What pre-pilgram training do you suggest?

[coach_L]

I have just said 'yes' to the walk with 2 girlfriends in September....

I'm not over weight, however I'm not someone that exercises regularly! Is there any type of training I should be considering in the next weeks to get me 'ready' for my walk?

I know I have the boot/shoes issue to deal with - get them broken in - I need the details of the trip to be nailed down as well - and I've been reading that less is more as far as what I pack!

Tips from anyone would be most helpful.....

Thanks

L

[timecheck00]

What we are doing is trying to walk an hour most days, and two days a week do a longer walk of about 7 to 10 miles. I suggest both training and walking the Camino using running shoes - high end ones with lots of ventilation and maybe a size larger than your normal. They should have maximum cushioning. We replace the insert with an off the shelf insert such as Superfeet. I just wear liner socks, my wife wears Wrightline double layer socks. Carry a little roll of 3/4 inch stretchy breatheable tape and if you get any slightly sensitive spot on your foot, stop immediately and tape it. Build up to carrying about a 15 lb pack, and try to limit your Camino weight to that amount. Assume you will wear the same set of clothes every day and wash it every night, with a slightly nicer, but still suitable for walking, set of clothes to wear at night in the towns.

[Leslie]

I don't know about training as such for the camino - but I am not good on this as I never train for it.

That said it is very important that your boots or shoes are well broken in. I would walk at least a few long, (10km plus), walks to make sure your boots are not going to cause problems.

The reason I don't think much of training for the Camino - the amount of walking each day is not difficult, you can wander along at an easy pace, there is no hurry. But the problems occur because of the walking day after day and the strain this puts on your body. So the faster you go the more strain, it is fairly easy walking on the Camino Frances - 20 -30km per day is quite achievable for most people. Plus you can stop when you want.

[coach_L]

Thanks for your response Leslie. I've been reading as much as I can so as to prepare and I really like your positive response. I gather it is as much in the mind to get up every day and walk as it is with the body. Mind over matter. Today is the first day I'll get on the boots I bought to do this walk - about 4 years ago - and I'll see how I do with them on. Seems like I may want to do running shoes instead. I do love my purple hiking boots though!

It seems that there is no specific diet to get prepared either....like an all protein diet. I'll just continue to eat in a healthy manner and take vitamins as well.

I'm really excited and looking forward to this journey.

Oops another question - I have a rather nice camera - I'm starting to think I will not think it is so nice when I have lugged it about for a week ... so maybe I need to re-think the camera strategy as well.

So much to plan.....how fun!

Lorna

[coach_L]

Well, I've done about all I can possibly do - read lots - got good shoes - have been wearing them - no red spots - gone over the contents of my pack - and I"m sure I'm at the minimum weight now.

Getting excited and looking forward to it!

Will keep you posted.

L

[coach_L]

A quick update.....I completed my Camino. I had very little chance to walk beforehand. I'm pleased to say the the first two days were difficult, then something happened! I got into walking mode. Most days around 30km would be the max I knew I could do. I walked a variety of distances, depending on where I planned to sleep overnight. I'm home now and doing some walking - not as much as when I was on my Camino.

The good news is - that I was quite ok, even though I had not spent hours in advance walking before I left. My runners had about 10 hours on them before I left. I 'greased' my toes and feet every morning and put bandaids on each toe. I got one blister the first day - it popped the second day - and that was all I had for foot problems. Some of the feet I saw, however, were pretty yucky!

So my advice, having done this, is as long as you are in good shape and have a good attitude - you will be fine!

Bon Camino to those reading this before their walk. It was an amazing journey!

[Villagejonesy]

Awesome! If anyone else is reading this and wants a reply to the question, I started out doing six or 10 kilometers a day, and then by the end of my training month, did 20 or as much as 30 kilometers in a day. I had absolutely no problems with stamina after that. If you have time to do this, or if you can do 20K walks on the weekends, I'd do that, for as long as possible before setting out. It seems like a lot and it's a big time commitment, but your feet may thank you later for the practice

[dbird10]

L: I don't believe you can truly train for the Camino, that said anyone in reasonable shape can make the journey. The trick is, pack the minimum (3 days) and good footwear, use liner socks inside your hiking socks. Have reasonable expectations of yourself, the people who run into trouble are those who try to go too far too fast. Usually they possess a "Y" chromosome. That said for the time before you go walk as much as you can practice carrying your pack and using your hiking poles. Poles reduce the strain on your knees and ankles by about 30%.
In my case, I walked in my late 50s and had had some severe knee problems a year prior to my going. I attended aqua-fit classes at my local pool twice a week for the 10 months prior to going and it was of tremendous help in strengthening my core and improving my balance.
I would also suggest you practice drinking wine as often as possible prior to going. :~)
The Camino is a wonderous experience, savour every moment. I am gong again in 2011, my 60th year.

Dave Bird

[NikosP]

I completed the Camino de Santiago last June and I feel I can help you, however, please give me a bit more information e.g. how far are you planning to walk?

In my opinion training is absolutely necessary as is the correct walking shoes and clothing. I was told that you don't need to book accomodation in advance but this isn't totally true. Once you reach the last 100km it becomes very defficult to find accomodation and I was lucky that my family did it for me through internet in the latter stages.

What I can guarantee you is that you'll have the most amazing time, an adventure that you'll never forget

Regards,
Nikos

[David]

Comfort and relaxed confidence - though stamina and well chosen kit is the base of it all for certain, with relaxed being the key word .. but it isn't just what you can walk in a day it is the day after day that can punish.

Many people start at St. Jean but have to stop and rest or even end at Logrono as that is 6-7 days, just the right amount of time for that day-after-day strain to show (if it is going to show).

So start slow and build up when you are out there and never, at any time, try to keep up with someone else - even if they are only walking 0.0000000000001% faster than you .. at all times walk and rest at your own pace and you will love it.

[Covey]

The first few days on the trail are rather like speed dating!!

Instead of trying to find the love of your life, you are trying to find those who speak your language, walk at a pace you are comfortable with, and those who are fun to be around!

After four trips from St Jean to Santiago, I tend to walk alone during the day and meet up with like minded souls in the evenings. Walking alone is a relative term though. You tend to come across people you have met before in various bars and albergues along the way, and the majority tend to shake out in to loose "families" who socialise together even though they may walk alone.

Walking in a large group tends to be difficult in places where the trail is single track, but walking alone requires discipline to keep up a steady pace.

I find the golden rule is to walk at a steady pace. There are those who rush off before dawn, but you catch up with them at 10am!

Remember two things! There are very few injuries that get better the more you walk! so if you start to feel tired, slow down a little. If you feel your feet rubbing, stop immediately and sort out the problem before the blister gets bigger. Pain is how your body tells you it has had enough for the day!!!