Preparing for the Camino

The Camino de Santiago is not just any long distance hiking path through Spain.  It has been given World Heritage status due to it's historical and spiritual significance and millions of pilgrims have walked the paths for over a thousand years.  The route I'll take begins in St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France and ends almost 800km later in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Despite having a month to prepare for the Camino, I find myself with just 4 days until departure and many items left undone.  Most important deficiencies are my Spanish (very rudimentary) and preparatory hike with loaded pack (initial hikes have helped me cull items from my packing list but haven't necessary turned me into a seasoned hiker).  The 'before' picture of my hiking shoes follows.  Let's see how they look a couple of months from now.

Any travel tips you'd like to share with me before I leave?