Advice for walking the Camino
Advice for walking the Camino
If you have decided to go on the adventure of walking the Camino, but you have never done anything like this or don’t know much about it, we would like to give you some advice:
If you have decided to go on the adventure of walking the Camino, but you have never done anything like this or don’t know much about it, we would like to give you some advice:
1 Train beforehand.
If you have a mostly sedentary lifestyle, it’s not really convenient to go on a 100km. (minimum) hiking trail all of a sudden. You don’t need to train as if for a marathon, but it’s convenient to get your body used to moderate physical exercise during the previous months. Walking an hour a day during the three or four previous months may be enough, starting on flat terrain and looking progressively for gentle sloped trails as you get closer to your starting date.
2 Take adequate equipment.
Perhaps the most important element when walking the Camino is your footwear. You must use shoes one size bigger than the ones you usually wear, and start using them two or three months before beginning your Camino.
It’s also convenient to carry a walking stick, since it will be useful to support ourselves during the uphill and specially downhill sections. Also, it will allow us to exercise the upper half of the body, which wouldn’t happen usually when walking.
As for the rest of the equipment, there are all kinds of opinions about what to carry, and we believe that it’s really a personal decision. In any case, some objects that might be useful and that tend to be overlooked are:
- A portable LED flashlight.
- A first aid kit.
- Cold weather clothing, even in the summer, since we might want to start our stage at dawn, when temperatures will be low.
3 Take it easy during the first stages.
The enthusiasm of the first days might come at a price later. Again, if you have no experience with physical activities, take the first days easy, and don’t hesitate in stopping even if you feel that you might still go on.
1 Train beforehand.
If you have a mostly sedentary lifestyle, it’s not really convenient to go on a 100km. (minimum) hiking trail all of a sudden. You don’t need to train as if for a marathon, but it’s convenient to get your body used to moderate physical exercise during the previous months. Walking an hour a day during the three or four previous months may be enough, starting on flat terrain and looking progressively for gentle sloped trails as you get closer to your starting date.
2 Take adequate equipment.
Perhaps the most important element when walking the Camino is your footwear. You must use shoes one size bigger than the ones you usually wear, and start using them two or three months before beginning your Camino.
It’s also convenient to carry a walking stick, since it will be useful to support ourselves during the uphill and specially downhill sections. Also, it will allow us to exercise the upper half of the body, which wouldn’t happen usually when walking.
As for the rest of the equipment, there are all kinds of opinions about what to carry, and we believe that it’s really a personal decision. In any case, some objects that might be useful and that tend to be overlooked are:
- A portable LED flashlight.
- A first aid kit.
- Cold weather clothing, even in the summer, since we might want to start our stage at dawn, when temperatures will be low.
3 Take it easy during the first stages.
The enthusiasm of the first days might come at a price later. Again, if you have no experience with physical activities, take the first days easy, and don’t hesitate in stopping even if you feel that you might still go on.
4 Be careful with sun and dehydration.
Depending on the time of the year, you should be specially careful with the sun. You should avoid walking during the hottest time of the day (from noon to six in the afternoon), and apply sunscreen.
As for dehydration, one must take into account the fact that the human body can start dehydrating before you actually feel thirsty. Therefore, it’s essential to drink regularly. Symptoms of dehydration, such as general malaise, headaches and dark colores urine, should be treated by drinking water as soon as possible.
5 Learn about the places you’ll find.
The Camino de Santiago crosses places with a millenary culture and history. Our trip will be much more enriching if, when passing through a church, we know its history and the treasures inside.
6 Enjoy the Camino!
The Camino is the experience of a lifetime, and plenty of people repeat it after trying for the first time. Don’t forget to enjoy your journey!
4 Be careful with sun and dehydration.
Depending on the time of the year, you should be specially careful with the sun. You should avoid walking during the hottest time of the day (from noon to six in the afternoon), and apply sunscreen.
As for dehydration, one must take into account the fact that the human body can start dehydrating before you actually feel thirsty. Therefore, it’s essential to drink regularly. Symptoms of dehydration, such as general malaise, headaches and dark colores urine, should be treated by drinking water as soon as possible.
5 Learn about the places you’ll find.
The Camino de Santiago crosses places with a millenary culture and history. Our trip will be much more enriching if, when passing through a church, we know its history and the treasures inside.
6 Enjoy the Camino!
The Camino is the experience of a lifetime, and plenty of people repeat it after trying for the first time. Don’t forget to enjoy your journey!