fitness level

[terry]

Hi,,,I am seeking information on the fitness level needed ,Pamplona to Santiago,,I am a healthy 66 year old no serious medical problems, reasonably fit ,would I need to do some training??I am considering going in late September,,would apreciate some advice,,,Thanks,,Terry

[Leslie]

Hi Terry, welcome to the forum.

Fitness level for the Camino does not need to be high and there are many older people walking the route. Plan on walking somewhere between 15 - 25 km per day with backpack weighing no more than 10% of your body weight.

It is not hard going, it just doing it every day that is difficult in the first week or so. I hill walk and I would be more tired after 10km up and down a hill. Much of the Camino is flat or rolling - though there are some days that can be challenging.

[ziggywigs]

Leslie, you may be interested to know i have just completed the trip and met a very fit 66 year old US gentleman on the route....he had less aches and pains than i did and was a whole lot fitter than me at 20 years younger!

Buen Camino!

[Leslie]

yeah I met a few who feel into the same cat. Fitness gets better very quickly on the camino - and goes away very quickly too. I was out walking yesterday part of the wicklow way then came off it to circle back 4 1/2 hours and I came home sore not wanting to move!

[CJT]

Hi Leslie,

I am planning my first Camino starting second half of May this year and have just recently started doing some walking in preparation. Yesterday I walked St Kevins Way (Hollywood-Glendalough) which you may know if you walk the Wicklow Way and was wondering how this compares to a day on the Camino. Thanks in advance for your thoughts

Best regards

CJT

[Leslie]

Yeah I know that area quite well and walk a lot in the Wicklow Hills, however I have not walked that route.

If you are fine for walking a day (about 6 hrs) in the hills I would not find anything much more difficult. The problem generally is not the terrain on the Camino, its just that you have to do it day after day, and that can take its toll on the body esp when people rush or try to do too much.

After a week of walking I really did not find any of the Camino hard. In saying that the first day out of Pamplona can be hard - there is a long hard hill and steep decline in the middle of the day. It is nowhere as difficult as the first day from St Jean.

I found in my experience that if you take it easy and keep your rucksack as light as possible anyone can walk the Camino. Pilgrims don't have to do a certain amount every day and there are so many hostels to stop at, meaning you can walk 15km one day then 20 or 25 then 15 or 17 - it is quite easy to stop in many places.

I hope this helps. Take care.

[CJT]

Thanks Leslie,

It is indeed helpful. Great job on the site which i have found a very helpful source of information and encouragement.

Best regrads,