A Mum Walks The Camino (And So Can You!)

Just a Mum on the Camino | Rachel Goodman
Just a Mum on the Camino | Rachel Goodman

A Mum Walks The Camino (And So Can You!)

Rachel goes from full-time mum to Camino pilgrim.

 
After motherhood, Rachel was keen for a new challenge. With no prior history of long distance walking or religious motivations, she decided to walk one of Europe's quintessential trails: the Camino de Santiago
 
Starting from St Jean du Pont in France, Rachel journeyed the 800km to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Like many others before her, she undergoes life-changing experiences and becomes a passionate Camino enthusiast. 
 
Rachel has written a book about her journey. Titled 'Just a Mum on the Camino de Santiago', it's a warts and all story about how she managed to walk the Camino de Santiago and collect her Compostela. 
 
If you'd like to buy a copy of her book, email Rachel directly or visit her Facebook page to find a book retailer near you. Note that the first print is almost finished (only a few stock remain!) but fortunately Rachel will be doing another print shortly. Keep reading for Rachel's synopsis of her walk!
 
Striking a pose along the Camino de Santiago |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i> The efforts of walking the Camino pay off with the excitement you feel! |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i> Entering Spain on the Camino trail |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i>
 

Competition to win Rachel's Book: Just a Mum on the Camino de Santiago

 
Congratulations are in order to Ruth and Maggie who were chosen to win a copy of Rachel's book. Make sure you read the comment section below to discover what motivates other travellers to embark on the Camino de Santiago.
 
Just a Mum on the Camino front cover |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i> Finding the beautiful trails along the Camino de Santiago |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i> Just a Mum on the Camino back cover |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i>
 

Just a Mum on the Camino

Put down the peeler and have an adventure!
 
I am just a mum, who desperately needed an adventure.
 
I have mothered children for most of my life, and as the kids got older, I’m left wondering who I am and what to do next. Unfit and unmotivated, I somehow find myself wanting to walk 800km across Spain on a thing called the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage trail. 
 
Why? 
 
I honestly don’t know! 
 
I’m not religious. Or a long-distance walker (or short-distance either) but I just HAD to do it.
 
But to even begin to plan this epic adventure, I needed to face some stark realities about my state of fitness. 
 
I am not a sportswoman by any means and I had to train for about a year to get myself up to the challenge. I walked 3 days a week and started a regular gym routine whilst moaning and complaining about how much I hated it and loathed exercising. Not to mention the logistics of escaping mothering duties for five weeks- how was THAT gonna work??
 
At the 100km marker on the Camino de Santiago |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i>
 
So, there were a few challenges that I had to overcome but the excitement of having a real adventure and break from the daily grind of mothering was the fuel that kept me focussed on the difficult days.
 
I developed a real desire to discover who I was again with no one to look after except myself for a month. I had cared for others for so many years that I needed to find my edges and core once more. I couldn’t remember who Rachel was before I became a wife and mother. And I trusted that the Camino would reveal this for me as I walked.
 
The Camino came with its fair share of its own challenges: blisters, discovering the benefits of eating breakfast and a lesson was learned in reading guide books correctly. I found time to think about life, I questioned faith and found it while reaching the edges of my sanity.
 
So close to Santiago de Compostela |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i>
 
What the Camino gave me, in its essence, is time. Time to just get up and walk, think, rest, meditate on my life and see it from the outside. And I think this is what lies at the centre of the Camino experience and why pilgrims want to go back and keep walking. 
 
It is a simple life, pared back to its core and isn’t that what we all crave?
 

Do You Want to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

At UTracks, we offer a comprehensive range of affordable self guided and small group Camino tours. All the creature comforts are taken care of: stay in very comfortable accommodation (no dorms!), have your luggage transferred, local support if you need it. Trips depart daily and the itineraries are flexible so you can tailor your Camino to your needs. We've been helping pilgrims have genuine experiences and collect their Compostela since 2006, so please get in touch if you'd like to plan your Camino journey.
 
 

Competition to win Rachel's Book: Just a Mum on the Camino de Santiago

 
Congratulations are in order to Ruth and Maggie who were chosen to win a copy of Rachel's book. Make sure you read the comment section below to discover what motivates other travellers to embark on the Camino de Santiago.
 
Another marker along the Camino de Santiago |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i> Dressing like St James on the Camino |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i> Very hot and dry along the Camino de Santiago |  <i>Rachel Goodman</i>
 

Buy the Book Now

 If you'd like to buy a copy of her book, email Rachel directly or visit her Facebook page to find a book retailer near you. Note that the first print is almost finished (only a few stock remain!) but fortunately Rachel will be doing another print shortly.
 
 
Like Rachel's story, Just a Mum on the Camino, what motivates you to walk the Camino? Comment below and tell us why you want to walk the Camino. If you've already walked it, what was your motivation?
 
Camino, Win, Camino de Santiago, Just a Mum on the Camino

Comments (40)

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I would love to re discover myself as I have also cared for other for over 28 years and would love to take a walk like this and just be me again.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Well, the Camino is the perfect place to refresh. Plenty of time to think as you walk along the iconic route. Thanks for sharing.

5 years ago
Maggie Karner

First husband died, heart attack;
Raised six kids alone, got life back on track.
Second husband died from Big C,
Wanting something just for me.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Congratulations Maggie, Rachel has really resonated with your comment. We'll be in touch so we can send you a copy of Just a Mum on the Camino.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Powerful poem Maggie. The Camino would indeed be a time for reflection.

5 years ago
nicole larsen

Sounds like a book that would inspire me and i would get a lot out of it

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Any experience along the Camino will get you yelling about it from the rooftops! So it's no surprises so many people feel compelled to write inspiring Camino books :)

5 years ago
Zoe

Ever since I heard it mentioned on an episode of Lewis I've wanted to walk the Camino. It wasn't until a few years ago in a conversation with people around a campfire that it occurred to me I could actually do it. I've been putting it off for years, ignoring all the signs urging me to go but this year I've finally decided to listen and am in the planning phase to do a Utracks self guided walk on the last 100kms. It's just where I'm meant to go :-)

5 years ago
William from UTracks

The Sarria to Santiago stage of the Camino - fantastic! Great to hear that you are acting on your plans. If you need any help planning your trip, give our team of Camino specialists and they'll be able to give you some first hand recommendations. Buen Camino!

5 years ago
Todd

Great experience

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Agreed Todd - certainly one of the premier walks of the world!

5 years ago
Jenny

My husband and I are walking the last 115 kms of the Camino in September. I am hoping to “find myself”, get some clarity around my faith and spend one on one time with my husband, after also being a busy mum for a number of years. We walked the Cotswolds together last year and it was the most wonderful experience for both my husband and myself.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

A long walk together is such an excellent experience, and if you enjoyed the Cotswolds you will not be disappointed by the Camino de Santiago. Good luck on your journey Jenny!

5 years ago
Maree Battye

I walked the Spanish Camino in about 2010 with my friend who now has dementia. We often talk about our walks and she remembers some things. At the time of doing the Camino my sister was ill with Cancer and I found the walk very spiritual especially when we arrived at Cathedral square and attended the Mass at midday. The Mass is said every day at midday and is in Latin. It was very moving as I remembered the Latin from my school days. When I returned home my sister was in remission and I was so pleased to be able to have more time with her. She sadly passed away last November.
I would recommend doing the Camino to anyone, it is moving and a good time to reflect on life.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Such a moving experience Maree, thank you for sharing.

Walking the Camino is indeed an ideal activity for reflection and I'm sure you'll continue to cherish those memories.

5 years ago
judy P

I'd love to walk it because walking is my favourite exercise, and like the author of this book, I am not religious but just want to do it to experience the scenery.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Judy I agree - I love a great walk too. I walked the whole Camino Frances in 2016 (all 800km!). It's a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it.

5 years ago
Christine Knight

I walked the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela in 2015. It called to me everywhere I looked. "Walk" was in everything I was reading or listening to. It was the best thing that I have done together with my husband in all our 35 years together. A peace settled over me on that walk and I carry it to this day. We went back in 2016 and walked Sarria to Santiago. And still it calls me back. God willing we will walk again in 2021, after having to cancel our 2020 walk due to my husband having to have knee surgery. We have been to St James Church in Dublin where the Way starts too. So wonderful to see the yellow arrows in different countries showing everyone the Way. Just love it!!!!!

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Great to hear you are so passionate about the Camino Christine! It's true - you start seeing small Camino signs everywhere after you've completed a trail. Lucky for you there are a lot of Camino routes to walk. After doing the Camino Portuguese and the Camino Frances, I recommend either the French Way of St James (arguably one of the prettiest) or the Via Francigena through Italy, for something different.

5 years ago
Maureen

As a mum you give so much of yourself to inspire and encourage your kids to be strong, adventurous and courageous enough to go out an see, feel and experience this life and the world around them as we remember that thrill and know this is how you grow and challenge yourself. But hey in the middle of all that when they finally take off and your sitting there thinking "what to do now??" So its an adventure we crave , often alone and preferably a little challenge to say "Yeah girl I still got it... but now I want to eat good food and drink good wine and laugh and if my feet hurt and Ive had enough for the day someone to carry my bag and be my mum!" Thankfully you guys get that and those who feel they need to climb a very tall mountain on dried up rations well all power to you but Im liking a day pack and if I want to sit well Im gonna sit! Whatever way you want to go doest really matter just as long as you go.
Maureen

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Maureen - what an excellent summary! People can choose to do the Camino with some creature comforts (like cosy private accommodation, luggage transfer service, support) and have the added advantage of being able to focus completely on walking the Camino (plus the food, wine and laughs that come with it!). Thanks for your great comment.

5 years ago
Deb Muscio

I carry a family gene that will affect my gait and balance by age of 65 - 70 and they say that I have a 98% chance of it coming to fruition. With all my might I am aiming to be in that 2% through yoga, and meditation and living a life fully. Part of this is a goal to walk the Camino while I still can and so I can find the inner strength to be in that 2%. My goal is to walk the Camino before my 65th Birthday. Reading and learning about the journey is enhancing my desire and vision of the Camino Pilgrimage.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Hi Deb, what a great vision you have! Good luck moving forward with your plans to walk the Camino...

P.S have you seen the documentary Camino Skies? This will give you further motivation I'm sure.

5 years ago
Maree

Two years ago I made a throwaway comment to my family that I would walk the camino one day. My son's response was to tell me that he would walk with me in 2020. So, in September this year, my son and I will walk the camino together from Leon to Santiago de Compostela. I am also 'just a mum', a very blessed mum, who has the absolute privilege to share this special journey with my boy. I'm hoping that the bond we have will be strengthened through a shared understanding of each other's experiences along the way, both physical and spiritual.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Without a doubt you'll both experience a special bond after walking the Camino. Please share your experiences with us after you complete it!

5 years ago
Helen

I already own and have read 9 books about the Camino - it won’t let go of me until I do it myself! Maybe this will be the one to push me over the edge...I hope it is.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Tenth time lucky! It's definitely time to give the Camino a go for yourself and see what all the fuss is about...you won't be disappointed :)

5 years ago
NOELENE FORRESTAL

In 2013 my husband and I planned to walk the Camino, but is wasn't to be. He became unwell and passed away in 2016. I had promised him that one day I would do it for him. So in 2017 my eldest daughter ( she had promised her Dad she would look after me) set out to walk from St Jean Pied de Port. Unfortunately I sustained an injury which laid me up for a week ( the physio told me to go home). As we were 'time limited' (my daughter had left a husband and 4 kids at home!) we took a train to Sarria and I hobbled the last 100k to Santiago. It was an awesome mother /daughter experience. I plan to return later this year to walk the nearly 300k's that I missed. I loved the pared back, simple lifestyle of the pilgrim.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

WOW Noelene, what a story! What a great effort to finish the last 100km of the Camino - that's still an amazing achievement. I can imagine that other 300km is a nagging missing jigsaw piece, so good luck with completing it.

5 years ago
Jill

I have been reading stories of people walking the Camino for years - always inspiring and I can’t wait to get my feet on that track!

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Hi Jill, it's a must-do activity for sure! Don't leave it too late to walk the Camino...because undoubtedly you'll catch the 'Camino bug' and want to experience all the various trails around Europe!

5 years ago
Joanne Drinkwater

I am now 61 years old. How did I get here? I now find that the things I’ve worked hard for in my life are now not so accessible. My husband has moved on and my children are busy working and travelling. The Camino seems to be beckoning me to make sense of it all and to equip me with finding inspiration to not waste any more time being sad but to look forward at the delights life can offer me as i proceed down its winding trail.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

The Camino definitely seems to be calling you Joanne! One of the greatest things the Camino will give back to you is time to think, reflect, and move on. Good luck with your travels.

5 years ago
Ruth Donoghue

I need a place to shed built up emotions, and worries. To hit the refresh button and move forward in life. As a Mum of 3 teenagers, there is little time for 'me'. Walking the Camino although nerve wrecking would be an experience that would stay with me forever. It would also show my children how strong a mother is and how missed her love can be when its not there on a daily basis.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Congratulations Ruth, Rachel has really resonated with your comment. We'll be in touch so we can send you a copy of Just a Mum on the Camino.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

A truly honest motivation Ruth - thanks for sharing! The Camino is most definitely a challenge, but you're correct, it is extremely rewarding. You will not regret walking it!

Cheers,
William from UTracks

5 years ago
Julia Titmuss

I have recently heard about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and love the idea of walking for a purpose. I will go on this walking journey in the near future and would love to read about Rachel's travel. As a single mum whose child is about to spread her own wings, I have the time to take off myself.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Hi Julia, it sounds like Rachel's book will be a very helpful blueprint for you to realise your Camino dreams!

Good luck!
William from UTracks

5 years ago
Marianne Kulver

After watching Camino Skies last year I absolutely must walk it myself! Not that I'm a fan of the hardship the ladies went through, but I love working (walking) towards a goal.

Marianne Kulver.

5 years ago
William from UTracks

Glad you were inspired by that film! It's a favourite around the UTracks office too. Reaching Santiago de Compostela is such a great sense of achievement.

William from UTracks.

5 years ago
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