So, after my first walk I realised that i was out of shape and I was in need of some suitable walking gear. I decided to buy some boots and clothing more suited to the task ahead. Hopefully they would make the training easier and if nothing else I would cut a dashing figure and look the part.
To help with the aching feet I decided on a pair of walking boots. They were a cheapish pair of regatta ones, (I’m not rich and need to save money wherever I can). Material rather than leather but allegedly waterproof and breathable. I also bought a 3 in 1 coat from Go outdoors (waterproof but not very breathable).
My first walk in my new gear nearly killed me.. After 5 or 6 easy, flat miles my shins were on fire and although it was cold and hadn’t rained my jumper was soaking wet.. the sweat was literally running down my arms. Ok so I obviously needed a breathable jacket… maybe the boots would get more comfortable with use. (with them being material it wasn’t so much ‘breaking in’ more a case of me getting used to the shape of the sole etc as I only ever wear flat training shoes so walking with any kind of heel was alien to me.
I tried several more walks but the boots never stopped giving me shin pain. Reading various online forums I found out that many people had completed the CF wearing trail running shoes.. obviously being a mainly horizontal kebab eater I had never heard of them but after looking into it I decided to give them a go. I threw caution to the wind and bought a pair of Salomon speedcross vario 2 (gortex).
From this point onward the training changed. I could walk without agony !! Obviously I’m still a chubby guy so I’m not saying I was skipping along farting rainbows but things had definitely improved.
2 or 3 times a week I would try to do a 5 – 10 mile walk. I admit that most walks involved a celebratory visit to a pub but I am planning the CF and no doubt there will be plenty of vino so i thought I should exercise my liver as well as my legs.
I have since started introducing hills to my walking routes. I imagined I would be a tear-stained, blubbering wreck within a hundred metres or so but found that if I took it slow (and had the occasional break to smoke a well-earned cigarette) that even large/steep hills were conquerable. I have since bought some more gear but will put that in a different post just incase anyone would like to see what kind of things I have tried out.
Buen Camino!
(Please hit the follow button and join me on my journey!!)
A Camino Adventure 
I hope you have fun with the blog and also with the training. It is really important is to use several very light/thin layers rather than any thicker ones. Then you can adjust them depending on the temperature, wind, humidity and exertion level of the day! All that means is that you can add or remove layers as the whim strikes. As it will – you will get quite fed up with the donning and doffing. Don’t complain, though – that, along with walking sticks, is how you get your upper body exercise on the Camino.
LikeLike
thank you for your suggestions. I’m not sure about walking poles yet.. I tried them once and they feel very unnatural but I will give them another go because everyone says they are a big help. 🙂
LikeLike
I certainly felt ridiculous with the poles before my first camino. I still never use them at home, except occasionally if it is icy outside. However, I would not consider walking the camino without them – they provide general stability, balance on treacherous footing, and they encourage a nice symmetrical walking rhythm. If you never practice with them at home, but secretly pack them for Spain, at least ask a knowledgeable person on the Camino to critique your usage. It’s not hard, but sometimes people benefit from someone walking along and reminding them of the right technique for 10 minutes. It is easy, once you “get” it, but a surprising number of people never do get it and other people don’t want to say anything.
LikeLike
I’m definitely going to buy two and take them… if nothing else i can always donate them to someone who has lost/broken theirs if i dont get the hang of them 🙂 Ive just been looking at how good your blog is.. its amazing !! i’m trying to do the kit list link thing but having no success.. it just turns into a post blog lol..
LikeLike
Don’t forget Lunge practice 😊
LikeLike
I wish you the best with your preparations and eventual Camino! It seems like you are doing the right thing by reading various forums and knocking out the kinks with your preparation walks. The one thing that you cannot prepare for is the inner personal journey that will probably happen.
By the way, on the Camino Francés there will be many opportunities for a coffee/carajillo/beer/wine break.
LikeLike
thank you for your comment and well-wishes. I have plenty of kinks to keep knocking out but I’m feeling mostly confident (apart from the occasional mental meltdown where i question what the hell I’m doing) I hope that my blog helps other people who are going through the same thing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hilarious
LikeLike
thank you Stewpot… I hope you are laughing with me rather than at me and my dubious efforts 🙂
LikeLike
I certainly felt ridiculous with the poles before my first camino. I still never use them at home, except occasionally if it is icy outside. However, I would not consider walking the camino without them – they provide general stability, balance on treacherous footing, and they encourage a nice symmetrical walking rhythm. If you never practice with them at home, but secretly pack them for Spain, at least ask a knowledgeable person on the Camino to critique your usage. It’s not hard, but sometimes people benefit from having someone else remind them of the right technique for 10 minutes. It is easy, once you “get” it, but a surprising number of people never do get it and other people don’t want to say anything.
LikeLike
Sorry I seem to have posted that twice. Feel free to delete it!
LikeLike
I will be with you all the way Buen Camino
LikeLiked by 1 person