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My experience to a tee based on hiking the Appl. Trail and many other long distance hikes. I leave for the Camino tomorrow.I want to repeat what many others have written - that pilgrims (especially inexperienced ones) should set a modest pace for themselves and not be rushed.
Yesterday I did a regular walk (14 km there and back) but had to hurry a bit on the way out, as I had an appointment. I walked at 6 km/hour, which was brisk for me even on level terrain and with no backpack. It is as fast as I can walk without jogging, which I certainly don't want to do! I arrived a bit sweaty, needing a rest, and with a few joints creaking. I could imagine that if I kept up that pace I could easily end up injured even though it is hardly an extreme activity. (I am mid-60s, moderately fit but no athlete.) On the route home, I walked at my normal moderate pace, 5 km/h. At that speed, without backpack and on level terrain) I can walk all day without any problems.
My message is simply that the difference between 6 km/h and 5 km/h was huge in terms of my comfort. Whatever your natural comfortable speed is, you should stick with it. On the camino with backpack and walking sticks I would personally expect to do no more than 4 km/h on level terrain and 3 where there are modest hills up or down. On some hills, I'll take my time and expect to do 2 km/h! That doesn't even include official rests or photo opportunities.
This is meant as an encouraging post for anyone who is concerned about their abilities. Finding your own pace is what matters most.
Walk 5 miles [8 kms] then rest for 3 days?I like the girl from OZ on a Youtube vid that walks 5 miles then rests 3 days, etc., etc,
I have been training on a treadmill just to develop stamina. I walk at a 4.3 mile per hour pace at an elevation of 5. Works up a sweat, but gets me in shapeI want to repeat what many others have written - that pilgrims (especially inexperienced ones) should set a modest pace for themselves and not be rushed.
Yesterday I did a regular walk (14 km there and back) but had to hurry a bit on the way out, as I had an appointment. I walked at 6 km/hour, which was brisk for me even on level terrain and with no backpack. It is as fast as I can walk without jogging, which I certainly don't want to do! I arrived a bit sweaty, needing a rest, and with a few joints creaking. I could imagine that if I kept up that pace I could easily end up injured even though it is hardly an extreme activity. (I am mid-60s, moderately fit but no athlete.) On the route home, I walked at my normal moderate pace, 5 km/h. At that speed, without backpack and on level terrain) I can walk all day without any problems.
My message is simply that the difference between 6 km/h and 5 km/h was huge in terms of my comfort. Whatever your natural comfortable speed is, you should stick with it. On the camino with backpack and walking sticks I would personally expect to do no more than 4 km/h on level terrain and 3 where there are modest hills up or down. On some hills, I'll take my time and expect to do 2 km/h! That doesn't even include official rests or photo opportunities.
This is meant as an encouraging post for anyone who is concerned about their abilities. Finding your own pace is what matters most.
My message is simply that the difference between 6 km/h and 5 km/h was huge in terms of my comfort. Whatever your natural comfortable speed is, you should stick with it.
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