Training for the Camino

People have asked me how to train for the Camino de Santiago . Sometimes they simply ask: should I train for the Camino de Santiago ? Or, for that matter, how long do I need to train for the Camino.
Fitness levels, age and the length of the Camino all make a difference. So I've put together this video covering my experience of training. It includes a basic training plan, when to introduce your gear, using poles , avoiding blisters and more. I've also attached some useful links below.
I've walked two Camino's this year, plus 200km on the Jakobsweg (in Germany), and I've survived so far.....
Hope to see you on the Camino!
Blister management :
• Foot Blister Treatment...

[@pamengland7863]

I love that you start off with the quantitative km being a 1/2 marathon. People can generally wrap their head around that.

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks! I wanted to make it as relatable as possible

[@johnmcglade6417]

This is a very nicely done video with a relaxing presentation style. You make several good points. Thanks for doing this.

[@peterexpatkiwi]

You're very welcome, I hope it helps.

[@harrykey2448]

There is absolutely no need to train for walking a Camino. I am 75 years old and will be flying into Seville next month to walk the Plata/Sanabres. I frequently come across people half my age giving up because of lack of motivation. I walked my first Camino in 2007 beginning in Poitiers. Last year I walked the Frances for the 4th time followed immediately by walking the Ingles. The Plata/Sanabres will be my 11th Camino. Start off your Camino slow and steady. After about four days or so you will realise you are already finding it easier. Another couple of days you will have your Camino legs and you will be polishing of the kms no problem. Just make sure you have good shoes that are a full size bigger than usual. Get your pack weight down below 8ks. A good rule of thumb is if you can walk one mile under twenty minutes you are good to go. Just enjoy it. Buen Camino.

[@peterexpatkiwi]

You are correct, which is why I prefaced my video as I did. I like your rule of thumb, 5 km an hour is a reasonable pace. Sadly, many people seldom do any walking nowadays. Thanks for watching, and Buen Camino!

[@cg9616]

Great that you are so fit. For the majority - preparation is key to success as it also enables folk to identify problems ahead of Camino.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

I've been backpacking over 40 years and have found hiking poles are a life saver going down hill!

[@peterexpatkiwi]

I couldn't agree more. Mind you, I also find them extremely useful on long flat stretches. Basically, mine only leave my hands during break's. They're there to carry me, not me them!

[@chrdal]

Some very good insight! I've been thinking for years about walking the pilgrim route from Oslo to Trondheim, here in Norway. You've inspired me to at least start a bit of training!

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks Chris. Re: Gudbrandsdalsleden , do it! I'm told it's a fantastic route. I've only walked one day of it, in July 2022, when I spent a month in Norway. Norway is such a beautiful land, but then I'm biased - Norway reminds me very much of New Zealand!

[@PilarGonzalez-fo6pq]

Gracias por concienciar a la gente de la dificultad que entraña hacer el Camino de Santiago sin una preparación previa, ya que son muchos días caminando y debemos tener en cuenta el trazado del camino y la climatología a veces es muy adversa.!!!Buen Camino!!! Un saludo desde España.🍀👏👏👏

[@peterexpatkiwi]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Pilar. Spain is such a beautiful land! Buen Camino

[@sirriffsalot4158]

Wishing you a healthy and pleasant camino mate 😊

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks! You too

[@andersphansson8335]

Great video and training tips! I walk almost daily 5 to 16k and plan to start Frances SJDP 😊in beginning of june!

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it and hoped it helped. Buen Camino!

[@matthewmendoza8922]

trained for 2019 went ok. didnt train for 2021 tore up my knee and it never recovered. training for sure to go this summer

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Harsh lesson. All the best for the summer. Buen Camino !

[@bronwenhook6088]

Thanks for the calm, reassuring overview! One thing that I have found useful, aside from walking, is strength training. The rest of your body needs toughening up to protect against strains and sprains. A couple or three days/wk of core, arms, back exercises, some squats and lunges will not be wasted. Also, try to make a habit of warming up and cooling down before and after your days hike. Chase Mountains is a really good YT channel for training!

[@peterexpatkiwi]

I agree with you about the core training, I clean forgot to mention that, thanks 🙏. Yes, the chase mountains channel is excellent.

[@richardh1764]

Excellent video, luckily I have a Husky, so not going out isn't an option, now to start increasing the distance.

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@tangogrammophon]

Wonderful

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Many thanks!

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

It’s Italian and is spelled cammino and pronounced as it is spelled, which means with a long m sound - camm-ino. But cammino means I walk (as opposed to eg run). Camminare is to walk. Fare una passeggiata is to do a walk, or take a hike.

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Sorry, but ‘El Camino’ - literally ‘The Way’ is in Spain. Therefore it’s Spanish, and the spelling is correct. If I was talking about training for the 0:33 Camino in Portugal, I’d have said Caminho. In Germany, der Jackobsweg. Neither Spanish or Italian are the original source of the word, it comes from the Latin caminīnus, or, in Ancient Greek, kámīnos. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

@@peterexpatkiwi clever boy 😂

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

You must train?

[@peterexpatkiwi]

As I said in the video, that's entirely up to you. I also explained why I thought that