September, 2021 - Camino by Chance

How to train for the Camino?

A common question people ask me when planning their own pilgrimage is: "What did you do to train for the Camino?" My knee jerk reaction has always been something blasé or profound, like... "You won't be ready for the camino until you finish the Camino." Which is a huge cop out, and highly inaccurate... and not just because most of us are completely physically broken by the time we reach Santiago de Compostella and won't be walking anywhere. Prior to my camino, I walked every chance I got, but not nearly enough. Living in London at the time, I walked...

Camino de Santiago,My Camino

I started the Camino de Santiago 7 years ago today

I can't believe it! Today marks seven years since I started the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied du Port. There has always been something special about this time of year. And not just because here in Australia, we are being welcomed back into the outdoors to sunshine and spring blooms. There's something else... Leading up to September, I always feel the camino's warm embrace. I start obsessing, reliving, and planning. Not that the camino every really goes away... it's just... the pull is stronger this time of year. It's funny, as yesterday when I was writing my lessons...

Camino de Santiago,Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned on my First Camino

Reflection is a part of every pilgrims day to day. The Camino de Santiago definitely gives you time to reflect on your planning and preparation. What could I do differently next time? If I had this next time... Next time I'll try this alternate route instead... And for the four (or however many) weeks you're on pilgrimage, you are essentially planning you're next camino. When people ask me about my pilgrimage, I often describe it as "the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done." But never, as will do. Because as every pilgrim knows, you will do it...