How Shari Tackled the Camino and Found Adventure Beyond the Finish Line
When Shari, a 64-year-old marathoner from Cincinnati, reached out, she was gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime: walking the Camino de Santiago with her husband.
It was a bucket-list dream, but it didn’t come without concerns. Between her packed race schedule—running the Flying Pig and Chicago Marathons—and the 385+ miles of the Camino Portuguese, she worried her feet might not hold up.
On top of that, the planning process felt overwhelming. Gear recommendations were often conflicting, and she didn’t know how to balance comfort, cost, and practicality while preparing for such a monumental journey.
A Plan Tailored Just for Her
In a one-on-one travel planning session, we helped Shari tackle the doubts and logistics that stood in her way:
- Packing Essentials: She streamlined her gear, ditching unnecessary items and choosing the perfect backpack, thanks to our packing video.
- Foot-Saving Strategies: We shared trail-tested tips to prevent blisters and manage the physical challenges of long-distance hiking.
- Timing Advice: We recommended the best season to walk the Camino, helping her avoid weather-related difficulties and crowded trails.
The Results: More Than Just a Journey
Shari and her husband walked an incredible 710 kilometers, continuing beyond Santiago to the coastal towns of Finisterre and Muxía. Thanks to thoughtful preparation, they avoided major hurdles, embraced the trail with confidence, and turned every step into a memory.
P.S. Shari, if you’re reading this, congratulations again! And for anyone else wondering if you can take on an adventure like this, the answer is simple: yes. Because the best stories always start with yes.
