. A lot of pilgrims suffer mentally in the first couple of days and when they reach the point where the mind and the body is aligned then the Camino becomes much easier.
Physical problems like blisters or muscle and joint pains can have a negative effect on your mental ability and will make it more difficult. Mentally you have to work much harder to overcome the mental effect of an injury.
Time yourself when you go for a training hike so that you know how long it takes to cover a certain distance. For example if you walk at an easy pace for 10 km and it takes 2 hours then that should be your normal pace. Mentally you will remember your training hikes. So if you have to do a 20 km stage on the Camino it is only two easy training hikes with a break in between.
Being in the military in my younger days I realized the training was more a mental preparation than physical activity. Candidates in Special Forces selection are normally punched to the mental breakdown point. Only the ones who can cope mentally will be selected.
Believe in yourself and you will be fine.
You've certainly got lots of hills that you can train on in Hong Kong!I will be doing my first camino in May. I would like to do some training too but I'm living in a big city (Hong Kong) and don't really want to walk besides those traffic and air pollution.... and the natural side is a bit too far to go everyday... Anyone can give me any suggestion?
I lived in New Zealand for the last year and I did go trekking constantly. Just worry that after I came home these 3 months don't seem to exercise a lot on walking.
@Susan Campbell You should edit your post to remove your email address, which any internet spammer can find. If someone wants to contact you they can send a private message through the forum, and you can exchange email addresses in the private message if you wish.
Ya we got quite a lot of good hills but think it's at least an hour away from home by public transportation. I could do once a week but am thinking if there's another way to do a daily training. Just wondering.You've certainly got lots of hills that you can train on in Hong Kong!
I think the three of are in the same boat. I did 8 miles last week this week switching to 4 miles each day mostly concrete and of course no hills in Florida. My creaky knees definitely feels it so last night I took a rest day. I suppose this humid, hot, rainy florida weather does not help but doing 3-5 days per week 4-8 miles with 2 days will do the trick. Have my pack now so I will be walking with that at least 2 days a week. 2 -3 days of rest weather together or separate is a good Idea. I also ride my bike to get some knee relief while continuing to build leg strength. Btw I wear a doctor prescribed knee brace. I talked with my doctor and she just issued a new one and I’m just waiting for the fitting with the prosthetic people as it is custome made for my leg. So if you see a half cyborg woman walking the camino it will be me. Good luck to all and let me know how training is going @andywild. I think we leave at the same time so Im sure our paths will crossYou sound like you are in exactly the same situation as me! im attempting my 1st camino. i'm by no means a hiker normally.. in mid january i decided i was going to do it and have been walking similar distances to what you describe.. i go from feeling quite positive to an anxious mess daily but kind of just wish the start date would hurry up so i can just get on with it. i've bought boots and wear them constantly in the hope that my feet get used to them instead of the usual flat tennis type shoes i usually wear (i seem to get shin splint type aches for the first mile or so but then they disappear). the longest walk i have done so far was 10 miles across sand and sand dunes.. i could feel it in my hips and thighs at the end of the walk and could also feel it the next day. i doubt i would have been able to spring up for another straight 10 miles the following day but i did a gentle 3 mile wander and was fine.. i guess its just keep plugging away and see how it goes. luckily i havent got a time limit for completing the camino frances so im planning short walking days.. if i feel i can do more on any given day then i will do more.. feel free to give me a reply or even a message and we can go through the madness together
good luck and buen camino
andy
I reflected after writing that post that I am obviously in great need of the spiritual purification which the Camino offers.....
Another dodgy-knee brigade member. My PT warned me to take care with squats, and showed me this instead. It's a Godsend! Squats without the knee stress, and you can do them most anywhere.I plan on doing regular squats to strengthen my knees.
Great advice, thanks!One of the things to be aware of for training is that the strength of the leg muscles to, essentially, do repetitive lifting of one's body weight -- while climbing an incline or a grade up a hill or mountain trail --- is a different function than is using leg muscles while walking, on treadmill, or running to develop cardiovascular fitness. You need both cardio and leg muscle lifting strength to perform uphill hikes. Relying only on cardio fitness or only on strength training will leave one wondering "why the heck, after I've been pre-training, is this not going so well" during a long uphill slog.
Climbing stairs, bleachers, and hills with a 15 to 20% grade DO combine both types of fitness workouts. So if walking on the flat or with small hills with gently climbs, also add exercises that require you to repetitively push your body weight "up", like climbing stairs, stairmaster machines, bleachers. Treadmills that are set to a 12-15% or more incline can also help.
Very good point about the upper body conditioning. Thanks!Stretching before and after training walks as well as proper diet and nutrition is important prior to walking the Camino as the training walk itself. You cannot depend upon walking the Camino to lose the weight.
Also upper body and core conditioning is important. Remember, the pack is on your upper body, even if it is being supported with the assistance of a hip belt. Pushups and planks help.
Good idea, thank you. Done!
Stairs! what a good idea! Especially I'm living on the 15th floor, sounds really good to me.A lot of us seem to be lacking hills in which to hike. I've started taking the stairs. I can now do 5 flights but am winded at the top. It took me about 2 weeks to get to that point. Give it a try. I do stairs at the school where I take a language class and next week I will try to do 6 flights. The week after that, I will do a couple flights after class and work up to doing the whole thing twice a day before I leave school. It's surprising how quickly I've improved.
VNwalking - if I lose weight in this process, do I have to decrease how much I'm carrying?just kidding, of course. I will carry 11% of my body weight if it's what I think I need but of course I'm hoping for less than 10%.
JeanneArashi do not run with extra weight on your back. You will increase the risk of ankle and knee injury. Look after your ankles and knees. Blisters and muscle injuries you can take care off on the Camino but ankle and knee injuries can prevent you to finish or to start at all.Stairs! what a good idea! Especially I'm living on the 15th floor, sounds really good to me.
Is there anything there we should take note of walking the stairs? Is it better to run and increase the bag weight gradually?
Brilliant advise thank youUse plastic bottles of water to weigh your pack down for training. You can always ditch a litre or too along the way if you are having difficulties. Walk with your pack as much as you can, it will eventually become as familiar as a second skin .
Edit . An afterthought , start with 10 litres of water ,drink it as you go along. When you have reached a weight you feel you are happy carrying note how much water is left , each litre is a kilo, hopefully six or eight will be the maximum you will carry.
I only wear these socks for walking and hiking. I leave for my Camino in 10 days so I haven't tried them out there but in other situations, they are amazing!Thanks for this, have not heard of these socks! Am going to look for them!
I use those socks too..day one using them on my training walks I notice the differenceThanks for this, have not heard of these socks! Am going to look for them!
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