Camino in May 2011

[Tony Talbot]

Hi ,
I am 62 , retired and looking for a challenge.It has been suggested that I walk from Porto to Santiago for some sponsorship for the disabled.I have done some walking in the past 4 weeks up to 2 hours at a time and find it great but if I could do 4/5 hours per day for about 10 /12 days I do not know.
Can some experienced people give me pointers or encouragement at the moment the only encouragment I get is from my wife saying '' you will not do it''.
I notice from most of the '' POSTS'' the majority of walkers seem to go in September ,am I mad to go in May.I selected May because it gave me extra time to practice / train also it gave me longer to pull out.
Tony
Dublin

[sean]

Hi Tony,

May and September are the kindest months to do this type of walk. Last year I did the French route, which I started on April 1st. It was too early and the weather only improved in May. I returned last night after walking the route with my wife and the weather was perfect.
You are young at 62 on the Camino.
The main points I would offer as advice are to wear boots with ankle support. My wife has been walking for almost a year in treking shoes and was crippled with blisters after one day. A lot of the route out of Porto is cobblestones and very dangerous roadway. Practice walking with your rucksack at the weight you intend to carry and include a few practice mountain walks in your run up to leaving. Do the walk in small stages and allow time to enjoy it. Some ladys we met from South Africa were doing 10-15km per day and arrived safe and sound in Santiago yesterday. One last piece of advice-leave your wife at home. I was blamed for all the blistering and walking at anothers pace, fast or slow, is not fun.

Regards,

Sean
Dublin

[Jaminmama]

Hi Tony,
I was 60 last year and walked from St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France...started on May 17th. Next year I will walk from Le Puy, France at age 62....to Santiago, then on to Muxia.
The weather was wonderful. We walked for 40 days, taking 3 days off in Pamplona, Fromista and Portomarin. It did rain for a couple of hours on 3 different days, but we had ponchos that were large enough to keep us and our packs dry.
Seven months before on October 17, 2008 I had a major heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm.
For the first 2 days I walked for 30 minutes, taking a 5 minute break, just to make sure that I was not over exerting. The more I walked the longer I would walk without a break...making sure I was drinking plenty of water and electrolyte drinks, (I brought the powder).
For training I bought 2 identical pairs of mid high boots of the same brand. I slowly broke each pair in. As I was training I wore my orthodics, sock liners, and socks. I did not change any aspect of my footwear from training to the Camino. I believe that hydration and well broken in footwear are the keys to an enjoyable walk.
Buen Camino!

[Josephine]

Well this was realy nice you took good care . I did the whole from St Jean Pied de Port to santiago in 2006 at age 70 all alone and at my own speed sleeping and eating regularly, drinking a lot of water and today I'm dreaming to do it for the 5th time. O Lord the camino is my second Home, there is nothing better as a vacation, go and do it at you speed at your own time. Enjoy.