Ladies: I would love to hear your stories!

[mbrown]

Hi All,

As a woman about to embark on her first camino, I've been a bit nervous, so I was curious about what other women's experiences were like. In my attempts to do research on some peregrinas and their stories on social media, I was wishing there was an Instagram account of sorts to condense it all – to feature some women who have done a camino, any blogs or accounts they may run, and a little bit of their camino stories. So I started one! If any of you would be willing, I would love to talk to you a little bit about your stories and share it on the account. It's been such a joy and a comfort to hear about you all from afar, and it's an honor to be among you.

Buen camino.
-m

 

[trecile]

Hi All,

As a woman about to embark on her first camino, I've been a bit nervous, so I was curious about what other women's experiences were like. In my attempts to do research on some peregrinas and their stories on social media, I was wishing there was an Instagram account of sorts to condense it all – to feature some women who have done a camino, any blogs or accounts they may run, and a little bit of their camino stories. So I started one! If any of you would be willing, I would love to talk to you a little bit about your stories and share it on the account. It's been such a joy and a comfort to hear about you all from afar, and it's an honor to be among you.

Buen camino.
-m

There is a Facebook group, Camigas, just for women on the Camino

https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaminoBuddySystemForWomen/

 

[Jodean]

You can check out my FB page if you like. Lots of photos, a detailed packing list, and daily comments from 3 different Caminos, starting 4 years ago when I was 60.
https://www.facebook.com/Camino-Jo-1500499450243130/

 

[Deleted member 86234]

Is there anything for women who do not use social media? I leave Scotland on 26/4 for the Francés.

 

[kdespot]

My Camino two years ago was a celebration of my retirement and turning 60, which I did the day after I arrived in Santiago. I, too, was so nervous before taking off but amazed at how quickly after beginning it all felt like home.

Here's my blog: https://walkingthecamino2016.wordpress.com/

 

[easygoing]

Hola, I know stories are inspiring, but don't expect your experience to mirror one else's. I walked the Camino solo a year ago because I was inspired by the many women of all ages I saw walking it alone. Although I had walked it before with my husband, this was my best Camino ever because I discovered for the first time in my life I didn't have to worry about anyone but myself. I felt like I could do nothing wrong. I also met more people because other women would ask to sit with me.
Your Camino will be unique and you will be writing your own story. Buen Camino

 

[Portia1]

My first Camino: www.itbeginswithonestepforward.blogspot.com . It is in reverse order with newest being first.

 

[FourSeasons]

don't expect your experience to mirror one else's.

Right about that. I couldn't even mirror my first which was so amazing. I wanted my second to be the same or close to it, it wasn't and unfortunately I disappointed myself, yes only myself to blame. I made my second too complicated and structured. To me that isn't fun. Fortunately and Praise to God, I have been given another opportunity to create anew.

For my third, coming this summer, I am taking a different route which helps throw all expectations out the window. I have that newness feeling again. Not knowing what's around the next corner is part of the beauty of a pilgrimage. No expectations, throw caution to the wind, simple. Just one foot in front of the other.
Eat, Walk, Sleep, Repeat.

As far as I am concerned ignorance is bliss when comes to walking the Camino. Plan your first few days, your route to your starting point then learn to let go. Let the Camino provide and you will experience truth and freedom.

@mbrown: I am very excited for you to be able to write your own story.

May His Peace be with You,
Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

As far as I am concerned ignorance is bliss when comes to walking the Camino

I totally agree. Filling your head with all kinds of expectations leads to disappointment.

 

[gittiharre]

Hi All,

As a woman about to embark on her first camino, I've been a bit nervous, so I was curious about what other women's experiences were like. In my attempts to do research on some peregrinas and their stories on social media, I was wishing there was an Instagram account of sorts to condense it all – to feature some women who have done a camino, any blogs or accounts they may run, and a little bit of their camino stories. So I started one! If any of you would be willing, I would love to talk to you a little bit about your stories and share it on the account. It's been such a joy and a comfort to hear about you all from afar, and it's an honor to be among you.

Buen camino.
-m

Hi. I am now 63 and started with my first Camino in 2006, the Camino Frances.
Since then I have covered many pilgrim routes all over Europe. Often, but not always solo.
Walking these routes has become my major passion in life.
I plan to keep going as long as I can and enjoy it.
Like others have said, it is best to set off with an open mind and not too many expectations. You may love the experience or find it is not for you....

 

[LynneR]

Hi All,

As a woman about to embark on her first camino, I've been a bit nervous, so I was curious about what other women's experiences were like. In my attempts to do research on some peregrinas and their stories on social media, I was wishing there was an Instagram account of sorts to condense it all – to feature some women who have done a camino, any blogs or accounts they may run, and a little bit of their camino stories. So I started one! If any of you would be willing, I would love to talk to you a little bit about your stories and share it on the account. It's been such a joy and a comfort to hear about you all from afar, and it's an honor to be among you.

Buen camino.
-m

Hello,
I share your joy. You are in for a wonderful adventure. I traveled the CF twice: once with a friend and once alone. While I cherish the time my friend and I had together, walking on my own changed my life. I am a stronger and more confident woman.

As I anticipated my solo Camino, I was so afraid of many things-including that deep loneliness. Sure, I hit a couple lows, but that is life. And those lows were followed by unexpected joys. No matter how tired, sweaty, and sore I became, I was never happier. I cherish every step and will return to CP this summer...alone.
Just a few other thoughts...
Be open to meeting others.
Don’t plan too much.
Don’t rush.
Trust—— the Camino will take care of you.
Enjoy!

 

[Just_Me]

I am just about to finish my Camino and whilst I am by nature strong and independent, loving my own company this experience was sometimes really tough because I got injured and am often in so much pain that everything becomes just too overwhelming. Even though I made the long trip from Australia I would not have hesitated to go back home a few days ago, had it not been for the fact that my brother had been driving down from Germany to meet me in Santiago, we haven't seen each other for 12 years, so I wasn't going to go home without meeting with him first. But yes, it would have been nice at times to just hand the reins over to someone else and not worry about getting from one place to another, finding a doctor etc.
It certainly made me think twice if I would attempt such a trip alone again, which is a whole new perspective for me as I always felt invincible .

 

[Deleted member 86234]

Sending you healing love and light
How did you get injured?
Have a wonderful reunion with your brother. Mary

 

[Anastasia_Vysh]

Hello ladies!
I'm so glad to be a part of this community!
If you can, please, help me with one question I'm worried about.
Yesterday I found out that I'm pregnant !
I was planning to have Camino during this May. My doctor told that I can go if there will be some km each day, not per 30 km as I planned at the beginning.
Do you think it's stupid to start Camino in this situation? Thanks a lot!

 

[Deleted member 86234]

Only my opinion but as a mother with three children, I would put the welfare of my unborn babe first. Walking is great for pregnancy ... when you are stress free. Ask yourself how stressful your particular Camino will be? All depends on how many weeks pregnant you are, if less than 14 weeks, I would not risk a challenging walk. Perhaps take time to contemplate your decision. If you are walking the last 100km and sending luggage ahead , perhaps all would be well. All the best x

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Get another opinion from a doctor who works with women athletes. Runners in particular. Perhaps the national Olympic team medical staff can find you one.

 

[FourSeasons]

Hello ladies!
I'm so glad to be a part of this community!
If you can, please, help me with one question I'm worried about.
Yesterday I found out that I'm pregnant !
I was planning to have Camino during this May. My doctor told that I can go if there will be some km each day, not per 30 km as I planned at the beginning.
Do you think it's stupid to start Camino in this situation? Thanks a lot!

If you’ve always been active and in good shape and are feeling good in your pregnancy, I say YES!!! Go for it. You don’t have to do 30k a day. What Camino route will you be taking?

Congratulations

May His Peace be with you.

 

[C clearly]

I don't think you are in any way risking your pregnancy or the welfare of your unborn, by walking the camino during your first trimester.

What you might find, though, is that fatigue and nausea could be a problem, and either take away the enjoyment of your walk or force you to do short days. There is really no way to know in advance how it will be. If you are able to have a "plan B" to go home early without a huge financial penalty, then go ahead and start it. See how it goes.

If you have a problem, it will not be the fault of having walked on the Camino. Roughly 20% of confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage during the first trimester and the Camino is not to blame! Most of them don't even require medical intervention, but some do, so you should ensure that you have appropriate health care or insurance that will cover you in Spain.

(Sadly, I have been looking at those statistics this week as my daughter-in-law is suffering one right now, at 16 weeks.)

 

[Anastasia_Vysh]

If you’ve always been active and in good shape and are feeling good in your pregnancy, I say YES!!! Go for it. You don’t have to do 30k a day. What Camino route will you be taking?

Congratulations

May His Peace be with you.

Thanks for answer!
I was planning camino frances. But I don't think I will go. We decided that this time we will just travel around Spain by car.
And dream of my life will be postponed a little bit