Thinking about heading to the Camino?
Before you lace up, save yourself a world of pain and make sure you know what not to do! Whether it’s your first time or your seventh, avoiding these common traps will make all the difference.
Don’t wear brand new shoes. Break them in thoroughly months beforehand, or prepare for blister city.
Don’t wear waterproof shoes in summer. Sure, they keep the rain out, but they trap the sweat in. Trapped moisture equals damp skin, and damp feet are a guaranteed recipe for nasty blisters!
Don’t get a pedicure or wear toe polish. Pedicures strip away protective calluses, while toe polish traps sweat in warm hiking shoes, significantly increasing your risk of fungal infections and masking early signs of nail damage. Leave your toenails natural!
Don’t carry too much. Pack your fears, and you’ll pay for it by lunchtime. If you don’t use it in 3 days, you don’t need it!
Don’t rely on just water. Plain H2O isn’t enough when you’re sweating for hours on end—always pack electrolytes to prevent cramping and keep your energy up!
Don’t race. Just because you’re fit and can walk fast doesn’t mean you should. There’s no prize for finishing first, only sore joints.
Don’t skip your breaks. Thinking stops are “for the weak” is a fast track to burnout. Rest your feet, air them out, and enjoy the scenery.
Don’t ignore blisters or injuries. They never magically heal themselves while walking—treat them early and treat them right.
Don’t assume running fitness equals Camino fitness. Pounding 20km+ on hard surfaces day after day is a totally different beast than your weekend trail run.
Don’t think walking poles aren’t important. Get a good, lightweight pair and learn how to use them—they save your knees on the descents and are a total game-changer for your balance and posture.
Remember: It’s not a race. The only person you are competing with is yourself, and there is no prize for first place. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery, eat the Santiago cake, and just soak it all in!
