From Perimenopause to Pilgrimage: My Bold Midlife Camino de Santiago Journey

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How I'm turning midlife struggles into the adventure of a lifetime - and why you can too

If you had told me five years ago that I'd be training to walk 800km across Spain solo at 44, I would've laughed, poured another decafe coffee, and gone back to Googling "why do I wake up at 3 a.m. every night during perimenopause?"

Because like 75% of midlife women, my forties have been marked by perimenopause symptoms that nobody prepared me for. The anxiety that hit during important meetings. The sleep disruption that leaves me foggy-brained. The weight gain that creeped in.

Some days, managing work, kids, and family life while navigating hormone changes in midlife feels like the ultimate endurance test.

And yet - here I am, beginning my Camino de Santiago training for a pilgrimage that's been quietly calling me for the last couple of years.

Why the Camino Called to Me (And Maybe You Too)

The Camino de Santiago first appeared in my life when I returned from Portugal in 2023. While ironing a mounting of clothes, I turned on the T.V and by random a YouTube documentary popped up. Months later through friends who'd walked it. Then it kept showing up - in conversations, random books. Each time, I dismissed it as I'm a mum, I cant leave my husband and young kids for a few weeks. However it kept whispering: this is for you.

But why now? Why in the middle of perimenopause and midlife challenges?

My "Why" for Walking 800km Solo

I'm walking the Camino because I need to do something just for me. After decades of putting everyone else first, I want to prove that midlife can be a beginning, not an ending.

I'm walking because I want my daughters to see their mum step into courage, even when scared. Especially when scared.

I'm walking because perimenopause taught me how easy it is to lose yourself in the chaos - and how powerful it feels to take yourself back.

Yes, I'll miss my family. Yes, I'm nervous about solo travel in Spain. But more than that, I feel called to prove that bold midlife goals aren't just possible - they're necessary.

My Camino Training Plan for Midlife Women

Right now, my Camino training routine looks less like epic mountain hikes and more like:

Building Physical Endurance During Perimenopause

  • Progressive local walks - starting with 5km, building to 20km+ weekend hikes
  • Strength training for hiking - focusing on knees, hips, and core stability (crucial for women over 40)
  • Perimenopause-friendly nutrition - fueling my body to support both training and hormonal changes

Mental Preparation for Solo Travel

  • Mindfulness practices to manage anxiety
  • Language learning (basic Spanish phrases)
  • Solo confidence building through smaller adventures first

I'm not rushing this midlife fitness journey. I've given myself until May 2026 - plenty of time to train my body, balance my hormones, and most importantly, strengthen my mindset.

Why I'm Sharing My Perimenopause-to-Pilgrimage Story

I know countless midlife women are silently struggling. Perimenopause can make you feel invisible, exhausted, and like your adventurous days are behind you.

But what if this life stage could be the beginning of something extraordinary?

Your "Camino" might not involve walking across Spain. Maybe it's:

  • Writing the book you've been postponing
  • Starting that business idea
  • Learning to surf at 50
  • Taking the solo trip you've dreamed about
  • Running your first marathon

Whatever calls to you - I hope my journey proves it's possible.

What's Next in My Camino Training Journey

This is just the beginning. I'll be documenting:

  • Weekly training updates and maybe hiking gear reviews
  • Perimenopause-friendly nutrition tips for endurance training
  • Mental preparation strategies for solo female travelers
  • Budget-friendly Camino planning advice when we closer to the BIG trip!
  • Lessons learned about stepping into fear at midlife

Your Midlife Adventure Starts Now

Here's what I've learned so far: We don't have to shrink during perimenopause. We can dream audaciously. We can set impossible-seeming goals. We can walk straight into our fears and emerge transformed.

This is my love letter to bold midlife women everywhere - to walking through perimenopause with courage and showing the next generation what strength looks like.

Ready to start your own midlife adventure?

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to follow my Camino training journey and get weekly inspiration for creating your own bold midlife goals on Instagram. Because the best adventures happen when we stop waiting for "someday" and start training for today.

I have merch to support the journey! The Camino Shop

What's your "Camino"? Share in the comments below - I'd love to cheer you on!

Comments

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What resonated with you? I'd love to hear about your own perimenopause journey or the 'Camino' you're working toward. This is a supportive space for women navigating this beautiful, challenging phase of life. 💙

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