It’s wise to have a reasonable level of health and fitness and to seek medical advice first if you’re uncertain. I’ve always been fairly active although I wasn’t in optimum health when I chose to walk and didn’t actually know if I had the physical strength for the pilgrimage, however I had my heart set on walking at that particular time.

I had gone away on all my previous journeys in fine health without any concerns, this time I had jars of naturopathic tablets to help a digestive issue that was affecting my energy and didn’t do any particular training in advance. Perhaps I had ‘youth’ on my side.

In many ways it’s our mental strength that helps determine our ability to reach a goal, as well as the ability and willingness to listen to the body, knowing when to rest and when it’s ok to exert yourself.

I met pilgrims of all ages and varying fitness levels and lots of people of retirement age were walking. I highly recommend walking poles, they really provide strength and support and I’m sure some regular walking before you begin the pilgrimage helps.

I’d been on lots of long hikes and treks and knew I simply enjoyed walking and was capable of coping with challenging conditions. You just need to keep going. Step by step. To borrow a favourite phase from my father, “put your best foot forward.”

Or have a break and have a kit kat. I did that numerous times.

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