Preparing for the Camino: From a Decade-Old Dream to the First Step
More than ten years ago, I first heard about the Camino de Santiago. I don’t remember exactly where—but I remember the feeling it left behind. A curiosity about a long walk across Spain where people weren’t just traveling… they were finding something they didn’t even know they were looking for.
What really stayed with me, though, was the idea of the challenge—doing something I had never done before. Walking across a country…when else would I ever walk across a country?Waking up each day not knowing exactly what the trail would bring. Exploring a part of Spain where everything was brand new. The Camino Francés route especially drew me in, with its path winding through small villages and constantly changing landscapes—mountains, farmland, vineyards—just enough variety to keep each things interesting.
At the time, it felt like one of those “someday” bucket list ideas. And then, somehow, someday is only a few days away. But turning a dream into reality—especially one that involves walking nearly 500 miles—comes with a lot of questions. Where do you even begin?
Preparing for Something You’ve Never Done
The honest answer is… I don’t think there’s single right way.
I’ve read plenty of stories (and a couple books) of people who just show up in Spain, lace up their shoes, and start walking. That’s part of the magic of the Camino (so they say). But I also know myself. I think a 30 day hike overseas is worth at least a little preparation. Not just to make it through—but to actually enjoy it along the way. Also one of my favorite things is researching new adventures.
Because the hardest part of the Camino isn’t walking 15 or even 20 miles in a day. It’s waking up and doing it again. And again. And again.
Training for the Everyday
One of the biggest advantages I have is living in Colorado. Arguably some of the best hiking trails ever, but also ones that involve endurance or elevation. It’s hard to ask for a better training ground.
But even with that, I knew I needed to be more intentional about getting consistent miles. I ended up joining a couple of great local Meetup hiking groups, which turned out to be one of the best decisions. It added both structure and accountability—and made hiking a lot more fun. Most weeks, I was getting in 2–3 solid hikes ranging from 7 to 14 miles.
I have always considered myself a hiker, but this adventure is new territory. These hikes helped build confidence in the distance and also for carrying a backpack with everything I was going to need for a month. Hikes also gave me a chance to test gear, figure out what works.
But even that only solves part of the puzzle. Because the Camino isn’t a series of long hikes—it’s a lifestyle for a month.
Preparing Beyond the Physical
There’s also a mental side to all of this.
Preparing for the Camino isn’t just about strength or endurance—it’s about getting comfortable with the unknown. Not having every detail planned. Letting go of the idea that each day needs to look a certain way.
That might actually be the biggest shift of all. Because at some point, the preparation ends—and the walking begins.
