training for the camino

[G T]

Could anyone give me advice about training for the camino.
thank,s G T

[HuskyNerd]

Hi GT ~
Most people are concerned about the physical endurance of walking, in terms of having enough physical strength to make it up and down the hills and valleys of the Camino. I feel the cardio strength aspect of the Camino is actually fairly easily managed because in reality the Camino trains you -- your first week or so is your cardio conditioning. You take it at your own pace, resting when you're tired and gradually your strength grows. Except for severely overweight or sick people the cardio aspect of the Camino is not the most difficult. Most people discover their weakness is either in the feet (blisters) or their legs (tendonitis) -- both are injuries that can end your Camino and both can be overcome by training and smart preparation.

Prevention is the best treatment for blisters and having good, comfortable boots, hiking shoes or hiking sandals is the most important preventive step. In addition, many people use either sock liners or lined socks, put tape over blister-prone areas, and/or use vaseline or deer fat as a lubricant so that the skin of their feet slides slightly instead of gripping against an abrasive surface. Many people also stop every couple of hours to exchange their socks for dry ones as wet feet contribute to blisters. So a training regimen is actually less about cardio prep than it is about ensuring you have tested and found the best combination of blister prevention measures.

Tendonitis is a little less easy to prevent. Most people say that eating right (as in electrolytes) and drinking enough water (2-3L/day) are the most important preventive steps. It's my belief that a training regime that includes walking long distances on successive days carrying a fully loaded backpack can help a pilgrim be certain he/she has the right formula to maintain musculo-skeletal health. The purpose of the training, then, is to help you understand just how much of the right food and the right amount of water you actually need for the long haul. Don't let anyone tell you that you can skimp on eating or get by with drinking only when it's convenient!

Hope this helps. Buen camino ~

[Atlantic]

Hi GT

Don´t bother training. Just go.

[geraldkelly]

If you're fairly fit already (you can walk 20km) you don't really need to train. It's more important to pace yourself and listen to the first signs of problems with your body so as to avoid the kinds of injuries Sandy was talking about.

If you're unfit it's a different matter and you'd do well to start hiking regularly (preferably with your rucksack), gradually increasing the distance, until you're able for about 20km without difficulty.

Ger

[G T]

Hi sandy
Thank,s for the advice.It has helped a lot. G T.

[G T]

Hi Atlantic.

thank,s for the advice. Short and sweet straight to the point i like it
Have you walked the camino ? and if you have what time of year. G T.