6 September 2026 · 2 min read
How to train for the Camino de Santiago in 8 weeks
A progressive preparation plan to reach Santiago without blisters or tendonitis.
The Camino does not require an athlete, but it does require 20–25 km a day for days on end. What breaks people is not distance: it is repetition. This 8-week plan prevents that.
Weeks 1–2: base
Walk 45–60 minutes, 4 days a week, in the shoes you will wear on the Camino. No pack. Goal: find rubbing points now, not in Roncesvalles.
Weeks 3–4: volume
Three 10–12 km walks midweek and one 15 km walk at the weekend, with a 4 kg pack. Add hills if your route climbs (Francés from Saint-Jean, central Portugués, Inglés).
Weeks 5–6: back-to-back days
Two consecutive days of 18–20 km with the full pack (7–8 kg). This is where you learn whether poles help and whether your socks rub.
Weeks 7–8: rehearsal and taper
One weekend with two back-to-back days of 22–25 km. The last week halve everything: arrive rested.
What helps most
- Feet: cut toenails two days before, vaseline in the morning, seamless socks, shoes off at every stop.
- Knees: poles on the descents (Alto del Perdón, O Cebreiro to Triacastela, Foncebadón to Ponferrada).
- Pace: 3.5 km/h average including stops. Do not rush the first two stages.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I train for the Camino?
Eight progressive weeks are enough: from 45 minutes a day to two back-to-back days of 22–25 km with a pack.
How do I avoid blisters on the Camino?
Broken-in shoes, seamless socks, vaseline in the morning and shoes off at every stop.
Are poles worth it?
Yes, especially on long descents (Alto del Perdón, O Cebreiro, Foncebadón); they reduce knee load.