The Story Behind My El Camino E-Bike Journey
For a long time, I’ve been fascinated by the El Camino. I followed people who completed it, read countless blogs, and always thought it was an exciting challenge. Hiking has always been close to my heart—we often go hiking as a family with the kids—but I never dared to set out alone. Something always held me back. Maybe it was fear, or simply the thought of being a woman traveling on my own.
Recently, I followed the journey of a young woman in her twenties who completed the entire Camino on foot. Watching her story, I saw my younger self: braver, more energetic, and quick to jump into new experiences. Life with a family changes things. I think differently now than I did in my twenties, but a part of me longs to reconnect with that old version of myself. The Camino felt like a calling, as if it whispered to me: It’s your time to go.
On the Edge of Burnout
I’ve been through burnout before, so I recognize the signs when they appear. The first time was after I returned to work from maternity leave. I was working at a large multinational company, but the joy was gone. The days blurred together, monotonous and draining. That was when I started building my own business, studying new skills, and moving toward more creative work. Eventually, I had to choose: stay at my job or fully commit to entrepreneurship. I quit my job, and it felt liberating to dedicate myself to my own path.
For a while, everything was wonderful. My business grew, and I made a good living from it. But lately, the workload has become overwhelming. I work from morning until night, with almost no personal time. My life has narrowed down to kids and work, and I’m left with little energy for myself. I’ve reached a point where I must decide again: take on less or expand and delegate. This constant pressure has pushed me close to burnout once more.
That’s why I feel this one-week escape is so important. A complete break from the daily grind will give me the space to think more clearly about where I’m heading.
Family Support
Of course, taking on this challenge required support from my family. Thankfully, my husband and I always back each other up. The kids are old enough now to understand, and they’re excited too. We agreed to print out a map so they can track my progress each day, and I’ll call them every evening.
I’m not doing the entire Camino this time—just a one-week section. For me, this is a big step, since I’ve never traveled completely alone before. It feels manageable and adventurous at the same time. And I truly believe I’m setting a positive example for my children. Especially for my daughter, but also for my sons: that it’s important to take care of ourselves and our mental health. Because only when I’m whole, balanced, and energized can I give my best to them.
Preparing Body and Mind
Preparing for the Camino has two sides: physical and mental. In recent years, I neglected exercise. Sitting at my desk for 12–15 hours a day has left me with back, hip, and posture problems. I don’t have the core strength to carry a heavy backpack, so I decided to do the journey on an e-bike. This way, I can be sure I’ll manage without injuring myself.
To get ready, I’ve started bringing movement back into my life. I returned to Pilates, which helps both body and mind. I practice at home as well, and occasionally go on short cycling trips to build stamina. Slowly but surely, I’m feeling stronger and more confident.
Mental preparation is just as important. I had to reorganize my work so I wouldn’t need to be online constantly. I automated some processes, finished tasks early, and postponed others. My goal is to check in on work just once a day, in the evening. For me, that’s a huge step toward being more present in the moment.
What I’m Packing
Packing for this trip is both practical and symbolic. Everything I need must fit into about 50 liters of bike bags. That means choosing only the essentials. It feels liberating, but also challenging, to live so lightly.
I’ll bring comfortable sportswear, a rain jacket, basic toiletries, a first aid kit, and, of course, my tech gear: phone, chargers, power bank. Most importantly, my e-bike and its gear—helmet, lock, and repair tools. These will be my safety net on the road.
What I Hope to Find
What I want most is time—time to be alone, to be silent, to reflect. I hope to gain clarity about the next steps in my work and life. This week will be a chance to reset, to see everything from a new perspective.
I also long for adventure and connection. To meet fellow travelers whose paths cross mine only briefly, yet leave a lasting impact. And I want to prove to myself that I can do it. That I’m capable.
For me, the El Camino by e-bike is more than a trip. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. A gift to myself—to rediscover the part of me that is brave, curious, and open to the world.
