My Camino Journey: Part 2 – Gearing Up and Getting Inspired

As the months to my Camino journey count down, the excitement is building in a very tangible way. I just booked my flights to Santiago, Spain (woohoo), and I've officially stepped into the gear-gathering phase—and oh, what fun it's been! So much to consider and research, but October isn't that far away!

Finding My Foundation: The Perfect Shoes

One of the most thrilling moments so far? Trying on shoes at REI and walking out with the Merrell Speed 2 GTX. These shoes were a good option—lightweight, supportive, and waterproof. I also picked up some hiking socks and liners to evaluate. Comfort is king on the Camino, and I'm determined to get my foot setup right so there are no blisters or other foot issues.

I’ve taken the shoes on two 4-mile test drives to the park near my house, all good so far. I also tried the new Smartwool socks. Of course more breaking in will be necessary but building on my established routine of daily workouts and gym sessions, I've now added these crucial walking sessions four times a week. Already rising each day and going to the gym, I am now including these dedicated walks that range from brisk neighborhood loops to longer explorations.

This month marks an exciting shift in my training plan. Moving forward, I'll be increasing my mileage with two weekly sessions at the local park and hiking trails, building the specific endurance I'll need for those long Camino days. The recumbent bike at the gym continues to provide excellent cardiovascular conditioning while being gentle on my joints, especially important given my knee concerns.

The Great Gear Hunt

Beyond shoes, I've been researching trekking poles (using my old ones in the picture) and daypacks, weighing weight versus durability, and thinking carefully about what will be easiest on my back. I'll be slow walking the final stage of the Camino Francés, approximately 110 km from Sarria to Santiago, so it's all about finding that sweet spot between support and simplicity. I am using Camino Ways to transport my suitcase, so I won’t need a full backpack. They are also taking care of my nightly accommodation. For my first time out I really wanted the support of an experienced company.

The great daypack debate has consumed more hours than I care to admit. Who knew there could be so many considerations for what seems like such a straightforward piece of equipment? Weight distribution, capacity, ventilation systems, hydration compatibility – the rabbit hole runs deep. I've been reading reviews, watching YouTube comparisons, and spending perhaps too much time in outdoor gear shops testing how different packs feel with varying loads. I had a conversation with my Orthopedist about support, and I may end up with a bigger pack that offers lumbar support and just not fill it up. I will need to decide soon so I can add it to my training.

Building Strength Beyond the Steps

My regular daily schedule has included the gym for some time, and while walking builds the specific muscles and cardiovascular base I'll need, strength training fills in the gaps. I'm focusing on exercises that will support those long days of carrying a pack: core stability work, shoulder and back strengthening, and plenty of attention to my glutes and hips. Every muscle group plays a role on this journey!

Digital Research and Real Inspiration

Of course, no modern pilgrimage prep would be complete without a healthy dose of YouTube and internet research. I've watched dozens of videos detailing every step, every Albergue, and every blister of the Camino Francés. I've also conducted a deeper dive into the accommodations that will be arranged for me by CaminoWays.com. I know they could change, but they look good so far!

I will say that two films truly stirred my soul and brought the journey to life in deeply personal ways. They have stuck with me. The first is The Way, starring Martin Sheen and directed by his son Emilio Estevez. The film follows a father walking the Camino in honor of his son who passed away early in the trek. It's beautifully shot and filled with moments that reflect the camaraderie, challenge, and unexpected emotional gifts of the Camino.

The second is Bill Bennett's memoir and documentary, both titled The Way, My Way. His honest, often humorous and profoundly reflective storytelling captures what it really means to walk this path—not just with your feet, but with your heart wide open. Watching his journey unfold on screen and reading his words offered both inspiration and reassurance. It reminded me that this pilgrimage is as much about letting go as it is about moving forward.

Building Community Before the Journey

I am following Bill now on Facebook as well as several Camino groups, such as Camino de Santiago Women over 50+ All Routes, Slow Strollers on the Camino, and Northern California Camino Pilgrims. There are many of them! They have some regional groups, and they have events. I also just started my own, Central Valley Camino Pilgrims, in the hopes that I could find people here in the Central Valley (Fresno) who are planning to do the pilgrimage for some possible training and socializing! I have a list of groups at the end of the blog.

Online I also found American Pilgrims on the Camino, and I already ordered my credentials from them. They are the only US-based association for people interested in the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. The American Pilgrims are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer driven, organization consisting of more than 2,000 members. They also support regional Camino groups around the country. If I can get my local group going, I will join them.

The highlight of this month was the Camino 101 seminar at REI. Sitting in that room with a dozen other future pilgrims, listening to someone who had walked the path multiple times, made everything feel more real and more achievable at the same time. The presenters, Tom and Nancy, have been trekking various routes of the Camino since 2015, and now as older Pilgrims continue to plan their next one! I am actually going to interview them for my show, Senior Travel Adventures for the August 2025 episode. They covered a lot of great info and experiences including the cultural etiquette of staying in Albergue. I left with a lot of practical tips, but I also left with something less tangible – a deeper understanding of what this journey might offer beyond the physical challenge.

Testing My Limits

My recent trip to Italy also gave me a chance to test myself. For 15 days, I averaged about 8 miles a day exploring cities, villages, and coastlines. It was a great trial run—no foot issues at all, just the occasional twinge in my back. My knees are still an issue, but a visit as soon as I got back to the Orthopedist to discuss my options was worthwhile! An injection of Hyaluronic Acid in my left knee to carry me through the training was the first action. Perhaps bilateral cortisone shots the month before I leave might be needed. That's something I'll continue to monitor as I refine my gear and training. I need my knees and feet to do their jobs and if medical intervention can play a role, then so be it!

What surprises me most is how naturally this training expansion has fit into my routine. My pace is steady, and more importantly, I'm learning to listen to my body's signals during these longer walking sessions. This focused practice isn't just building physical endurance; it's teaching me the rhythm and mental resilience I'll need on the Camino itself. My husband who has watched me participate in triathlons, half marathons, and many cycling events told me this pilgrimage will be a “walk in the park” for me. Not so sure about that, so I’ll keep up my training.

Looking Ahead

As I head into the monthly countdown, I'm feeling more confident about the physical preparation but increasingly curious about the mental and spiritual aspects of this journey. Training walks are becoming a form of moving meditation, and I'm starting to understand why so many people describe the Camino as transformative. Today I thought through my upcoming application for a documentary grant about staying active while aging in my head, and came home and put it in my computer! Stay tuned for more on that!

Every choice I make—from poles to pack to travel brings me one step closer to Santiago. This journey is already changing , and I haven't even started walking yet. The kilometers from Sarria to Santiago are waiting, and with each day of training, I feel more ready to meet them.

Buen Camino!

Following my journey? Subscribe to stay updated on my monthly training progress and preparation for the Camino Frances. Posted on FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/seniortraveladventures