Come Run With Lydia Oldham Along the Camino de Santiago

At Siesta Campers, we live for outdoor adventure—the freedom of the open road, the thrill of going wild, and the stories that unfold along the way. That’s why we love partnering with explorers and athletes who push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Meet Lydia Oldham: ultra-runner, creative storyteller, and all-around powerhouse. She’s about to take on one of her boldest challenges yet: running the Camino de Santiago, a 650 km route across Portugal and into Spain– in just six days– with the goal of setting a new record for the Fastest Known Time (FKT). 

With a Siesta Camper as her rolling basecamp, Lydia is combining endurance, storytelling, and van life into one epic adventure named “Projeto Portugal”. We caught up with Lydia before she hits the road to talk about her upcoming journey, the mindset behind ultra-running, and what drives her to keep moving—on the trail and in life.

Hi Lydia! We’re so excited to partner with you on this Camino de Santiago record attempt. To kick things off—can you tell us a bit about yourself and what home means to you?

“I grew up bouncing between Germany, Brazil, and Shanghai, so I developed a deep love for travel early on. Every place had its own energy, and those cultural contrasts really shaped who I am. 

I feel most at home when I’m on the move—exploring, eating new foods, meeting people. Home, for me, isn’t a place. It’s a feeling—being present in the moment, wherever I happen to be.

When I’m not running or traveling, I’m a full-time designer. I love getting creative and expressing ideas visually. I also really value downtime—good food and a proper sleep go a long way when you’re balancing adventure and work.”

You really love running, and you’re unstoppable! Is it true that you only started running during the pandemic—and now you’re doing ultra marathons as a Reebok running ambassador? 

“It’s true! I really got into running during the pandemic, and it completely changed things for me. At first, I could barely run 2km without gasping for breath. In high school, I was a competitive swimmer, so that athletic mindset helped. I guess that muscle and mental memory kicked in, making it a bit easier to push through those rough patches. Once I pushed through the initial hurdle, I fell in love with it.”

What does it take to be an ultrarunner—and how do you balance that with life?

“You’ve got to enjoy spending time in your own head—long runs are kind of meditative. It’s freeing and grounding at the same time. But it’s also a balancing act. 

My husband has been a huge support. He’s incredibly patient and understands it’s my passion. We’ve experienced some amazing adventures together, whether it’s exploring a new trail or just enjoying the outdoors. Those moments have become some of our best memories.

Training takes consistency—gradually building up mileage, adding cross-training, and most importantly, prioritising recovery. Having a support system cheering me on makes all the difference. 

While I’m out there logging those miles, I’m not just running for myself—I’m embracing the journey we’re on together. It’s not just about the races– it’s about the experiences gathered along the way.”

You’re also a creative and the founder of Come Run With Me. How did that start, and how did it catch the attention of big brands?

"Come Run With Me is my way of sharing the behind-the-scenes of running—the highs, the lows, and the beauty in between. I keep it real, and I think people connect with that.

A lot of it came from being active in the London running scene. I built relationships with other runners and eventually with people working at brands like Reebok and Maurten. 

Authenticity goes a long way. Brands appreciate that genuine connection. They saw how committed I am, not just in my running but also in building a supportive community where everyone feels encouraged to join in. It’s been pretty surreal to have their support!

Collaborating with these brands has opened up so many cool opportunities, and it feels like a dream to have them back me on this journey. I’m excited to keep sharing my adventures with my community and inspire others to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement, no matter what level they're at.”

You recently relocated to Portugal from London. What inspired the move?

“London will always be special to me —I spent six amazing years there. It’s where I landed my first design job, met my husband, and made incredible memories. But after a while, we felt the pull to escape the hustle and bustle, to slow things down and get closer to nature– especially as I love trail running so much! 

Portugal checked all the boxes– sunshine, beautiful landscapes, and a laid-back lifestyle. We found all of that at our new home base in Ericeira. Moving here has been one of the best decisions we’ve made.

The people are incredibly welcoming, the food is delicious, and the culture is rich and vibrant. It’s such a gift to be able to lace up and run along the coastline cliffs. 

Moving here, we immediately began dreaming up this next adventure to run the Camino de Santiago trail and attempt breaking the record for the Fastest Known Time (FKT). 

I can’t wait to explore more of Portugal as I run along the coast heading up toward Spain. Every run is an opportunity to soak in the stunning scenery, connect with the local community, and embrace this new chapter in our lives. We’re loving every moment!”

Last year, you ran 500 km from Los Angeles to Las Vegas with Reebok for The Speed Project. Now, you’re taking on 650 km from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. What inspired this epic challenge?

“After The Speed Project, I was blown away by how far I could go—physically and mentally. I honestly didn’t know I had it in me. That experience lit a fire. There’s something really special about spending that much time on the road, where you can really focus on just running, eating, and sleeping—free from work and distractions.

For this next challenge, I wanted something that wasn’t a race. I wanted to do something to inspire others to dream big and plan their own adventures. 

I have a lot of support from my amazing team and sponsors, and I'm aiming to break a record. Still, my goal is to show people that you don’t need to be a pro athlete to go after something this big. If you’ve got the dream and the drive, you can make it happen.

Moving to Portugal, the idea of running the Camino de Santiago made perfect sense. It’s a route rich in history, meaning, and beauty, and felt like the perfect way to explore the country we now call home. I’m so excited to soak it all in and share the experience.” 

The 650 km route Lydia will run, starting in Lisbon and ending in Santiago de Compostella

How are you training and mentally preparing for this?

“Taking care of both body and mind is essential. Physically, I’m squeezing in runs every chance I get. Early morning runs, post-work runs, weekend long runs—you name it! The more time I spend on my feet, the better prepared I’ll be when it's GO time.

I’m also doing strength and mobility work to stay balanced and injury-free. Rest is a big part of it too. I’ve learned not to skip recovery. 

Mentally, I draw a lot of motivation from YouTube documentaries, books, and podcasts—hearing stories of others who’ve pushed their limits keeps me motivated and fired up. This helps me realise that these kinds of challenges are totally do-able. Overall, it’s all about building mental toughness and staying inspired while I prepare for the epic journey ahead.”

Tell us about your crew—who’s joining you on this Camino de Santiago adventure?

“I’m super lucky to have an amazing team. That includes: two pacers, Tyson and René; my husband Oli as team captain; and our two photographers, Mario and Agostino. They’re legends, each playing a crucial role, and I couldn’t do it without them. Everyone’s putting in time and energy to help me chase this dream.

It’s 100% a team effort. They’re the ones who are going to endure those early mornings and late nights on the road (in a Siesta Campervan!) making sure I'm fueled and supported every step of the way. I feel really grateful to have them by my side, and it makes the whole experience even more rewarding."

What are you most excited (and nervous) about?

“I’m excited to discover new places in Portugal and Spain on foot. There’s nothing like seeing the world one step at a time. I’m also stoked to spend quality time with the crew, capturing and sharing the experience from our campervan.

As for nerves—of course! But I try not to overthink it. While I’ve mapped out what I can, I like to go in a bit naïve. Things never go exactly to plan in ultras– whether it’s the weather, stomach issues, or any surprises the road throws at us– and that’s part of the beauty. Ultimately, embracing the unpredictability is part of the thrill, and it’s all about enjoying the ride.” 

What are your must-haves for life on the road?

“My dog for cuddles! If he’s not with us, I still rely on my teddy bear—it’s all about comfort. Also, friends and good vibes are the real fuel.”

What do you hope people take away from your journey?

“I hope it inspires others to chase their own adventures and push their own limits—whatever that looks like. You don’t need to be an elite runner or extreme adventurer to take on something big. 

Van life makes these journeys more accessible—you’ve got your base, your freedom, and the open road. My advice? Plan ahead, have a packing list, stay flexible, and embrace the unexpected. I hope my story sparks many more adventures to come!”

Thanks, Lydia! We can’t wait to cheer you on every step of the way. 

Starting April 27, 2025, Lydia and her crew will pick up their Siesta Camper at our Lisbon base and hit the road for a 7-day, 650 km adventure across the Camino de Santiago.

Follow the journey on Instagram @comerunwithme and @siestacampers.