Research Opportunity May - June 2010

Re: Research Opportunity

Hi David - its me again - not begging for a free camino this time, just wanting to make a few comments on the physiological effects of walking the camino.
Exercise + fresh air + endorphins + adrenaline + seretonin = eurphoria (happy pilgrim!!)

Re: Research Opportunity

Hello David,
I won't be on the camino this year unfortunately but I'd like to to add to Sil's very succinct comments from my perspective.

The first time I went over the Route Napoleon at age 59 it seemed really hard. At some points I could only take a few steps at a time and had to stop to catch my breath. The next time, 3 years later, it was easier and the next, another year later, it was easier still. Now it doesn't seem like that hard of a walk to me. (Easy to say from the comfort of my computer chair!)

There is no part of my body that feels worse as a result of walking the camino. I'm one of the lucky ones though - so far I haven't had any blisters which must make it so much easier because I definitely don't do pain well.

I feel as if I give myself a few extra years of life every time I do the camino. I lose weight, I get stronger, I feel healthier, I feel happier. I can't wait to do it again.
Cecelia