© Agustín de Sanluca · CC BY-SA 3.0 ESPhysical preparation
© Agustín de Sanluca · CC BY-SA 3.0 ESPhysical preparation
El Rocío is a flat camino, but not an easy one: you'll cover between 15 and 20 kilometres a day over several days, on sand and in the heat. Turning up well trained isn't about being an athlete — it's about preparing your body in good time so you can enjoy it rather than endure it.
Set aside six to eight weeks before the camino to train gradually. Begin with walks of five or six kilometres and build up little by little until, in the final weeks, you're doing outings of fifteen or twenty kilometres much like the real stages.
Consistency matters more than intensity: it's far better to walk three or four days a week than to make one huge effort and arrive exhausted.
Head out with the pack you'll be carrying, loaded to a similar weight, and in the same footwear and socks you'll use on the camino: that way you'll uncover any chafing or soreness in time to sort it out.
If you can, train on dirt or sand and during the warmer hours so your body gets used to it. Walking on sand is a good deal more tiring than on tarmac.
Toughen up your feet on your training walks and try out different socks and anti-chafing creams. Get into the habit of drinking regularly even when you're not thirsty and of eating something along the way.
In the final week, ease off so you arrive rested: stretch, sleep well and don't push yourself at the last minute. Your body will thank you for reaching the start line fresh.
Accommodation in El Rocío and the villages along the way books up fast, especially during the pilgrimage. Reserve well ahead to secure a place at the best price.
Frequently asked questions
Ideally six to eight weeks beforehand, gradually increasing the distance. If you're already in good shape you'll need less; if you don't usually walk, the sooner you start, the better.
You can, but you'll most likely have a hard time of it: blisters, aching muscles and exhaustion are common without preparation. A few weeks of progressive walks completely transform the experience.
It's worth preparing for those too: on a bike, get used to riding over sand and tracks; on horseback, look after the animal's conditioning and the stages. In every case, the heat demands hydration and rest.