Logrono to Najera

Blisters, sore feet and aching muscles are gender blind.

As I'm celebrating International Women's Day on Camino this year, I thought it apt to share a few thoughts about the women and men I've met on Camino.

There's a real sense of duality here. Each pilgrim has to get in touch with their traditionally masculine and feminine side, no matter what their gender.

The most physically strong person in our crew is a woman, and the kindest and most caring is a man.

There's no room for machismo on Camino and even the softest hearted person must grit their teeth and plough on regardless at least once a day.

Traditional gender roles limit us, and if we spend our time aspiring to be the perfect embodiment of man or woman, we lose what it is to be a whole person.

Each day on Camino I can feel my body getting stronger, I'm noticing my leg muscles getting bigger and when I get stabbing pains in my feet, I'm marching on.

I think this journey gives you the opportunity to stretch your idea of who you are as a person and what you're capable of physically and emotionally.

Strength is not about muscle - it's about looking out for others, being determined, showing leadership, encouraging your fellow pilgrims and laughing in the face of the day's trials.

Woman or man, the Camino demands strength and being the person who gets up the hill the fastest has nothing to do with it.