So, you’ve decided to take on our Camino de Santiago abbreviated trek, the Camino Classic. Congratulations! You’ve just committed to walking 81 miles, which is roughly equivalent to trekking across the length of a Netflix binge session — but with more fresh air and fewer bags of popcorn. (And yes, I’m currently re-watching “The Queen’s Gambit” yet again for no good reason.) Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered with tips on how to get ready for this epic journey. Let’s dive in!

1. Get Your Feet (and Shoes) Ready

First things first: your feet. They’re going to be your best friends and, potentially, worst enemies on this trek, so treat them well. Start by choosing good hiking boots and breaking them in properly. This is not the time to go cheap or stylish; comfort is king. To break them in, go for a few short hikes to begin with, gradually increasing your distance each week. Aim to cover about 10 miles in a single outing before you hit the Camino, which should have both your boots and your feet ready.

Example: Take weekend hikes in your local park or nature reserve. Bring a backpack and wear the kind of socks you plan to use on the trek. Trust us, blisters are no joke, and the only thing worse than a blister is a blister you got because you were too cool for Merino wool socks.

2. Strengthen Your Core and Legs

You don’t need to become a gym rat, but some strength training will help you tackle those hills without huffing and puffing like the Big Bad Wolf. Focus on exercises that build your core and leg strength. Squats, lunges, and planks should be your new best friends, although you’ll probably be cursing them a lot.

Example: Incorporate a few sets of squats and lunges into your daily routine. If you’re watching TV, do a plank during commercials. By the time you’re done with a season of your favorite show, you’ll have abs of steel and legs that can power you across those Spanish trails.

3. Master the Art of Light Packing

On the Camino Classic, our abbreviated 81-mile itinerary, you won’t need to carry everything but the kitchen sink—just the essentials for that particular day. Pre-booked lodging, meals, and a local guide mean you can pack light. Practice packing your backpack and take it on your training hikes. The goal is to find the sweet spot between being prepared and not overloading yourself.

Example: On your practice hikes, carry a backpack with about 10-15 pounds of weight. Pack the essentials: water, snacks, a first aid kit, and an extra layer. You’ll quickly learn what you really need and what you can live without.

The Final Push

The Camino de Santiago’s French Way is more than just a trek; it’s a journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. And with our Camino Classic, you get the best of the Camino experience without the hassle of planning every detail and hoping you can find a bed each night.

Head over to our Camino Classic page and book your spot today. Adventure awaits — don’t be rude and keep it waiting! This fall’s dates are October 19-28.

P.S. Remember, every step you take now is one less you’ll have to worry about on the trail.

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