Essential Preparations for The Camino de Santiago
If you are thinking of walking the Camino this year, allow me to guide you in preparing for the Camino, doing the Camino and understanding why you are considering doing the Camino.
So you have decided to take the challenge of walking the Camino this year. Good for you! How do you prepare for a 500 mile or 780 km depending on which system you use? Remembering that the Camino is translated as “Your Way”, you can start and end at your choosing. Preparing to walk such a distance it is best to start walking three months before your departure and build up the amount of time spent walking, the terrain and what to wear for it.
The first Camino I went on was from Leon (Stage 20) to Santiago (Stage 34). I didn’t do much preparation and to be honest, I didn’t think I would last that long. In my mind, I thought I would last 3 days as I was quite overweight (approximately 117kgs). But to my surprise, I completed the walk and enjoyed it thoroughly. The one thing I had done right was I had worn-in my boots and socks. Each preparation since then has allowed me to reduce my weight without effort and I am now 89kgs and still somewhat overweight. I did learn from the first Camino that it is better to prepare for the next Camino I did.
Boots/Shoes and socks
The main reasons people get blisters are that starting the Camino with brand-new shoes or boots not yet worn-in and using unsuitable socks will have negative consequences to having a positive experience. I use Merrill mid-range boots. They are waterproof. However, I found that it is better to use a waterproof spray on them once a year so that they remain waterproof. One thing to note is that Merrell sizes are on the smaller size. So if you are a size eight then get a size nine. The reason for this is that as you walk, your feet will flatten out and to avoid blisters there should be a little more room in them to avoid unnecessary blisters. It doesn’t matter which brand you prefer, but a midsize boot will cover the ankle and can save you from a sprain should you fall.
The boots are light yet firm inside and have saved me from falling many times. So in your preparation, what every brand of boot or shoe you use, make sure you start using them as you walk three months before the Camino.
The best socks to wear are hiking socks as they give the soles of your feet a thicker layer of comfort. But the best socks that found are socks made of Merino wool.
Backpack
In my first Camino, I carried a 58L backpack, which though it was lighter than expected, in preparation, I never used the backpack, so I didn’t understand the difficulty of using it. For starters, I filled it up with a lot of unnecessary things. Before long I was trying to balance it and then shedding its contents as I tried to get comfortable with it. I will discuss this more when I tackle what to bring and more importantly, what is not needed.
Trekking Poles
These are essential and will save you from a fall, especially on a decline. They are great for keeping you going and for balancing a tired body after days of walking.
Preparation
The best preparation for the Camino is starting a habit of walking. If you live in an urban setting, get off the bus a few blocks from your destination and just walk each day. The 10,000 steps a day goal worked well for me. A typical day on the Camino could be 40,000 + steps depending on the incline or decline of the journey, so being able to walk and feeling fit is important. Over time, increase the distance of the walk. Try to include a hiking outing once a week over uneven terrain. On those longer trips, bring the backpack you will use on the Camino. Get used to using it, so that straps feel comfortable on you. Use it as a day pack initially, placing what you might require for that particular hike, but your goal eventually is to take what you will need on your back as you prepare. Oh, and remember to enjoy these experiences.
My mother has an expression which is “buy cheap, buy twice”. These essential equipment will be your most important purchases. If your feet are dry and comfortable in your boots, you will enjoy the Camino. So many people arrive on the Camino with bright and shiny new boots, only to be crippled by day three. Make sure that you find your boots and wear them while preparing for the Camino. When your Camino begins, foot issues will be in the past. Also, I have my Merrell boots for life and they also have comfortable fashionable casual shoes as well. I use the same backpack everywhere I go along with the trekking poles.
In my previous post, I looked at what time of the year will suit you to travel. I am from Ireland and the land here is always green and a sight to behold for foreigners who visit. It is this way because it rains a lot. So naturally, I tended to walk between May and the end of June or September to get the most out of the warm sunny weather. I did make the mistake of travelling in August once and it was very hot for me. It was, after all, a sun holiday I was looking for so I dressed appropriately.
Whatever time you decide to go, it is important to travel light. A light backpack and light but durable footwear and poles keep you in balance whatever the terrain.