Eight Months Out: What I’m Thinking About as I Prepare for the Portuguese Camino
Eight months out from our Camino feels like a ton of time, and yet I know that fall will come, then Christmas, and then before you know it we are on a plane headed to Portugal! Do you remember the dreams about the first day of school and you walk in and realize you have no clothes on?! I am not having that dream per se, but I do have a fear of being on day 3 of our walking and thinking I had no idea what I was getting myself into!?
I am a researcher, and I want to be as prepared as I can be so that I can enjoy every second of this thing I have been dreaming about for more than a year now! I thought I would share a few things I am starting to think about and research as we prepare to do this journey together.
Walking: Rebuilding My Rhythm with Kindness
I am really good at stopping and starting healthy habits. I have been mildly active for about 7 years. From walking to running to weight lifting to yoga. But for the last 6 months, other than walking a few times a week with a friend, I haven’t been consistent in any routine. So right now, I’m focusing on getting back into a steady walking rhythm. I know that walking for 12 days straight will be a consistency that I have never experienced, so right now I am simply trying to let my body start getting used to slow, steady miles.
I’ve mapped out a slow, safe plan to increase my mileage. Every week or two, I add a little bit more mileage, 1-2 miles on a long walk, and try to get walks in 3-4 days a week. I’m letting my body remember what regular walking feels like without overwhelming it.
Stretching: The Quiet Work My Body Needs
After a season of Yoga and a Disney trip, I can say that good stretching and core strength are everything to keeping my body happy. After 20,000 step disney days a 10 min yoga session kept me ready for the next day with the kiddos. When I walk more often, my hips, calves, and lower back speak up quickly. So I am working on building in some simple 10-min stretch sessions morning and night. Stretching has become essential for me.
Right now, I’m focusing on:
Hip‑opening stretches
Gentle hamstring lengthening, as well as calf and Achilles stretching.
A bit of core activation
It’s not long. It’s just consistent. And it makes every walk feel better.
Shoes: Walking Now in What I Plan to Wear Later
I’ve started walking in the type of shoes I want to wear on the Camino. Not necessarily the exact pair, but the same style. I plan on walking in my Brooks with my arch and heel support inserts. I have struggled with plantar fasciitis in the past, and I know these shoes fit me well; with the inserts, I have less heel and foot pain. I am also planning to walk in a pair of Chaco sandals. I do not normally wear closed-toed shoes daily (except in the deep winter), and I know that I will want some days in sandals. This may not be a good option for you, but I am loving it so far. I did a 5-mile walk in Chacos on Monday and other than a small blister (wearing them in), I had NO foot pain at all.
It is a good time to start doing research, not just on the internet, but if you have foot pain, check out an orthopedic foot store, and they can give advice, or a good running store will also evaluate your walking stride to give ideas of what kind of shoe works well for you. Foot Solutions in Chesapeake, VA has a great staff that is so helpful. Point2Point Running in both Chesapeake, VA and Newport News, VA is so helpful and helped me identify my Brooks, and REI in any location will help as well.
A few things I’m keeping in mind:
I’ll replace my Camino shoes 1–2 months before we leave.
I want at least 40–60 miles on the new pair before we fly.
Comfort matters more than brand or trend.
My feet will carry me all the way to Santiago. I’m treating them with care now so they can carry me with joy later.
Socks: Testing What Works for My Feet
I’m experimenting with socks, too — because they matter more than we think. Having at least 2 pairs of good socks will be a lifesaver on the Camino. I have seen a lot of advice saying that you should always carry a dry pair with you so that you can switch out if your feet happen to get wet or moist from sweat. A dry pair can be a lifesaver when trying to prevent or heal blisters.
I have long been a fan of Bombas athletic socks. I wear a lot of merino wool for traveling and have found it to be great, as it is anti-bacterial, wicks away moisture, and dries incredibly fast. I have been able to wear my wool tops for days without washing and with no smell. Many experienced hikers will talk about wool (my favorite brands are Wool& and Woolx (they have more sales). So i am trying some merino wool socks- i have ordered a pair from Woolx and a pair form Darn Tough Socks to try! I don’t like tall socks for everyday wear, but they have all kinds to try out!
I am not a fan of toe socks, but many hikers recommend hiking toe socks, especially if you tend to get toe blisters. You can check some out here:
Right now I am just trying to pay attention to comfort, what feels good, and what is working best with my shoes to prevent blisters and support my feet.
Water & the Bag I’ll Carry
While we are not carrying all of our stuff for this camino, there are still a few things you will think about for your day pack. You will need a safe dry place for items like your passport, money, phone, and Camino passport. We will want some kind of rain gear and a way to carry snacks and water. I am not a good water drinker but it will be essential with this many miles each day.
I am starting to think through what I want. I know that I don’t want to hand-carry a water bottle, so I am experimenting with a small lightweight backpack/vest that has a water bladder that I got on Amazon from a brand I have liked in the past. I am thinking the tube feature where I don’t need to get my bottle out of my bag will encourage me to actually drink it. Most days we will have plenty of opportunities to refill water on the path; there are safe filling stations along the way. I will probably also carry a very small water bottle so that if I want to add flavor or electrolytes along the way, I can without messing up the tubing on the water bladder.
I am also a knitter and like to walk and knit, so I will probably also wear a small fanny pack with a few items, including yarn, so I have my supply as I want it. I
I am trying to think about not putting too much weight on my lower or upper back and keeping things simple. I will start using these now on longer walks so that I can figure out what will work best for me as we go!
Preparing Slowly, Kindly, and With Intention
Eight months out, everything feels like an invitation rather than urgency. I’m enjoying the process — the walking, the stretching, the experimenting, the small adjustments. It’s all part of the pilgrimage long before we ever set foot in Portugal.
If you’re preparing too, I hope you’ll give yourself permission to go slowly, listen to your body, and enjoy the anticipation. The Camino begins long before the first step.
