Camino Training and Preparation for Via Podiensis

Camino Training and Preparation 

Pilgrimage Training for Via Podiensis GR65

Preparing for Pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago requires both physical and mental preparation. We have always started by gradually increasing our walking distance.  Beginning first with short local walks, moving onto day-long treks, and then undertaking weekend hikes to get ready.  Our goal is to be able to comfortably hike 15-20 km a day on varied terrain with our gear to build up our endurance.  Increasing our physical strength and adapting our bodies to help prevent fatigue and injuries while on the Camino.   The key to this is to eventually practice with a loaded backpack to simulate the conditions of pilgrimage.  In addition, we take this time to break in our footwear to ensure a smooth and (hopefully) blister-free journey. 

Bruce Trail End-to-End Hike

This weekend Sean and I participated in an End-to-End hike through the Dufferin Hi-Land section of the Bruce Trail with our friend. The Bruce Trail follows the Niagara  Escarpment, which spans over 890 km from Niagara to Tobermory (Ontario, Canada).  Over the past two years, the three of us have been spending one day a month hiking the trail on our own, and so far we have completed the majority of the three southern sections (approximately 250 km). 

This weekend was our first experience of an organized End-to-End hike of a section, and we enjoyed it enormously!  Each day we hiked approximately 28 km.  We started as a group in the morning

and then spread out along the trail which varied from narrow winding footpaths to boardwalks, to staircases, to muddy tracks, to wide flat stretches through provincial parks.

The spring foliage was just beginning to emerge, and the forest floor was covered in spring wildflowers blooming white, pink, yellow, and purple on the forest floor, the temperature was perfect for hiking, and fortunately, the spring rains missed us!

The scenery along the Dufferin section of the trail was incredibly beautiful and diverse - including rolling hills with gorgeous views

sections of hardwood forest

 river valleys with dense cedar stands

and some beautiful lakes and ponds, among many other delights.

One of the highlights was our encounter with a large ambling porcupine!

Although the terrain in the Dufferin section could be considered challenging to most, the toll it took on our bodies came as a surprise to Sean and me. We had (perhaps naively) thought this hike would be a good opportunity to train for our upcoming hike in France.  We soon learned just how foolish this idea may have been, and are having serious concerns about our ability to survive the Via Podiensis in one piece.  In any event, we survived it and are looking forward to opportunities to participate in future End-to-End hikes.

As Annie says in Six Ways to Santiago, "They say that a bad day for the Ego is a good day for the Soul, so today must have been very good for my Soul!"

Next Stop - Le Puy France and the beginning of the Via Podiensis!

See you on the Trail!