Be Honest With Yourself
The Camino Primitivo is the toughest Camino route in Spain. It’s not a walk in the park; it’s a mid-mountain trek. Walking 25 kilometers on flat ground won’t prepare you for the Primitivo. The real challenge here isn’t the distance, but the cumulative elevation gain and the technical terrain (mud, loose rocks, tree roots).
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The Focus: Strengthen and Protect
If you don’t train, your knees and ankles will suffer on the endless descents into the Asturian valleys. Start preparing at least two months in advance:
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Hill training: Forget the flat treadmill. Find the steepest hills or mountains in your area. You need to get your quads used to braking your body weight on the downhills.
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Train with weight: Your final long training hikes should be done with the exact same weight and backpack you’ll be taking on the Camino. You’ll quickly find out if the straps chafe or if you’re packing way too much.
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Use trekking poles: Learn how to walk with trekking poles. On the Primitivo, they aren’t just an accessory; they’re your two extra legs. They reduce the impact on your knees during descents by up to 30%.
The 8-Week Plan (Summary)
Don’t try to walk 20 km on day one. Start with 5-8 km walks three times a week. Gradually increase the distance and elevation on the weekends, making sure you complete at least two 20 km hikes with a fully loaded backpack before traveling to Oviedo.
