The Camino Isn't About Finding Yourself: What 100km (72 miles) of Walking Actually Reveals

What happens when you remove all the noise from your life and just walk? You're good at solving problems. You're the one people call when things need to get done. But when was the last time you created space to just be with yourself without an agenda, without your phone, without the constant mental list of what needs to happen next? Sara Intonato and I have walked the Camino de Santiago together twice. 100 kilometers (about 72 miles) each time. And in September 2026, we're doing it again, but this time we're taking 16 people with us. This episode is Sara and me sitting down to share what actually happens on the Camino. Not the Instagram version. The real experience of what it's like to walk 15-20 kilometers a day, what comes up when you remove all the distractions, and why we keep coming back to this ancient pilgrimage route. Why Sara and I Keep Walking the Camino Sara has been on the podcast before (just before Christmas), and if you listened to that episode, you know she's someone who gets the deeper work. We've walked the Camino together twice, and each time something different reveals itself. Each time we're navigating different things in our lives, and the Camino gives us the space to be with them. We both had things we were processing. Real things. And the Camino gave us the space to be with them without all the usual noise and distraction. No phones constantly buzzing. No meetings. No performance. Just walking, processing, feeling, and being honest with ourselves and each other. That's why we're co-hosting this retreat. Because we both know what becomes possible when you create that kind of space for yourself. And after walking it together twice, we're ready to hold that space for others. What we talk about in this episode: Why we keep coming back to the Camino: What's different each time we walk and what this pilgrimage offers that nothing else does What it's really like to walk 100 kilometers together: The rhythm of the days, the conversations that happen naturally, and how physical movement creates mental and emotional space The gift of having nothing to do but walk: How removing all your usual responsibilities reveals what you've actually been carrying Why this will be our third time but the first time we're bringing people: What shifted for us that made us ready to facilitate this experience for others What makes this specific route special: Why we chose the Portuguese Coastal Route and what it offers that other Camino paths don't The practical reality of the Camino: What the days actually look like, how your body adapts, what you need to know before you go What comes up when you finally get quiet: The thoughts, feelings, and truths that surface when you stop filling every moment with noise Why we're limiting it to 14 people: What we're creating in this group experience and why keeping the numbers small matters How walking changes everything: Why movement is different from sitting meditation or traditional retreats, and what happens when you're in your body instead of just your head This episode is for you if you've ever: Known you need space to think but can't seem to create it in your regular life Been curious about the Camino but didn't know what it's really like or if it's "for you" Felt like you're constantly moving but never actually getting anywhere that matters Wanted to do something physically challenging that also creates internal space Known you're navigating something big and need distance from your regular life to process it Felt drawn to pilgrimage or walking meditation but didn't know where to start Been interested in the September 2026 retreat but wanted to hear the real experience before committing Recognized that you can't think your way out of where you are right now Craved deep conversations without the performance of regular life Needed permission to take time away just for yourself Why this conversation matters We're not trying to sell you a fantasy about the Camino. Sara and I are just sharing what it's been like for us across two walks, and why we're both committed to doing it a third time with a group. The challenging parts, the beautiful parts, the moments that shifted something in us each time, and what we're creating for the people joining us. If you've been feeling the pull toward something like this, if you know you need space to get quiet and process what's going on in your life, or if you're just curious about what happens when you remove all the noise and walk for days, this conversation will give you the real picture. Walk the Camino with Sara and me in September 2026 We're co-hosting our third Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in September 2026, and this time we're taking 16 people with us. We're walking the Portuguese Coastal Route, the first path that's transformed both of our lives. The route that showed me what was possible when I got out of my own way, what I was holding onto, and how to let it go so I could create the life I'm living today. This isn't a vacation. It's a walking pilgrimage where you'll cover 15-20 kilometers (about 9-12 miles) every day. You'll have time alone with your thoughts, deep conversations with the group, and coaching support from both Sara and me to help you integrate what comes up. Registration is open now, and we're taking 16 people max. 7 spaces have already been claimed. If something inside you keeps coming back to this, there's a reason. For retreat details and registration: lisacarpenter.ca/camino And if you're recognizing that you need support in creating the kind of internal space the Camino offers but aren't ready for a pilgrimage, let's talk. Book your free Congruency Audit: lisacarpenter.ca/audit The Congruency Audit is where we look at the gap between the success you've built on the outside and what you're actually feeling on the inside. We'll identify what's keeping you stuck in the noise, what you're avoiding by staying so busy, and what it's going to take for you to finally create the space you need to hear yourself think. Connect with Sara Intonato:  Website: https://www.saraintonato.com/ Instagram: @sara.intonato LinkedIn: Sara Intonato Success that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.   If you listen on Spotify:  Open the Spotify app on your phone. Search for Lisa Carpenter and open her podcast page. Tap the three dots under the podcast description. Choose Rate show from the menu. Select your star rating and tap Submit.