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Hi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
This cannot be said enough.You do not need to wear heavy hiking boots for the CF.
When you say your feet ‘burn like crazy’ do you mean the ‘soles’ of your feet? ...
My experience was to use to Marino socks and insoles that absorb the impact. Listen to you body and stop when it is clear that you need to rest. It is not a race it is a pilgrimage- whatever that means to you. I walked the Camino solo this summer and never booked ahead therefore was able to stop as needed. The physical, spiritual and emotional experience you will have is the silver thread of the Camino. Buen CaminoHi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
Try a really good shoe instead of a boot.Hi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
Yes, reading all the comments here, I've decided to wear my trail runner (no ankles) which are a lot lighter than my hiking boots. What worries me though, is that in case of heavy rain, water might get into my trail runners more easier than the boots that have high ankles...Try a really good shoe instead of a boot.
Yes, reading all the comments here, I've decided to wear my trail runner (no ankles) which are a lot lighter than my hiking boots. What worries me though, is that in case of heavy rain, water might get into my trail runners more easier than the boots that have high ankles...
Something that helps me — every time you take a rest break, but at least every 2 hours - sit down and take off your shoes and socks. Air your bare feet - wiggle your toes. If my feet err damp I would switch socks (always carried an extra pair.). Good luck, and start with shorter days while your feet and body toughen up.
If it rains heavily, the water will get into your hikers as quickly as it will get into your walkers. In an emergency, just get plastic bags, cut them out at the sealed end and attach them with rubber bands under the knee. Silly, I know, but quite effective. I give this simplistic solution only because while the weather patterns worldwide have gone beyond erratic, traditionally this isn't the rainy season along the Camino.Yes, reading all the comments here, I've decided to wear my trail runner (no ankles) which are a lot lighter than my hiking boots. What worries me though, is that in case of heavy rain, water might get into my trail runners more easier than the boots that have high ankles...
On my first Camino my feet ached in places I had not known existed. It was muscle fatigue between the metatarsals. But it did get better. Resting at least every 10k... keeping feet dry... these things help.
2 days ago we did Arzúa to Santiago... a 41km day. No aches, no pains... I am 51. Spouse is 50. We both work in desk jobs.
Take your first days slowly. Take rest days if you need them.
In line with us today was an 81-year old woman getting her Compostela.
Buen Camino
If the burning you describe is within the structure of the foot, you should see a foot doctor. You might need orthotics. Plantar fasciitis won’t get better on the trail.Hi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
sounds exactly like my training walks at the moment. Finding it hard to get them in, with working full time and needing to be 100% well to walk a long distance. An optimistic attitude might make the difference for me!15km is getting close to a regular day on the Camino if you are aiming to walk according to the Brierley book. The difference is that on the Camino you have all day to walk the distance you want. Not have to squeeze it in to a regular day at home. So, it will be easier. My training walks are foot forward and get in with it. I don’t take breaks to consider the views or have food or a coffee or a chat with others. So they are harder work as a result. I’m just bashing out the distance.
Great to hear, I'll be wearing Hoka Challengers in a couple of weeks when I start my first CF. Thanks for the vote of confidence in Hokas - I absolutely love mine!I have worn Hokas on 3 Caminos with a good pair of sandals for back up. Yes, the get wet but so far not a problem.
If the burning you describe is within the structure of the foot, you should see a foot doctor. You might need orthotics. Plantar fasciitis won’t get better on the trail.
Morgan, I was actually replying to Sheryl’s post. For some reason, my reply also picked up a quote of your post. I don’t know how that happened. Sorry for the confusion. By the way, that’s interesting information about orthotics. I don’t wear them, but my wife has in the past when she had plantar fasciitis.My troubles were merely with the micro muscles between the metatarsals— they never hurt anymore, not once I made 10k days part of my regular life.
FWIW, especially for those without insurance coverage, the science on orthotics shows they do not work. People like them because things feel different and cognitively we confuse different with better. If you feel better with them and are not worried about the cost, sure.... use ‘em. But not getting orthotics won’t make your feet worse.
I can’t post the sources for this information cuz I’m on my phone, but multiple biomechanics studies have shown orthotics to be as effective as placebo. IE some people feel better, but there is no consistent improvement across the population.
Morgan, I was actually replying to Sheryl’s post. For some reason, my reply also picked up a quote of your post. I don’t know how that happened. Sorry for the confusion. By the way, that’s interesting information about orthotics. I don’t wear them, but my wife has in the past when she had plantar fasciitis.
Ah, no worries!
At one point some years ago I *did* develop PF. At that point I considered orthotics, but went fork-tape instead for a few weeks, and made sure all my shoes had superior arch support thence forth. No problems since, and I can still wear any style of shoe I want, and no $800 orthotics.
I am all for “whatever works” but the orthotics cost is shockingly high for something with no objectively measurable effectiveness. So, if cost is a concern, I advise people to buy better shoes, and to do foot exercises. And K-tape for an acute case. See videos on web for how to tape for PF.
K tape also has a lot of unverified claims. I’ve found it useless for shin splints and RSI in the forearm, but brilliantly useful for patellar tendinitis and PF. And the cost is low. Keeps me off ibuprofen too.
Best wishes!
My custom made orthotics cost me 120 € where I get the half back from our good working national health service.
Without my orthotics I could not have walked all my Caminos in Spain and walks here in this country.
Bursitis in my knee and hip would have been constant and unavoidable. I would have to take strong painkillers.
If you have good coverage and they help, then orthotics are not a concern. It is not my opinion that they are as good as a placebo; the biomechanics and kinesiology and pain studies on populations of users show that orthotics *change* how we feel and that cognitively humans confuse different with better.
I don’t want people who perhaps— as in North America — don’t have the extra insurance that would cover $800 orthotics thinking that a Camino is inadvisable without them. Foot exercises, arch support, high quality shoes... these things can all help.
And I’m not giving medical advice. I’m reporting on now well-known reasons that many insurers do *not* cover orthotics.
The vasoline worked wonders for me. Stopped the rapidly growing blisters in their tracks! That, and just before putting on my shoes I pull my socks out several inches past my foot to create a cushion between my toes and shoes. When my toes begin to hurt I take off my shoes and repeat those two tips. Was SO grateful for those pointers...they saved my feet, along with the trekking poles.Do not remember if anyone else mentioned to vasoline your feet before you start each day to cut down on friction?
Just focus on walking 2- 2 1/2hours. By then feet are hurting so you stop, boots and socks off for 20 mins then you carry on for another 2 and half hrs. And so on. Your feet need the rest...Good luck xHi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
I never met a pilgrim who was perfectly fit for the journey on day 1. Get good footwear; there are lots of posts in that. Break in your shoes, walk at least 1 hr a day for a month before you leave and then start. Take it slow and easy for the first few days. Listen to your body. If it says stop, stop! After 5 days you are fit. At day 10, you don’t really notice your pack. Just because the book is broken into stages, you need to decide your stages. The biggest challenge is to slow your mind, be accepting and patient. 10 k might seem a lot but it is only 2 1/2 hrs or there abouts. When you are in the right state of mind, it passes quickly. “Just do it”Hi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
20 km a day is just four hours walking slow it down and maybe five, you will be fit by the time you finish, use it as a training walk build up and you will be ok, all the Swiss ladies I’ve seen on the Camino a good walkers.Hi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
When you get to Spain but some Omnifix or Hypafix tape. Even better than paper tape. Soft and flexible to conform to your feet, stays on well, yet removes easily.We're preparing for the Camino Francais, Sept 28! I fear blisters. Having run marathons Blisters are horrible. Learned of a simple prevention. Paper surgical tape about an inch wide placed on vulnerable spots before a blister develops is inexpensive and effective. The two other things is make sure shoes have plenty of space to allow the foot to swell as the day progresses and to avoid having toes rub against the front of the shoe and mid weight compression socks.
You are going to be fine. Urge you to use trekking poles with rubber tips.
All my problems come from my IT band. I'm going to just have to get on the floor daily and do my stretches. Looks weird but will have to do it. I have to get a lacrosse ball too. Thanks.I’m sorry your feet are hurting already. I second what everyone else said, but want to make an avid recommendation for get walking sticks, they saved my life on the Camino. Also make sure to do a bit of your training wearing your backpack with weight, especially going up and down hills.
When you get to the Camino, make sure to stretch everyone morning. It isn’t good to just start walking when your body is cold. I would do some push ups, downward dogs, stretch the quads and calves, also you IT band is SO important. Sometimes a tight IT band will present as a knee problem and once you fix that no more IT pain. I also recommend bringing a massage ball with you. I just use a lacrosse ball. There is nothing better at the end of the day as massaging the ball of your foot. It is also great to massage your back and IT. And if you offer it to other pilgrims, you will make instant friends.
I also Vaseline my feet and do the double sock method. The only time I got blisters was when I did a single sock. This will only work if you have big enough shoes of course.
Buen Camino! Your body will catch up with your mind
Hi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
Hi ShileyCHi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
Can you tell me what an IT band is? Thank youAll my problems come from my IT band. I'm going to just have to get on the floor daily and do my stretches. Looks weird but will have to do it. I have to get a lacrosse ball too. Thanks.
Yes it’s all the round parts of the bottom of my feet that burns. I think it’s because i walked alphalt all day. And Thank you! I reserved in Orisson.Try to understand the posts here...
many posts have different important ideas.
I read many times that feet swell on the Camino, but I did not really understand it (I did not think that my feet swell so much)... even after having read the feet-swelling-idea my newly bought camino-trailrunners were too small (not wide enough at the toe box). The shoes fitted in the morning... but after walking 3 to 5 hours the shoes were not wide enough for my toes... even at 20 degrees at home in Germany... fortunately I bought wider shoes before starting my camino.
I think this is important.
Does the skin burn (e. g. hotspots)?
Or something inside the foot (e. g. plantar fasciitis)?
Planning is good... but try to be open. Do not overdo it...
Noone has to go 25km... you can start at SJPdP (or at a different starting point). If you see that 25km is too much at the beginning... you can come back and finish your Camino the next time... or go by bus or by bike somewhere in between... if you do not overdo it and if you are not unlucky, you will get fitter on your camino and will be able to walk further later on.
If you start in SJPdP you can make the first day easier (e. g. backpack transport or stop in Orisson (reservation?!)).
Walking boots nowadays are lightweight.i have worn my boots on every camino i have done.it is all about preference and experience.This cannot be said enough.
I wore lightweight trail runners for my first two Caminos - SJPdP to Finisterre, and sandals for my recent Camino del Norte. Sure, my feet were sore at the end of the day, but they actually felt the best when I wore sandals - even on a 40km day.
Morgan I am not a podiatrist
And an N=1 of personal experience is anecdotal
...Camino without a problem, trying to work even without it and the signs come back
Go easy, take breaks. Listen to your body and you should be fine. Real important...hike YOUR hike. Don't walk at someone else's pace, especially if they're walking at a faster pace than you are. That's my two cents.Hi everyone,
I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month!
I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much out of shape (desk job) but I do enjoy walking. I start the camino in two weeks and i’m a bit worried. I’ve started walking more and more during the last couple of months to prepare for the camino. Today i walked 15km in my hiking shoes and my feet burn like crazy already. I came home and took off my socks and i can hardly walk on the wooden floor in my living room! I’m thinking ‘how in the world am I gonna walk 25km a day everyday?’ I guess the first week really must be really hard on the feet. Will I get used to it after a few days and be able to walk so much for 30+ days? I’d love to hear from you who’ve had similar worries.
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