training/fitness/health

As part of my preparations for my first CF next year (SJPdP to Santiago and on to Muxia/Finisterre), I've been gradually increasing my usual 3km-5km daily constitutional to walks in the 5km-10km range, and expect to level that up to regular 15-20km walks by the time I set out the first week in...

Has anyone else really struggled with motivating themselves to get active before their walk? I work a driving job, and many days probably don't even hit 2 miles a day because of it. In September I did really good, walking 4 or 5 miles multiple times a week, but then the past 6 weeks I've just...

I have been keeping an eye on different apps, seeing what I would like to use next spring when I walk the CF. I have a fitbit, so have used that app for a while. I have also checked out mapmywalk, and only slightly browsed polarsteps and walkmeter. With fb it's just flights of stairs....I'd...

In 2015 I walked from SJPDP to Santiago, in 2017 I walked from Lisbon to Finisterre and in April this year I started in Le Puy with the intention of finishing in Pamplona. I made it as far as Cahors where I had to abandon because of severe pain in both knees due to osteoarthritis. I was...

I have just finished walking the Camino Frances for the second time. Like last year when I had finished, I am now super fit. At least, my legs are so strong. I love being able to walk up steep hills effortlessly. However, last year, over time, I gradually lost that fitness and by the time I...

I have walked the Camino Frances in 2015, Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Finisterre in 2017 and in April started in Le Puy intending to finish in Pamplona but unfortunately had to abandon in Cahors to to osteoarthritis in both knees. A week ago I had partial knee replacement on my right knee...

Hi, my name's Robo and I'm fat ! According to all the guides I should be about 20 kg lighter! I've been reading lots of interesting posts and threads recently about topics such as: How to train for the Camino. How much weight will I lose on the Camino I'm trying to lose weight before I go...

Hi I came back from completing the Camino Frances from SJPDP to Finistiere in June. Loved every moment. But I think it was the last straw for my left knee. Since I’ve had three cortisone injections, acupuncture but after X-ray it seems I have cartilage wear and all the muscle stenthening...

I am starting to realise that my knees might be totally screwed up. After three Caminos walking overweight. Arthritis and torn meniscus might cause ongoing troubles. My doctor warned that a knee replacement can be very painful. Anyone had one? What was your before and after experience?

Hi, I took my first shot at CF in april. I started in SJPDP, and had 6 days for walking. After the first two days, my knees were killing me. To avoid this on my next Camino-experience I will bring hiking poles, and hopefully shred some kilos from my bodyweight. I would also like to do some...

Hi everyone, I love the community spirit of this forum! I’ve been thinking about doing the camino for many years and have always read postings on this forum... and finally i could make time this year to do the CF from SJPdP this month! I’m female in early 40’s from Switzerland. I’m pretty much...

Hello Everyone. We are announcing English speaking AA and Alanon once a month now, last Saturday of every month. Next meeting is Sept. 29, 12 to 1 AA and 1 to 2 Alanon. I have attached the flyer with phone numbers if you have more questions. We have 25 meetings in Madrid and pilgrims were...

Hi, all! For a few months, I have been loosely considering walking the Camino some time in the future. I am actually training for a half marathon in early May right now, and it just occurred to me that shortly after the half marathon may be a good time to walk the Camino. I am normally a...

I've suffered from a torn meniscus for many years and most recently arthritis in my left knee. It hasn't ever stopped me walking the Camino and last year when I volunteered at a hostel I walked there to get myself into the right frame of mind. I only have to be careful going downhill or over...

Hello everyone! Just a general question: How much weight did you gain or lose on the camino? I will begin the camino in March. I have been trying to be more active to prepare, and I have lost 38 pounds (17kg) so far. In my recent research about the camino, I read a post that someone gained 15...

How much weight did you lose on your Camino walk? I dropped close to 4 kilos (8 lbs.) and returned home close to my “ideal weight”. But I guess the last day’s diving into my homemade stew will change that rapidly :D

Hi, A friend and I are hoping to cycle the Camino, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, in October. Ideally we want to aim to do it in 12 days, while giving ourselves 2 extra days to rest/explore/catch up if needed (worst comes to worst, we have also another week in Spain after that but we want...

The Fitbit seems to be making the news in the Forum, mostly by being lost! I have lost three so far, and have had three others fail during the warranty period (and one outside the warranty), so I can sympathize on that issues. As a long time wearer, I have: 14,278,512 total steps 24,485 floors...

So here's the thing: I live in Europe in a city where we walk *a lot*. I regularly walk 10-12 km in a day in my ballet flats and my 5kg laptop bag slung over my shoulder without an issue, and I've gone on a few 20-25km training 'hikes' to some of the hidden treasures in my city (combining...

This feels like the right year for me to walk the Camino-- much change in my life, and many "What's it all about?" questions to chew on. But I'm feeling fear, because I'm not in the best shape of my life. If it's possible to "train as I go," I'd really like to get on the road in May-- before...