Walking the Camino with 6week preparation?

[j.Martin]

Hello & Greetings All

I recently had the idea of walking the Camino this summer starting mid to late June, aiming to arrive in Santiago before July 25th - only now I have done some research & I'm wondering if I'm naive, or am I just plain crazy?
Is it possible with just 6 weeks to prepare?
I have never done the Camino before, but t 31 I think I'm reasonably fit (well, sort of), & have some experience of hiking around the UK so I already have most of the kit I would need... Is it possible I can pull this off without it spoiling the adventure, or would some advise that more time is needed to prepare?

Thanks

 

[SYates]

...Is it possible with just 6 weeks to prepare?...

I had 6 weeks to prepare for my wedding ;-) Preparing for the Camino is easy in comparison! Real life jokes aside, you will be fine with 6 weeks to go!
Buen Camino, SY

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome J, yes six weeks will be plenty time, just get your gear, decide where to start the just put one foot in front of the other and head for Santiago. You will love it.
Wishing you a Buen Camino.

 

[j.Martin]

ahaha! & thank you both, seems I am amongst good company here
I will take my hand of the mission abort button now!

 

[dougfitz]

Here is a link to an eight week preparation program from the Australian Two Day Walk site. With a bit of adaptation, it will give you an idea of what physical preparation you might be able to achieve in the time that you have available.

 

[SYates]

... seems I am amongst good company here I will take my hand of the mission abort button now!

Yes and yes, and feel free to post any last minute-emergencies enquiries here. We are here to help ;-) SY

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hello & Greetings All

I recently had the idea of walking the Camino this summer starting mid to late June, aiming to arrive in Santiago before July 25th - only now I have done some research & I'm wondering if I'm naive, or am I just plain crazy?
Is it possible with just 6 weeks to prepare?
I have never done the Camino before, but t 31 I think I'm reasonably fit (well, sort of), & have some experience of hiking around the UK so I already have most of the kit I would need... Is it possible I can pull this off without it spoiling the adventure, or would some advise that more time is needed to prepare?

Thanks

Hi, you will be fine. Listen to your body that's important. I wish you a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[LauraK]

Hello & Greetings All

I recently had the idea of walking the Camino this summer starting mid to late June, aiming to arrive in Santiago before July 25th - only now I have done some research & I'm wondering if I'm naive, or am I just plain crazy?
Is it possible with just 6 weeks to prepare?
I have never done the Camino before, but t 31 I think I'm reasonably fit (well, sort of), & have some experience of hiking around the UK so I already have most of the kit I would need... Is it possible I can pull this off without it spoiling the adventure, or would some advise that more time is needed to prepare?

Thanks

No you are not naive...just lucky to get to walk the Camino. My first trip I had only 4 weeks and hadn't backpacked for twenty years. I had to buy everything, research the trip and plan travel. Got it done and had a fantastic Camino. I just recently walked the Via de la Plata and had only two weeks time to get ready. Of four caminos, I only trained briefly for one. I am 61, not in great shape and didn't have any trouble or blisters. Just listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard at the beginning. Get a good guide book and use this site to get all the info you need on equipment and advice. You will have a great Camino.

 

[VNwalking]

"What was I thinking?! Am I crazy?" moments happen for most people at some point along the way, whether one has trained or not. And for a lot of people (myself included) life's too full, and there's neither the possibility nor opportunity to train. But so far so good. As others have said, listen to your body--and don't override what it's telling you!
And it helps to remember that no matter how far removed our lives are from nature, as humans we did evolve to walk long distances. The body and heart know how to do this and revel in it (eventually...give them a week or so!)

 

[Griffin57]

I met a young guy on my first camino who only decided about 6 days before to go! He did have blisters by Orisson! Wear in your boots/shoes as much as you can! It will be one of the best decisions you ever make and be warned its addictive! The first day took me 9 1/2 hours but I'm not far off twice your age but I was sooo happy! As above just listen to your body and enjoy.

 

[j.Martin]

Excellent stuff! & thanks for the responses
I want to keep my start date flexible due to other commitments, but unsure if that's wise being peak season & booking accommodation. My plan is to begin in St JP / mid June - how long can I safely leave it before I book in JP ?

& any other heads ups on potential pit-falls people have had planning last minute?
Cheers j,m.