“Camino Ready. Backpacks, Boots & (no) Blisters” provides you with:
1) Little understood information on the walking system which brings into play dynamic stabilisers recruiting bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, fascia, blood supply and other fluids to provide a controlled pattern of shock absorption.
2) Guidance for you to develop a fitness program, then put it into practice over a number of months.
3 ) a 3-4 month training program.
4 ) This is so your body can slowly develop the stamina needed for the many days of walking and carrying a backpack.
5 ) This training also prepares you mentally for days of continuous walking so you can, through following the guidelines, gain confidence in your ability to complete the Camino.
Note: If you are planning to walk without a backpack, getting fit is still important.
The program is intended for people planning to walk 300-1000 km with accommodation and food along the way. On treks such as the Pacific Crest Trail between Mexico and Canada, which is 4265 km (2650 mi), such luxuries are intermittent and present a totally different challenge.
The Camino Frances in Spain is about 800 km (497 mi).
Seek medical advice. If in doubt about your overall health or have particular issues then talk to your medical advisers before starting on any fitness program. You will need to find out if there are any likely health issues to take into account before or during the training. Over the years I have sought advice from doctors, pharmacists, podiatrists, and physiotherapists to determine what was right for me.
Three to four months program. As outlined above I recommend that you work out a programme over a 3-4 month period. We all have a natural walking pace and rhythm. You will want to experiment with different speeds and cross training to gain strength and flexibility.
How Fast to walk? Bear in mind that “fast” means more pressure on your joints, tendons, and feet. As you know, some runners are sprinters and others are long-distance runners; it depends on their body, muscles, and age.
Both young and older people who are fit can walk at a much faster pace and over long distances. They seem to have developed this capability from years of exercise or are, I think, naturally gifted with this ability. You will encounter people of all ages who can walk faster or slower than you.
You have to determine the speed and pace at which you wish to walk the Camino and try to stick to that pace.
You will see me repeat this same wise saying:
“If you want to finish like a young person start off like an old one”
That doesn’t mean you can’t walk faster or further than predicted; however, you must determine if this can be sustained for the duration of the Camino, from four to six weeks.
Long distance walking, like long distance running, is a totally different challenge than walking for a few days or sprinting for a few hundred metres.
To see the detailed training program please read Chapter 4 “A get fit program” To be physically and mentally prepared.
Click on the book image above to access this essential preparation guide.