Senior on the Camino

[Quahaug]

I am a 78 year old senior scheduled to walk the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela stage of the Camino in early March. Although healthy and mobile I have never walked this kind of distance. I walk three or four times a week, 2-3 miles, without difficulty and think I can handle 10 or 12 miles a day but probably not more. I arranging my bag to be transported from accommodation to accommodation and am reserving single rooms Along the way. Any advice or tips?

 

[joeboybollo]

I am a 78 year old senior scheduled to walk the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela stage of the Camino in early March. Although healthy and mobile I have never walked this kind of distance. I walk three or four times a week, 2-3 miles, without difficulty and think I can handle 10 or 12 miles a day but probably not more. I arranging my bag to be transported from accommodation to accommodation and am reserving single rooms Along the way. Any advice or tips?

I had my 79th.birthday on my Portuguese Camino 2 weeks ago and I hadn't walked a camino for 8/9 years.The first 2 or 3 days were a bit tough but follow the general advice.Rest your feet every couple of hours.Dont try to keep up with Camino family.You'll meet them later anyway.After 2/3/days you'll be feeling great and looking forward to that big square in front of the Cathedral.Enjoy,its not a competition.

 

[mspath]

To help you plan going forward although at an advanced age check out this helpful earlier thread filled with useful links and posts

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/are-you-70-and-still-walking-caminos.59442/

Whenever/wherever you do go
Carpe diem and Buen camino!

 

[J Willhaus]

Met an 82 year young pilgrim this week walking from his home in France. He was carrying his own pack and said the key for him is to keep distances shorter than when he was younger, rest often, and enjoy the Way rather than treat it like a contest.

 

[JMac56]

Buy some good quality walking sticks, learn how to use them properly, and use them all the time on your Way. Buen Camino.

 

[Richmond Gardner]

I am a 78 year old senior scheduled to walk the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela stage of the Camino in early March. Although healthy and mobile I have never walked this kind of distance. I walk three or four times a week, 2-3 miles, without difficulty and think I can handle 10 or 12 miles a day but probably not more. I arranging my bag to be transported from accommodation to accommodation and am reserving single rooms Along the way. Any advice or tips?

Quahaug, eh? Would you, by any chance, be a Rhode Island transplant?

 

[Harland2019]

It is difficult to give advice as we are all different. I walked the CF from SJPdP starting on my 75th birthday last year over 31 days ranging from 25 miles to 9 miles a day. Clearly, fitness is a major determinant but also a positive mind. I booked accommodation in advance all the way in advance despite concern by some about "what if". After a few days, I decided that I wasn't enjoying it as much as it was proving a bit more difficult especially uphill than in pre-Covid days so I sent my pack ahead. So to finish, start early try and get beyond halfway well before midday, rest frequently, "plod along" and enjoy the scenery, the first sign of any issue then rethink the day - it could be just to change socks! Think about the shower at the end of the day, a nice meal with fellow pilgrims, and a drink or two, and a good night's sleep!

 

[Quahaug]

Quahaug, eh? Would you, by any chance, be a Rhode Island transplant?

Connecticut. At one time a clam farmer.

 

[Richmond Gardner]

Connecticut. At one time a clam farmer.

Close enough for me!

 

[Old Hillwalker]

This old Yankee from Maine walked his first full Camino from SJPDP in 2012 at 73. Since then I have been back 6 more times. Two hours ago I made my plane reservation to depart for Spain on August 30. Last September I contracted Covid in San Vicente de la Barquera and terminated my walk. This August I will return and pick up where I left off. For the first time I will use the baggage transport service as I will be turning 84 on the Del Norte this year. My doctor tells me to "keep walking" to stay alive.

 

[peregrina2000]

My doctor tells me to "keep walking" to stay alive.

I can think of no better advice. I am about a decade behind you but hoping to keep on just like you. Wishing you a wonderful camino!

 

[joeboybollo]

This old Yankee from Maine walked his first full Camino from SJPDP in 2012 at 73. Since then I have been back 6 more times. Two hours ago I made my plane reservation to depart for Spain on August 30. Last September I contracted Covid in San Vicente de la Barquera and terminated my walk. This August I will return and pick up where I left off. For the first time I will use the baggage transport service as I will be turning 84 on the Del Norte this year. My doctor tells me to "keep walking" to stay alive.

Keep right on.