If you decide to undertake the Peregrino journey; you will hear a lot of advice.
The most important thing is to embrace is the fact that it is not a race but a journey. Your journey! It does not matter if you walk 10, 20 or 30 kms a day, you will get there in the end. We spoke to a lot of people along the way and some of most inspirational pilgrims we met, were serial repeaters. They usually get up around 7am and have a leisurely breakfast before heading out. Then walk for no more than 20kms, stopping off at the little bars and cafes along the way. In other words, 'Stop and smell the roses'!
The gear you choose to accompany you on this amazing experience will make or break you.
Our all important tip is to take as little as possible in your pack. The recommended guide line is 10% of your body weight. Believe us, when we tell you that does not account for much at all. Majority of pilgrims set off with more than that baggage allowance, only to dis-guard or send forth many unnecessary items. It is really a back to basics kinda gig. Hairdryers and makeup become a thing of the past when you are lucky to glance in a mirror once a week. You are not going to be hiking in the wilderness. There are shops, doctors and pharmacies in every town, so do yourself a favour and pack light.
Hiking boots & socks- These must be great quality as they are responsible for carrying you and your pack all the way to Santiago! Make sure your boots are the correct size (allow room for swelling), try boots on at the end of the day and make sure you wear the socks that you intend to hike in.
Allow enough time to wear them in whilst training. There is a lot of controversy about socks and foot care. We swear by the double sock method. One inner liner sock and an outer hiking sock. Purchase proper hiking socks from an outdoor store.
Back pack- As all your worldly possession are going to be confined to this compact, light weight pack, it is essential for your pack to fit you properly. Even distribution of weight on the body will save your neck, back, shoulder and knee pain.
Sleeping bag and pillow case- We purchased nordisk, 'Oscar' -2 bags, weighing in at 700gm. They packed down relatively small and sat in the bottom of our packs. We took our own pillow cases too. If you are warm and cosy at night you can perform better up those hills the next day.
Hiking poles- We used 2 poles which really were a blessing. Not only did they help propel us up those hills, they provided a comforting sense of rhythm along the way!
Training, Camino fitness!
Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to training for The Way. Nothing can really prepare you for day after day of walking on the rocky, uneven surfaces. Our theory is however; if you start out reasonably fit; you will enjoy the journey so much more. We started serious training 3 month prior to our adventure. Week nights would be a walk of at least 1 hour and weekends would be around 6 hours of hills, both days. Remember to train with your backpack- start off lighter and build up to 10% of your body weight. You will gain stamina during your journey and it will become routine to walk every day.
One of the gifts that the Camino offers is freedom, this freedom is liberating!
BUEN CAMINO!
The most important thing is to embrace is the fact that it is not a race but a journey. Your journey! It does not matter if you walk 10, 20 or 30 kms a day, you will get there in the end. We spoke to a lot of people along the way and some of most inspirational pilgrims we met, were serial repeaters. They usually get up around 7am and have a leisurely breakfast before heading out. Then walk for no more than 20kms, stopping off at the little bars and cafes along the way. In other words, 'Stop and smell the roses'!
The gear you choose to accompany you on this amazing experience will make or break you.
Hiking boots & socks- These must be great quality as they are responsible for carrying you and your pack all the way to Santiago! Make sure your boots are the correct size (allow room for swelling), try boots on at the end of the day and make sure you wear the socks that you intend to hike in.
Allow enough time to wear them in whilst training. There is a lot of controversy about socks and foot care. We swear by the double sock method. One inner liner sock and an outer hiking sock. Purchase proper hiking socks from an outdoor store.
Back pack- As all your worldly possession are going to be confined to this compact, light weight pack, it is essential for your pack to fit you properly. Even distribution of weight on the body will save your neck, back, shoulder and knee pain.
Sleeping bag and pillow case- We purchased nordisk, 'Oscar' -2 bags, weighing in at 700gm. They packed down relatively small and sat in the bottom of our packs. We took our own pillow cases too. If you are warm and cosy at night you can perform better up those hills the next day.
Hiking poles- We used 2 poles which really were a blessing. Not only did they help propel us up those hills, they provided a comforting sense of rhythm along the way!
Training, Camino fitness!
Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to training for The Way. Nothing can really prepare you for day after day of walking on the rocky, uneven surfaces. Our theory is however; if you start out reasonably fit; you will enjoy the journey so much more. We started serious training 3 month prior to our adventure. Week nights would be a walk of at least 1 hour and weekends would be around 6 hours of hills, both days. Remember to train with your backpack- start off lighter and build up to 10% of your body weight. You will gain stamina during your journey and it will become routine to walk every day.
One of the gifts that the Camino offers is freedom, this freedom is liberating!
BUEN CAMINO!
