Michael Sula, M.S. in Exercise Physiology, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode in a two-part series on long walks.

In PART I Michael discusses the 4 month training program he created for his wife, Helene Sula (who will be interviewed in PART II), to walk the approximately 100 mile Cotswold Way trail in 10 days in Fall '24. They have generously shared the training program which can be found for free here and additionally includes suggestions for gear, cross training, and rest days.

Michael also discusses the history of modern exercise in America started by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, the benefits of exercise testing, and how to find an exercise plan to meet your fitness goals. Interested in performing exercise tests to see what your baseline is, check out this article for some examples of simple tests you can perform on your own.

Want to know more about Michael & Helene's travel adventures, follow along on their blog and Instagram, @heleneinbetween.