Training for CF:5 weeks to go!

[Marbe2]

We are what I categorize as senior snail walkers and train the same way! Our preparation walking is rarely problematic because we are now retired and have time to spend getting our mileage up to where we would like it to be. But we consider “our training” to be part of our Camino Life.... as we are always on the way?Are we not?

We do not try to do faster walking reps to get our speed up. No, our goal is to get to our destination healthy, and to breathe in the beauty along the way. How fast we get there is not a factor.... not sure if we are really so unconventional? How do we prepare? Our goal is to be able to do 50 miles a week before we leave. Right now we are up to 42miles per week. We will increase two miles per week and should be up to 50 miles by the time we depart on Sept. 30th. We do 3-4 miles early in the morning per day on paved roads near our home with our terrier. Then after breakfast, we go to the state park several times a week and walk incorporating hills up and down on dirt/rock pathways. We are currently shooting for 3 ten mile days per week. We simulate the Camino by carrying what we will carry on the Camino including 2liters of water and our snacks. What snacks do we bring? Two oranges quartered. One large tomato quartered, (with salt packs courtesy of Burger King) a quartered peach, a Protein bar10mgs, and sometimes melon slices, or a quartered nectarine. My sister and I split the weight of the fruit and then share it. We have walked 10, 8, 7 and 8 miles in a row. This week we will try 10, 10, 7, 8. Next week, 10, 10, 8 8, Then 12,10,8, 8. Then 12, 10, 9, 9 and finally 10, 10, 10, 10, and the other days 3-4miles with the dog... and we should be ready. This year we are doing the Napoleon route, so we are doing more hills because we will face hills immediately. We did get a reservation at Orisson. I would estimate currently we are doing about 300 -400 meters in elevation change twice a week. Hope to get up to 500+ meters two days in a row before we leave. If we have a rain out day then we go to our towns rec center and concentrate on hills on the tread mills. We have walked a lot in the Alps, so our muscle and cognitive memory is there.
My message is to try and really incorporate your training into your life style if possible. Hopefully, as on the Camino in Spain, stop to smell the roses,reflect on the beauty around you wherever you live. Take proper nourishment as you train. Training does not have to be drudgery...it can be a joy! Life is a joy! Pictures this past week of our preparation along the way

 

[nycwalking]

You'll be ok.

Try not to walk a camino before your camino.

Buen camino to you both.

 

[Marbe2]

You'll be ok.

Try not to walk a camino before your camino.

Buen camino to you both.

we are life long walkers, and enjoy it! Not a chore to do that distance before we go to Spain. Thanks for your encouragement!

 

[jimb01930]

You will be fine. My wife and I do two types of training. One is several trips up and down a 1/2 k long steep hill for strength. The other is longer walks for endurance. Our average training walk is 8 miles. The week before we go I try to get in two back to back walks of 15 miles with full pack. In September we will start our 7th camino/long hike. If you enjoy walking, walk. Take care of your feet and you will do well. ;-) Buen Camino !

 

[Marbe2]

You will be fine. My wife and I do two types of training. One is several trips up and down a 1/2 k long steep hill for strength. The other is longer walks for endurance. Our average training walk is 8 miles. The week before we go I try to get in two back to back walks of 15 miles with full pack. In September we will start our 7th camino/long hike. If you enjoy walking, walk. Take care of your feet and you will do well. ;-) Buen Camino !

Thanks, JimbO1930,
When we walk our dog, we do a constant hill of .5 miles. At the park, the dirt paths have hills that are shorter, but likely a grade 7 or more. We walk these several times per session. So the combination should prepare us. As you know, the downhill walking is as much needed as the uphill! We are grateful to have access to such terrain. Sounds like you and your wife are well prepared!! Wish you a healthy and Buen Camino!

 

[Ian-on-a-stick]

I’m also stepping up the training. Today I had 3, yes THREE, cafe con leche.

 

[Marbe2]

I’m also stepping up the training. Today I had 3, yes THREE, cafe con leche.

If that is what does it for you...enjoy!

 

[Ahhhs]

You sound very well prepared. Be careful not to overtrain and injure or exhaust yourself before you go.
Just go at your own (usual) pace and you'll be fine.
Buen Camino!

 

[Marbe2]

You sound very well prepared. Be careful not to overtrain and injure or exhaust yourself before you go.
Just go at your own (usual) pace and you'll be fine.
Buen Camino!

Thanks. We are trying to pace ourselves! We are past the age of trying to keep up with others too

 

[lt56ny]

It’s always interesting to hear how different people train. I am now training for my 4th Camino. I am 64 and as I get older I train less and just start more slowly. I, as I am sure many others here have learned to listen to what their body tells them. I will say this, when I trained a lot harder years ago i received some very good advice from 2 triathletes and 3 ultra marathoners. They all told me to train less 2 weeks before I would start my Camino and stop completely one week before. They told me the walk will most definitely be tougher than any training you do and your body needs to recover and rest from the training and be ready for the journey.

 

[Marbe2]

Thanks It56 NY,
We actually will not be walking after September Sept 26. On the 30th we fly and make our way to St. Jean on the 1st of Oct. Then we start walking on 3rd . This gives us a full week to rest, including two nights in St. Jean to recover some from Jetlag. With that in mind our first day is relatively easy...just to Orisson...8km and abt 600km.... We will also send everything ahead until we get to Roncevalles.

Funny, as we get older, (69 and 78) we seem to train more. Takes our muscles a bit longer to strengthen and we walk slower. But We have hiked for many years so we are attuned to our bodies as I am sure you are as well. Good luck with your training for your fourth Camino!

 

[AlwynWellington]

@Marbe2 , you are both doing extremely well.

For me a prime purpose of my training was to get both mind and body used to the rigours of walking day after day. And its sound like you two are in a similar mold..

I'm currently walking from Canterbury to Rome (second day only) and found my training for steep ascents and descents (even if short) kicked in automatically. For me I find the steeper the ascent the shorter the step. And to breathe in on one footfall and out on the other. For me going up to Orisson was almost like a dream. After nearly a month on the road from Le Puy I knew to under-dress for the start, even though it might be chilly - my increasing body temperature would soon compensate. This meant no energy was consumed lifing each foot, or in taking of my pack and putting it on again after removing a jacket, jersey or whatever. This meant, for me, no stopping until Roncesvalles.

I am sure will will both go well. And so I say kia kaha (you both take care, be strong, get going).

 

[Marbe2]

@Alwyn, Thank youfor your encouragement! Canterbury to Rome is a long way! how long will it take you? And how many KMs per day?

If the hills is steep enough we revert to putting one foot right in front of the other with very small steps so we do not breathe heavy. learned that from an old Swiss man many years ago!

 

[lt56ny]

Thanks It56 NY,
We actually will not be walking after September Sept 26. On the 30th we fly and make our way to St. Jean on the 1st of Oct. Then we start walking on 3rd . This gives us a full week to rest, including two nights in St. Jean to recover some from Jetlag. With that in mind our first day is relatively easy...just to Orisson...8km and abt 600km.... We will also send everything ahead until we get to Roncevalles.

Funny, as we get older, (69 and 78) we seem to train more. Takes our muscles a bit longer to strengthen and we walk slower. But We have hiked for many years so we are attuned to our bodies as I am sure you are as well. Good luck with your training for your fourth Camino!

Totally agree as we age and one wonderful discovery of the Camino is discovering your own body. Training is like opinions, everyone has a method and an opinion on what is best! I think you guys have this covered!