If you’ve followed this blog or the Robs Camino YouTube Channel, you’ll know I’m not a great one for “training” prior to a Camino.
But I think that could be a mistake.
Maybe it stems back to my first Camino, the Camino Frances, in 2015. I tried to do some serious training prior to that one. But I think a combination of being quite a bit overweight, and training too hard, with a PT, led to the injuries I suffered. Mainly Achilles Tendonitis (still) and Back Pain, a month before the start. So as a result, I walked in pain the whole way. But still enjoyed it of course!
And it’s been the same ever since. I try to manage my weight, do some light walks, prior and then start the Camino with shorter days.
This year Pat and I took it a bit more seriously though. It worked out like this.
6-9 Months Out
Focus on weight loss. Pat and I had both gained quite a bit of weight and I did not want to start training too overweight. I thought that could just lead to injury. So we focussed on weight loss and as I had some minor surgery coming up, that gave me a target date to aim for. That was 3 months before Camino start. That worked quite well using Intermittent Fasting. I think I lost about 20 kgs and Pat about 10 !
3 Months Out
We started walking training. No packs at first, and short walks of just 3 kms or so 3-4 times a week with no packs. We are not very active normally and this was just to get us moving! 3-4 weeks of this and we were a lot more comfortable walking each day. We extended the walks to 4-5 kms.
2 Months Out
We started with very light packs. just 2 and 3 kgs at the start. On 4-5 km walks only.
1 Month Out
We added more weight. Now up to 4 and 5 kgs. Once or twice a week we did a double circuit making it 8 kms.
2 Weeks Out
We wore full weight packs. 5 kgs and 8 kgs. And again once or twice made it 8 kms.
But. We are not young. 69 and 57. And we are not planning on walking long stages on Camino. So no need for us to train with 20-30 km walks! Our initial days will be 12 kms, 14 kms, 15 kms, 20 kms. Again, a slow build up. I read recently how in training for a Marathon, you don’t run a full Marathon. That kinds of makes sense. The added excitement and adrenalin on the actual “Camino” always makes walking a bit longer seem quite easy for me. So I’m happy we can comfortably walk our 8kms with full packs in 2 hours. Double that, with breaks added won’t be a problem.
So that was our training regime. Nothing fancy, nothing hard. And a bit more that we normally do. Fingers crossed, but we both feel ready now.
We know our limitations, which helps. And so maybe the essentials for us come down to this.
1. Fix our Overall Health
In particular I had some issues that had to be sorted during the months prior.
2. Lose Body Weight
if required. Being “fat” puts strain on the joints. This time I plan to keep the weight off!
3. Get Health Advice
We made sure we had up to date scans, bloods, shots etc.
4. Fix Feet!
We both get plantar fasciitis on Camino and I get achilles tendonitis as well. With all the medical advice over the years we have found what works for us. Losing weight and then getting cortisone injections…… (painful)
5. Pack Light!
Having improved our fitness and reduced body weight, we are very conscious not to pile on too much pack weight. Here’s our Packing Lists. Pat and Rob.
So we’re heading off soon.
Nothing is for certain of course and the Camino always has a few curved balls. But we feel ready and prepared.
See you out there!
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