An optimal physical preparation before your organized trip to the Camino de Santiago It is essential to avoid greater wear than due. The Camino represents a physical effort to which, usually, the vast majority of people who do it are not used to, taking into account that long, daily walks are not carried out continuously.

For this, as in any activity, eminently physical, it is advisable to plan some aspects of it, in order to enjoy, as much as possible, this pilgrimage route.

All these tips, indications, etc., are the result of our personal experience, with the sole purpose of being able to provide some light on the matter, to those pilgrims who may be useful to make their Camino de Santiago.

Although it is not essential to have a special physical preparation for the Camino de Santiago, it is very convenient that we prepare our body for an important physical activity, regardless of the kilometers that we are going to travel. Getting up from the computer table and starting to walk would not be the most convenient, no matter how simple and flat many of the stages of the Camino may be.

 

MAKE A PREVIEW AND ADEQUATE PHYSICAL PREPARATION FOR THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Dedicate every day at least an hour or two to walk smoothly, from a month before starting the pilgrimage. Or at least take small walks or walks of at least 1 hour, in which we will travel approximately 4/5 kilometers.

The duration of these walks should be lengthened, in time, to travel an approximate distance of about 8/10 km daily. If possible, we should at least walk for 5 days in a row or alternately, every week. It would be advisable to vary our daily routes, so that it is not always the same route and that we incorporate small ups and downs, to accommodate ourselves to the terrain that we are going to find on the Camino.

It is very important that the pace of the walk is comfortable and that the breathing is not forced. We will plan the stages according to your physical possibilities. Do not worry about the weight of the backpack, since we take care of transporting it from stage to stage so that you can fully enjoy the Camino without any worries. However, if we will give you some advice on what to take to the Camino de Santiago in your luggage.

Take into account that, as a general rule, the average distance of the stages that we will travel in our Itineraries of the Camino de Santiago It is about 20 km. Therefore, we consider that we should begin our “training to do the Camino”, at least two months before starting our trip.

STRETCHES

Before and after walking, the different stages of our itinerary of the Camino, we must do stretching exercises (paying special attention to neck, legs, calves, abductors, ankles and back) Once the march has started, do not walk too fast the first days and keep the same pace. Walk at your own pace, do not force the march, but do not stop constantly either: the continuous stops make the path very exhausting.

 

pilgrim feet

CARE OF THE PILGRIM’S FEET

The foot care in order to prevent blisters. Use the boots or slippers before starting the road (never brand new). Choose a hard sole footwear Keep the foot held. After walking, rest your foot keeping it up.

PHYSICAL PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD

The most common physical problems are: stiffness, blisters, contractures and tendinitis. The first two are annoying but they don’t paralyze you. However, muscular problems must be taken seriously and not forced, so it is convenient to carry out adequate physical preparation for the Camino de Santiago.

Some people help each other refrain: a cane to lean on the path that relieves the knees on the descents and ascents serves as an additional point of support.

Very important is that EACH PERSON ADECTS ITS RUNNING RATE TO ITS REAL PHYSICAL POSSIBILITIES, NEVER TO THAT OF OTHER PILGRIMS.

Once en route it is time to enjoy and have no worries, get carried away by the landscape and the good company of your companions or other pilgrims. And remember that you will always have a team that will support you when there is a problem.

IN CONCLUSION

Before embarking on our trip to Santiago de Compostela, a correct physical preparation for the Camino de Santiago is convenient and advisable, and a suitable choice of footwear and taking good care of our feet.

As a first contact on the Camino de Santiago we recommend doing the Camino de Santiago organized from Sarria (French Way) for its special attraction in Galician territory, for its people, landscapes, gastronomy; as well as because it is a fairly feasible terrain that does not require excessive physical preparation.

We believe that you should not be afraid of thinking “if I can do it”, because you will all arrive in Santiago de Compostela, both children and elderly people, you will see it on your Camino, because the main thing is “the attitude with which you you start ”, yes, if you follow these recommendations of physical preparation for the Camino de Santiago we are sure your walk will be more bearable.

You are capable of much more than you imagine. The road will put you, sometimes, to the limit. Be patient, obstacles have been made to be jumped.