I've been looking into the Camino, so your newsletter is very timely! Really interesting to read about your attitude towards running while on this essentially walking trip. I'm a runner too, but lately have been seeking the pace and perception of a long steady walk like this.
Congratulations on being able to get out on the trip! I haven't vacationed outdoors in a while, but I intend to take a break from the internet and gadgets in general this summer. At least for a little while. You took wonderful and beautiful pictures of nature!
I loved this post, thank you. I did the Camino Frances last year, and the phrase that really resonated with me was "everyone has their own Camino". No matter who you are, somebody else is doing it longer and harder (we met people who started in Amsterdam, who had already done over 1000km), or shorter and easier (we met a grandmother who was walking the last 100km holding her granddaughter's hand, carrying nothing), the key is that we are all walking together. I've actually found it a useful thing to remember in the rest of my life - do what is right for you, rather than feel the need to live up to someone else's expectations.
We met you in Sydney on your trip around the world, by the way, I always enjoy your posts, as you were part of the inspiration for our own trip away with our kids aged 10 and 8 at the time.
Jennifer thank you so much for reading -- and for reconnecting! I remember our meeting 13 years ago! I am forgetting, however, how or through whom we connected. If you are ever in southwest Colorado, please look me up. Bravo on doing the Camino.
Thanks Sarah, I think we reached out to you after finding your travel blog, when you were already en route! (power of the internet). Same if you are ever in Sydney, it would be great to meet up again. Some excellent trail running in this part of the world!
I completely agree with your statement, this is something to remember for life. Life is different for everyone, and no one can live it the way we do. And there is no need to live up to the standards of others, then our part of ourselves will fade little by little. Thank you for reminding me of that.
Thanks for this beautiful reminder to slow down and savor life. I have been walking more these days and listening more which seems to up my writing game. One foot in front of the other and repeat.
A former work colleague took a sabbatical and hiked the whole way. I've really wanted to do it ever since talking to her! That or another of the long walks in Europe. I think you were absolutely right to hike instead of run. Life is for living, and that means soaking in the experience as it was meant to be enjoyed. What a waste for that runner to rush around worrying about keeping her heart rate up!
Right on, sounds like a great time...I used to do eye rolls when I lived in Germany and witnessed Americans run/jog rather than stroll during Volksmarch outings, which were sponsored by a local "Wandering Club" where these events occurred (it was a superb way to make acquaintances with the locals)...and I thought about this when reading about the frantic running powerhouse, "Señora Boston AA, be careful (or cuidado(?)), ya might make it in the next edition of "The Trail Runners Companion" as a case study of mindfulness or a lack thereof." Yikes.
I outfitted people for the Camino last year so I am always eager to learn more about that excursion and the raves the experience elicits, so thanks for this week's post. Only familiar with some of Andalucia (Cadiz, Rota, Grandana, Jerez de la Frontera) and back then there was no running on my agenda but lots of late nights and epic feasts. I think I was channeling Hemingway or at least his debaucery...TMI... anyhow, you have waaaay more restraint than I (to your credit), not to mention the running pedigree so bravo. BTW, since North Kaibab Trail, is closed 'till 2 June are you modifying your R2R2R plan?
We just hiked into Santiago today after walking the Camino Portugués from Porto. I'm itching to get back to my running, but enjoyed the change of pace of hiking for a while. ☺️
How inspiring! I love how you share your experience walking El Camino. Each step is not only a physical journey, but also an emotional and spiritual journey. The way you describe the beauty of the landscape and the connection with other pilgrims really resonates. It's a great way to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination - thank you for sharing your story and encouraging others to explore this special path!
Hi Sarah. My name is Charina, an ultra marathoner training for Chicago marathon. I am on Camino Frances currently. Now at Viana, a town before Logroño. The urge to run was so strong for me. Because i thought “i am a runner and i am on training”. So i ran on Day 4. After which, I realised that the Camino is not for running. It is for going slow. I made peace with my ego and decided to walk my way to Santiago! ❤️
I've been looking into the Camino, so your newsletter is very timely! Really interesting to read about your attitude towards running while on this essentially walking trip. I'm a runner too, but lately have been seeking the pace and perception of a long steady walk like this.
Congratulations on being able to get out on the trip! I haven't vacationed outdoors in a while, but I intend to take a break from the internet and gadgets in general this summer. At least for a little while. You took wonderful and beautiful pictures of nature!
Have a great day!
thanks & thanks for reading :-) Get out there!
I loved this post, thank you. I did the Camino Frances last year, and the phrase that really resonated with me was "everyone has their own Camino". No matter who you are, somebody else is doing it longer and harder (we met people who started in Amsterdam, who had already done over 1000km), or shorter and easier (we met a grandmother who was walking the last 100km holding her granddaughter's hand, carrying nothing), the key is that we are all walking together. I've actually found it a useful thing to remember in the rest of my life - do what is right for you, rather than feel the need to live up to someone else's expectations.
We met you in Sydney on your trip around the world, by the way, I always enjoy your posts, as you were part of the inspiration for our own trip away with our kids aged 10 and 8 at the time.
Jennifer thank you so much for reading -- and for reconnecting! I remember our meeting 13 years ago! I am forgetting, however, how or through whom we connected. If you are ever in southwest Colorado, please look me up. Bravo on doing the Camino.
Thanks Sarah, I think we reached out to you after finding your travel blog, when you were already en route! (power of the internet). Same if you are ever in Sydney, it would be great to meet up again. Some excellent trail running in this part of the world!
I completely agree with your statement, this is something to remember for life. Life is different for everyone, and no one can live it the way we do. And there is no need to live up to the standards of others, then our part of ourselves will fade little by little. Thank you for reminding me of that.
Thanks for this beautiful reminder to slow down and savor life. I have been walking more these days and listening more which seems to up my writing game. One foot in front of the other and repeat.
A former work colleague took a sabbatical and hiked the whole way. I've really wanted to do it ever since talking to her! That or another of the long walks in Europe. I think you were absolutely right to hike instead of run. Life is for living, and that means soaking in the experience as it was meant to be enjoyed. What a waste for that runner to rush around worrying about keeping her heart rate up!
"Life is for living, and that means soaking in the experience as it was meant to be enjoyed." is the best thing I've read today.
What a wonderful adventure & experience! Buen Camino!
Right on, sounds like a great time...I used to do eye rolls when I lived in Germany and witnessed Americans run/jog rather than stroll during Volksmarch outings, which were sponsored by a local "Wandering Club" where these events occurred (it was a superb way to make acquaintances with the locals)...and I thought about this when reading about the frantic running powerhouse, "Señora Boston AA, be careful (or cuidado(?)), ya might make it in the next edition of "The Trail Runners Companion" as a case study of mindfulness or a lack thereof." Yikes.
I outfitted people for the Camino last year so I am always eager to learn more about that excursion and the raves the experience elicits, so thanks for this week's post. Only familiar with some of Andalucia (Cadiz, Rota, Grandana, Jerez de la Frontera) and back then there was no running on my agenda but lots of late nights and epic feasts. I think I was channeling Hemingway or at least his debaucery...TMI... anyhow, you have waaaay more restraint than I (to your credit), not to mention the running pedigree so bravo. BTW, since North Kaibab Trail, is closed 'till 2 June are you modifying your R2R2R plan?
Thanks for reading! Yes we have a modified route for the Grand Canyon.
Looks wonderful. I'd love to do that. I have not been back to Spain, one of my favorite places in the world, since I was 13. Great post, Sarah
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you can get back to Spain, I love it here.
We just hiked into Santiago today after walking the Camino Portugués from Porto. I'm itching to get back to my running, but enjoyed the change of pace of hiking for a while. ☺️
That's great! Me too.
How inspiring! I love how you share your experience walking El Camino. Each step is not only a physical journey, but also an emotional and spiritual journey. The way you describe the beauty of the landscape and the connection with other pilgrims really resonates. It's a great way to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination - thank you for sharing your story and encouraging others to explore this special path!
Hi Sarah. My name is Charina, an ultra marathoner training for Chicago marathon. I am on Camino Frances currently. Now at Viana, a town before Logroño. The urge to run was so strong for me. Because i thought “i am a runner and i am on training”. So i ran on Day 4. After which, I realised that the Camino is not for running. It is for going slow. I made peace with my ego and decided to walk my way to Santiago! ❤️