Thanks for the videos Rob. Fortunately my wife and I walk together a lot, and we are probably are considered fast walkers (5km/hr) when carrying a pack and walking 15-28km per day. However, my wife will suffer with a bad knee when carrying a pack for long distances whereas it doesn’t seem to bother me so we split the gear so that her bag is lighter (she is very slight). We walk together and have long breaks around 10km marks. I take the photos and videos, let her keep moving and I catch her up. The important thing is to plan so that the strongest adjusts their pace and distance to the weakest if you are walking as a couple. I plan in detail and adjust on a day to day basis depending on what I think my wife can cope with to ensure we get to Santiago in one piece.
Yep, that's what we do. Pat is about half my weight and size, so I carry a few of her things. I like to stop a lot and take videos/photos, but she likes to keep moving, so it works out well. We stay within sight of each other.
As I am the escargot of my family, it’s always like “see you at the next bar” or “see you in top of the hill “ (not good in going uphill). So I always calculate more time depending the climbs, especially in Galicia 😊. Next year we’re doing Sanabres and if it goes well there, also Fisterra. 🍀🇧🇪
Yep I’m a 3.5kmh on average peregrino!! At that speed there is a risk of arriving too late to guarantee a bed at donativos, so i book at least a night ahead elsewhere.
Good man! There's not many of us Tortoises out there 🙂 Last year I actually got into the habit of leaving pre-dawn. I'd hit the road about 15 mins before twilight. Such a wonderful part of the day, as nature is waking up around you. I did it main ly to avoid the heat of the day on the VdlP, but loved it. Also means I arrive in time for a Menu del Dia lunch!
I am a very slow walker (I plan for 3km/hr) and after two Caminos I have learned my comfort level is 15-18km. I can do an occasional 20k. Beyond that, it becomes too much. My longest day was 26k and I didn’t think I would make it. Therefore I will always stick to routes where those shorter lengths are possible.
100%. I was not exactly worried last year, walking the VdlP, but I studied the route well because of some of the distance challenges. So I always had a Plan B if the distances became a problem. I ended up doing quite a few short days of 12-18 kms as a result. One stretch in particular, was 27 kms with nothing along the way in terms of services. At the upper end of my comfort zone. So I had a Plan B and a Plan C in case I had to bale out along the way. In fact it was great. Mostly due to it all being on a really nice walking surface. Dirt farm tracks. A bit of prior planning does wonders for the confidence.
@@robscamino The terrain makes a huge difference. My 26k day was on the Portuguese central route, mostly cobblestones, and it made it way worse than if it had been just about anything else underfoot.
Cobblestones are one of the reasons I avoid Portugal actually. My feet would not survive! Plus I love Spain and have plenty more routes to walk there yet.... 🙂
The physical is usually the easy part. Its the mental day in day out that is harder. Knowing speeds amd limits help. Especially if you want to sleep in a few times in a row to reset but still need to keep on moving. You can book in advance knowing your speed amd distance limits and still stop yourself from getting burnt out when I on a schedule.
Yes, very true. I think mastery of the physical challenges comes with practice. Knowing what you are capable of, and being sensible. Even then a few curved balls always seem to show up! But the mental/emotional challenge? A whole new ball game and I think far more challenging. But like you say. Having the physical aspects under control to a degree, really do help with the mental challenges. It's funny. On my very first Camino, the emotional challenges were fairly major for me. Perhaps in part to carrying injuries the whole way? Last time? Over a much longer distance (1200 kms) Not really a problem at all.
Hi Rob great video blog I just have a little itch to scratch myself and my wife just finished six weeks walking the comino again I think the comino is becoming more of a hiking holiday for a lot of people my itcc is getting to the albergue at opening times and find its full with hiking bags 🎒 in the hallway but worse big suitcases after walking 25 klms it's hard not to be annoyed this happened about 3 times to us this year so we decided to book ahead its not the comino way but we had no choice now no offence to pilgrims who want to do it that way but for pilgrims who want to do it without booking it a bummer again every one to their own my apologies if anyone takes offence maybe now my itch will dissappear 😂dissappear thanks again for your blogs lionel buen comino to all
I understand where you are coming from. And certainly the Frances route is getting a bit more like a hiking holiday destination. I don't blame the Hikers though. With all the marketing hype from tour companies and luggage transfer companies, for anyone new to the Camino, it must seem that's the normal way to do it. Regarding the bags and suitcases in the hallways of Albergues, many Donativos and I think most Municipals won't accept luggage transfers now. And if you turn up, to see a line of 'delivered' bags, but the owners have not yet arrived, you should have priority in getting a bed anyway. But it's all down to the individual Albergue of course. Without wishing to sound defeatist, and I love the Frances route, and would always recommend it as a first Camino, my view may change. The Frances is very special, but I think there will come a time when it reaches capacity and loses its uniqueness. But hey. Things change. And we who walk it more than once are all part of the problem. If I had to choose an alternative great Newbie route, it would be hard though. I'll have to think about that. You raise the topic of booking ahead too. That is a vicious circle in my view. (though I often book one day ahead myself). Many people will book multiple places, as they can't decide where they will stay or how far they will walk. Then they fail to cancel the bookings no longer required. This leads to places saying they are full, when they are not. And everyone misses out. An accomodation owner recently shared that 1/3 of all bookings don't show up at their place!! That is despicable behaviour I reckon. OK, I'll get off my soap box. Look to other routes for your next one. Plenty to choose from!
My comfortable distance is also 20 - 25. On longer Caminos, I allow 14 days to get fit before raising my game. 'Naismith's Rule' is handy for planning.
Your concept of pushing/challenging yourself changed as your joints/ligaments etc age!!! Looking after yourself as those changes happen is a lesson that has to be learned. I’m there logically, but practicing it still feels slack. It turns out that comfort is not a crime! Great points Rob, appreciate the strategies
I still have my moments! On a 'good' day I might increase my pace a bit for a good workout. and just to see what time I can get to the next village. But it's rare! I'm generally more aware of the fact that I might still have 20-30-40-50 days to walk. And so I'm very conscious of taking care of my joints so that I make it!
Rob--great discussion! and really good to dive a little deeper into the daily goals of walking and how we see ourselves moving from day to day. I'm thinking 12-15 miles (19-24 KM) per day. I am a fast hiker in the mountains but have never done these Camino kinds of distances on paths/roads. My city walking has usually been in the 4-10-mile range. I'm also trying to ease up my pace these days as I transition into my 60s!
For anyone new to walking a Camino, I would suggest erring on the safe side, and planning shorter distances. There is nothing worse than feeling under pressure to meet deadlines. Whereas if you feel more able to walk long distances, you have more time to enjoy the places along the way with that spare time you gain.
I still love your videos 😊 When I plan my day I always add extra time on top of... (Im a slow walker too, health is not too great, love taking photos, stop for brakes etc). If my "calculations" is to arrive at 14, I tell my self "I should be there about 15-16". Then I often "surprise myself by being early". This would be nonsence for some, a nice motovation treat for others 😉 Camino is a lot of mental training too. Keep "ramling"! Thanks again for keeping the videos comming - its a great way to keep "The Camino dream" alive...
I know what you mean. As I mostly walk alone, I'm often keeping myself amused with trying to work out when I'll reach Point A or Point B. But of course I 'must' aim to finish in time for a Menu del Dia lunch when available! 🙂
I’ve always enjoyed doing the research before a trip, the wheres, whens, whats, of it all, but my Camino planning is a horse of a different color, for sure. I hope to follow a “go slow, go short, go long” approach, but with the flexibility to tinker with it depending on the prevailing conditions, not least of which will be that of key body parts😂. Thanks to your invaluable videos, I feel even more stoked to get this show on the road🙏🏽 By the way, have you done a winter Camino? I don’t recall a series about such, but I may have missed it.
No, I haven't done a Winter Camino. I've often thought about it. But I'm not really a Cold weather person! I left the UK 30 years ago because of the weather 😳 And a cold Winter for me now is one where it's cold enough that I have to wear socks at home! Maybe one day though. Cold and dry I can cope with. I used to love skiing in my younger days. Cold and wet? Nah........
I am bad at judging distance but can read time. I average 4kms/hr (on the mostly flat) so a 24km day is six hours. I calibrate my walk by time not distance which I find easy. Also, if I am planning the next day I know with reasonable accuracy just when I will be at any location. If I am expecting a late lunch I will pack an extra snack for example.
I'm a bit the same. In my head a 24 km walk is 7 hours. So I really just focus on that once I start. Though why is it the last 3 kms or so seems to take forever? 🙄
@@robscamino There is a “Chinese “ saying - when you have covered 90 miles on a journey of 100 miles you are half done. Sounds like it came from a Christmas cracker but I like the sentiment.
Definitely true walking a Camino. The last 4-5 kms always 'seem' to take just as long as the whole earlier part of the walk! And of course the place I'm staying at, is on top of a hill. 😳
Thanks for the videos Rob. Fortunately my wife and I walk together a lot, and we are probably are considered fast walkers (5km/hr) when carrying a pack and walking 15-28km per day. However, my wife will suffer with a bad knee when carrying a pack for long distances whereas it doesn’t seem to bother me so we split the gear so that her bag is lighter (she is very slight). We walk together and have long breaks around 10km marks. I take the photos and videos, let her keep moving and I catch her up. The important thing is to plan so that the strongest adjusts their pace and distance to the weakest if you are walking as a couple. I plan in detail and adjust on a day to day basis depending on what I think my wife can cope with to ensure we get to Santiago in one piece.
Yep, that's what we do. Pat is about half my weight and size, so I carry a few of her things. I like to stop a lot and take videos/photos, but she likes to keep moving, so it works out well. We stay within sight of each other.
As I am the escargot of my family, it’s always like “see you at the next bar” or “see you in top of the hill “ (not good in going uphill). So I always calculate more time depending the climbs, especially in Galicia 😊. Next year we’re doing Sanabres and if it goes well there, also Fisterra. 🍀🇧🇪
Yep, we are both Escargot too! Why rush? 🙂
Hi Rob, Great advice. Thank you 🏕
Hope it made sense. It doesn't always 🙄
Yep I’m a 3.5kmh on average peregrino!! At that speed there is a risk of arriving too late to guarantee a bed at donativos, so i book at least a night ahead elsewhere.
Good man! There's not many of us Tortoises out there 🙂 Last year I actually got into the habit of leaving pre-dawn. I'd hit the road about 15 mins before twilight. Such a wonderful part of the day, as nature is waking up around you. I did it main ly to avoid the heat of the day on the VdlP, but loved it. Also means I arrive in time for a Menu del Dia lunch!
I am a very slow walker (I plan for 3km/hr) and after two Caminos I have learned my comfort level is 15-18km. I can do an occasional 20k. Beyond that, it becomes too much. My longest day was 26k and I didn’t think I would make it. Therefore I will always stick to routes where those shorter lengths are possible.
100%. I was not exactly worried last year, walking the VdlP, but I studied the route well because of some of the distance challenges. So I always had a Plan B if the distances became a problem. I ended up doing quite a few short days of 12-18 kms as a result. One stretch in particular, was 27 kms with nothing along the way in terms of services. At the upper end of my comfort zone. So I had a Plan B and a Plan C in case I had to bale out along the way. In fact it was great. Mostly due to it all being on a really nice walking surface. Dirt farm tracks. A bit of prior planning does wonders for the confidence.
@@robscamino The terrain makes a huge difference. My 26k day was on the Portuguese central route, mostly cobblestones, and it made it way worse than if it had been just about anything else underfoot.
Cobblestones are one of the reasons I avoid Portugal actually. My feet would not survive! Plus I love Spain and have plenty more routes to walk there yet.... 🙂
@@robscamino I must say I felt a certain sense of relief upon crossing the border into Spain!
The physical is usually the easy part. Its the mental day in day out that is harder. Knowing speeds amd limits help. Especially if you want to sleep in a few times in a row to reset but still need to keep on moving. You can book in advance knowing your speed amd distance limits and still stop yourself from getting burnt out when I on a schedule.
Yes, very true. I think mastery of the physical challenges comes with practice. Knowing what you are capable of, and being sensible. Even then a few curved balls always seem to show up! But the mental/emotional challenge? A whole new ball game and I think far more challenging. But like you say. Having the physical aspects under control to a degree, really do help with the mental challenges.
It's funny. On my very first Camino, the emotional challenges were fairly major for me. Perhaps in part to carrying injuries the whole way? Last time? Over a much longer distance (1200 kms) Not really a problem at all.
Hi Rob great video blog I just have a little itch to scratch myself and my wife just finished six weeks walking the comino again I think the comino is becoming more of a hiking holiday for a lot of people my itcc is getting to the albergue at opening times and find its full with hiking bags 🎒 in the hallway but worse big suitcases after walking 25 klms it's hard not to be annoyed this happened about 3 times to us this year so we decided to book ahead its not the comino way but we had no choice now no offence to pilgrims who want to do it that way but for pilgrims who want to do it without booking it a bummer again every one to their own my apologies if anyone takes offence maybe now my itch will dissappear 😂dissappear thanks again for your blogs lionel buen comino to all
I understand where you are coming from. And certainly the Frances route is getting a bit more like a hiking holiday destination. I don't blame the Hikers though. With all the marketing hype from tour companies and luggage transfer companies, for anyone new to the Camino, it must seem that's the normal way to do it.
Regarding the bags and suitcases in the hallways of Albergues, many Donativos and I think most Municipals won't accept luggage transfers now. And if you turn up, to see a line of 'delivered' bags, but the owners have not yet arrived, you should have priority in getting a bed anyway. But it's all down to the individual Albergue of course.
Without wishing to sound defeatist, and I love the Frances route, and would always recommend it as a first Camino, my view may change. The Frances is very special, but I think there will come a time when it reaches capacity and loses its uniqueness. But hey. Things change. And we who walk it more than once are all part of the problem.
If I had to choose an alternative great Newbie route, it would be hard though. I'll have to think about that.
You raise the topic of booking ahead too. That is a vicious circle in my view. (though I often book one day ahead myself). Many people will book multiple places, as they can't decide where they will stay or how far they will walk. Then they fail to cancel the bookings no longer required. This leads to places saying they are full, when they are not. And everyone misses out. An accomodation owner recently shared that 1/3 of all bookings don't show up at their place!! That is despicable behaviour I reckon. OK, I'll get off my soap box.
Look to other routes for your next one. Plenty to choose from!
My comfortable distance is also 20 - 25. On longer Caminos, I allow 14 days to get fit before raising my game. 'Naismith's Rule' is handy for planning.
Yes, a handy rule.......
Your concept of pushing/challenging yourself changed as your joints/ligaments etc age!!! Looking after yourself as those changes happen is a lesson that has to be learned. I’m there logically, but practicing it still feels slack. It turns out that comfort is not a crime! Great points Rob, appreciate the strategies
I still have my moments! On a 'good' day I might increase my pace a bit for a good workout. and just to see what time I can get to the next village. But it's rare! I'm generally more aware of the fact that I might still have 20-30-40-50 days to walk. And so I'm very conscious of taking care of my joints so that I make it!
@@robscamino that’s a great reminder to self - will this stuff up my next 20,30, etc days? Am going to shamelessly steal it! Thx
Rob--great discussion! and really good to dive a little deeper into the daily goals of walking and how we see ourselves moving from day to day. I'm thinking 12-15 miles (19-24 KM) per day. I am a fast hiker in the mountains but have never done these Camino kinds of distances on paths/roads. My city walking has usually been in the 4-10-mile range. I'm also trying to ease up my pace these days as I transition into my 60s!
For anyone new to walking a Camino, I would suggest erring on the safe side, and planning shorter distances. There is nothing worse than feeling under pressure to meet deadlines. Whereas if you feel more able to walk long distances, you have more time to enjoy the places along the way with that spare time you gain.
I still love your videos 😊
When I plan my day I always add extra time on top of... (Im a slow walker too, health is not too great, love taking photos, stop for brakes etc). If my "calculations" is to arrive at 14, I tell my self "I should be there about 15-16". Then I often "surprise myself by being early". This would be nonsence for some, a nice motovation treat for others 😉 Camino is a lot of mental training too.
Keep "ramling"!
Thanks again for keeping the videos comming - its a great way to keep "The Camino dream" alive...
I know what you mean. As I mostly walk alone, I'm often keeping myself amused with trying to work out when I'll reach Point A or Point B. But of course I 'must' aim to finish in time for a Menu del Dia lunch when available! 🙂
I’ve always enjoyed doing the research before a trip, the wheres, whens, whats, of it all, but my Camino planning is a horse of a different color, for sure. I hope to follow a “go slow, go short, go long” approach, but with the flexibility to tinker with it depending on the prevailing conditions, not least of which will be that of key body parts😂. Thanks to your invaluable videos, I feel even more stoked to get this show on the road🙏🏽 By the way, have you done a winter Camino? I don’t recall a series about such, but I may have missed it.
No, I haven't done a Winter Camino. I've often thought about it. But I'm not really a Cold weather person! I left the UK 30 years ago because of the weather 😳 And a cold Winter for me now is one where it's cold enough that I have to wear socks at home! Maybe one day though. Cold and dry I can cope with. I used to love skiing in my younger days. Cold and wet? Nah........
😂Thanks for the fast response. I’m not real keen on cold ‘n wet either. Looking forward to your next episode.
@@gregoryhageage6362 Coming tomorrow. Walking surfaces......
I enjoy the ramble always good 👍
Thanks 👍
I am bad at judging distance but can read time. I average 4kms/hr (on the mostly flat) so a 24km day is six hours. I calibrate my walk by time not distance which I find easy. Also, if I am planning the next day I know with reasonable accuracy just when I will be at any location. If I am expecting a late lunch I will pack an extra snack for example.
I'm a bit the same. In my head a 24 km walk is 7 hours. So I really just focus on that once I start. Though why is it the last 3 kms or so seems to take forever? 🙄
@@robscamino There is a “Chinese “ saying - when you have covered 90 miles on a journey of 100 miles you are half done. Sounds like it came from a Christmas cracker but I like the sentiment.
Definitely true walking a Camino. The last 4-5 kms always 'seem' to take just as long as the whole earlier part of the walk! And of course the place I'm staying at, is on top of a hill. 😳