---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Susan Alcorn <backpack45@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Subject: Depression
To: karen.kellerford@gmail.com
Hi Karen,
I haven't been exactly in your shoes, but I think I can relate. In fact I have thought about writing about it in depth. Looking at it objectively, you hiked 300 miles, which is probably more miles than 95% (wild estimate) of the population has ever done. You undoubtedly spent tons of hours planning, dreaming about, preparing for, and training for this hike -- I think anyone would feel disappointed.
Finally, I have found that after any major hike, I feel rather depressed for a while and I attribute that to the sudden decrease in exercise, which will affect your hormonal levels of serotonin among other things.
Finally, you are in excellent company this year. Lots of people are bailing out on both the PCT and CDT because of the incredible snowpack -- no shame in that -- probably very wise. In addition many hikers are doing flipflops, are skipping from place to place trying to piece together a thru-hike.
Anyway, sorry you had to stop your hike, but the trail will be there in years to come and perhaps you will want to give it another try later on. I completed the PCT as a section hiker over many years; not everyone finds thru-hiking to be a good fit. Good luck to you, hope you feel better soon. Savor your successes.
Susan Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
www.backpack45.com and backpack45.blogspot.com
http://www.examiner.com/hiking-in-san-francisco/susan-alcorn
Publishers of two award-winning books: Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago and We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers.
From: Susan Alcorn <backpack45@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Subject: Depression
To: karen.kellerford@gmail.com
Hi Karen,
I haven't been exactly in your shoes, but I think I can relate. In fact I have thought about writing about it in depth. Looking at it objectively, you hiked 300 miles, which is probably more miles than 95% (wild estimate) of the population has ever done. You undoubtedly spent tons of hours planning, dreaming about, preparing for, and training for this hike -- I think anyone would feel disappointed.
Finally, I have found that after any major hike, I feel rather depressed for a while and I attribute that to the sudden decrease in exercise, which will affect your hormonal levels of serotonin among other things.
Finally, you are in excellent company this year. Lots of people are bailing out on both the PCT and CDT because of the incredible snowpack -- no shame in that -- probably very wise. In addition many hikers are doing flipflops, are skipping from place to place trying to piece together a thru-hike.
Anyway, sorry you had to stop your hike, but the trail will be there in years to come and perhaps you will want to give it another try later on. I completed the PCT as a section hiker over many years; not everyone finds thru-hiking to be a good fit. Good luck to you, hope you feel better soon. Savor your successes.
Susan Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
www.backpack45.com and backpack45.blogspot.com
http://www.examiner.com/hiking-in-san-francisco/susan-alcorn
Publishers of two award-winning books: Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago and We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers.
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