Camino 101: Training to Walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain |

[@SacredSteps]

For more five minute videos on walking the Camino de Santiago: kzbin.info/aero/PLDWimWfrqpnRyOnGgl5eFn75JB4MZBlGV

[@posterestantejames]

I walked my first Camino last summer (Camino Frances) when I was 35lbs overweight and 56 years old. I have an extensive hiking history and am in average condition. I didn't train. 9 days in, I realized that I didn't need but one meal per day (dinner), so instead, after First Coffee, I fasted and drank fluids and electrolytes. (Aquarius is great stuff). I had NO PROBLEM with my body and energy, and after 10 days, I was on the Meseta, where I walked 3 days over 37km and averaged 32km for the middle 10 days. I was FINE. There's a typical realization while walking - that you're built for this. You can do it. It's not easy, nor is it especially difficult (unless your feet hurt due to shoes that aren't broken in). After 15 days or so, I wasn't paying attention to distances anymore - nor were my compadres. We just walked together until we were finished. If you're in reasonably decent health, don't overthink this. Don't be intimidated by it. Don't obsess about it. It's been doable by mere mortals for only 900 years - it's not like it's impossible or anything. There's an expression worth remembering: "Don't walk a camino to walk the Camino." I lost 15kg when I was finished. I'd do it again in a freakin' heartbeat. Keep your pack weight under 10kg and take care of your feet.

[@SacredSteps]

This is wonderful, first-hand advice. Thank you for sharing your story, James. Buen Camino!

[@deborahdaviesdd-artist1059]

I’ve been walking 10,000 steps everyday for 6 months. Yesterday I walked 20km in four ish hours. Mmmm…not great today but not terrible either. I’m going to follow your plan now. Yesterday certainly gave me some confidence and I walked one half of one stretch then turned round and walked back to where I’d parked my car (if the makes sense). I did not drink water every hour so I need to be careful to do that. I was carrying a pack pack with 2/3 of what I’m going to take. Anyhow, better I listen to you now. Thank you for your channel.

[@encouragesolutions2595]

I expect this training plan is done to suit people who work 5 days a week but it seems a lot on the low end, also upper body strength to deal with a backpack should maybe considered. I'm going on the Camino in June and started training yesterday in serious fashion. I did 24km. It took 6hr 15min with 3 short breaks in new shoes. I'm very overweight but I now know how hard it feels (early) to do a day's trek, blisters and all. As I live in a flat country, the use of stairs is a great way to train and if you use Komoot for trekking you can see the incline gains and distances and compute a number of flights of stairs and times required to simulate the effort. You cannot compute wind, rain and temperature though 😄 I also liked the advice that time is not a major factor as you have approx 12-15 hours to do your trek in a summer day anyway. Being last is not a position, and rather it may be being first in the enjoyment of the journey and geography. For me, losing weight will be critical as the more weight you have on your body and pack, the more pressure on hips, back, knees and feet.

[@SacredSteps]

Thanks for the feedback. The advice is not targeted to any one demographic, rather taking from my experience of walking in England, Scotland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and across the USA. The training that needs to be done is incremental strength for the soles of you feet, your quads, and back. If you build strength methodically you will be well-prepared for the day-to-day of walking 10-20 miles for pilgrimage. If you live in a flat area, a great tip is to walk up and down parking garage (car park) ramps. And while I really don't suggest anyone begin with 24k, you must be really proud of that big first day. Learn what works best for you and take it slow. Thank you for subscribing! Buen Camino!

[@MTCHP]

Agree, work out the unknown factors, shoes , socks, backpack adjustment, just get out there and start the adjustments. The Camino is a relatively lower level hike that can be problematic if you have not done some training with equipment. I learned a lot on hikes with the scouts and family. This made the hike much more manageable. Focus in on dialing in your shoe and socks system. It’ll make the walk much more enjoyable.

[@SacredSteps]

Great advice, Mitch. I think having a training routine also builds confidence, which is immeasurably valuable for a first time pilgrim! Thank you for subscribing! Buen Camino!

[@posterestantejames]

Good advice, especially about taking care of one's feet.

[@RC-qf3mp]

For training, I suggest walking barefoot on grass, dirt and other safe surfaces. Get minimalist shoes and walk with those. The point is to strengthen your feet. After a month or so of that, add the backpack with your walks and increase weight. Then start looking for zero drop shoes (like Altra lone peaks) that retain the zero drop of bare feet but have cushion and tread. With the above routine, you’ll have healthy strong feet and will have developed proper walking form. Most people have very bad shoes and bad walking form. Repeating that for 500 miles on the Camino would be a disaster. Before strengthening my feet from barefoot walking and minimalist shoes, I could go about 20 km with a backpack before serious foot fatigue kicked in. Now, I can go 30 km without problems and longer if I need to. Barefoot walking and minimalist shoes are the best training for your feet.

[@SacredSteps]

Thanks for the suggestions, RC! Thank you for subscribing and liking the video on KZbin! Buen Camino!

[@encouragesolutions2595]

Think I'll stick to conventional methods. If you ever felt dog sh!t squelch between your toes walking barefoot, you'll maybe understand 😂

[@carlotarodriguez144]

Are there any videos about arrival and departure to Spain? How to plan? How to get to SJPP? Do we fly to Madrid or Paris? And the return? Is it better to return the same way or there are more practical ways?

[@SacredSteps]

Great suggestions all around! I'll add some new Camino 101 videos. Be sure to tap subscribe! Buen Camino!

[@wanderslust1781]

Okay so I am 7 month before my camino. I only walk the last 114km. My training evry Saturday 10-15km and on weekdays times 30 min till 60 min walks. Guess I should do good😂

[@davidleetorres]

Good tips. I’m getting ready for a Camino walk late August. Is that a good season for the Pilgrimage?

[@SacredSteps]

August is a very good time for a Camino, as the summer "rush" falls off and you have plenty of daylight to walk, even early in the morning. it can be hot, so prepare for the temperature with breathable clothing. Buen Camino!

[@DanM-v8j]

Thanks for sharing! Planning on going with my 11 year old next summer. I have a question about restrooms. When nature calls where do you go? What is the normal acceptable practice?

[@SacredSteps]

Larger cities do have public restrooms, but most towns and villages do not have facilities along the Camino. The majority of restroom breaks will be at cafes, bars, and restaurants, which make facilities available to paying customers. Purchase a water/coffee/snack and use the facilities. In natural areas, you may need to use the restroom in the forest, but be sure to pack any tissues into a zipper bag to disclose of later rather than leaving tissues in the wilderness. Buen Camino!

[@deborahdaviesdd-artist1059]

There was no loo facilites on the official stretch I walked along yesterday. (Portugal) So yes, in the long grass for me.

[@pirateray6715]

I'm no expert, but I would think if you're going to be walking 6 days a week on the Camino, you should be walking more than twice a week in your training.

[@SacredSteps]

You make a great point, PirateRay. More training walks with your backpack may be better but multiple walks per week (at least two) should be a minimum goal. The intent is to train your body for repetitive walking with a backpack. Many, many pilgrims walk the Camino having done no preparation whatsoever; however, training (and especially training with your selected shoes and backpack) are an invaluable way to prepare your body. Thanks for subscribing. Buen Camino!

[@jacksapps195]

Can you train me until I am fourteen?

[@SacredSteps]

My pleasure, Jack!

[@jakemcavoy2554]

Why are you covering g your mouth by your mike. Some people not hearing well reading lips can help.