Freshman Flora Lechtreck attempts the “Superman” zipline in Costa Rica. Ziplines can cause rushes of adrenaline, which many enjoy because it releases dopamine, the chemical that creates pleasure.Cartoon by Ashley Lawrence.
By FLORA LECHTRECK – Staff Writer
Freshman broadcast staffer Flora Lechtreck writes on her love for thrills through extreme sports and exciting adventures.
The wind rushing past your face, the sound of your heart beating through your chest, looking down at the people on the ground who have been reduced to the size of ants.
What these feelings all have in common is the rush of adrenaline they trigger. Adrenaline increases the rate of blood circulation and prepares muscles for exertion.
To me, it is a pleasant feeling. An adrenaline rush is the release of dopamine, the chemical that creates pleasure.
My love for adrenaline started earlier than I can remember. My parents still tell the story of when we encountered turbulence while flying through a storm. Everyone around us began to pray and cry, but I threw my chubby arms into the air and yelled, “Again!”
People often look at those who enjoy adrenaline as having no fears. It’s actually the opposite. I may love heights, shaky flights and snakes, but I still have the normal fears and anxieties that other people have. I am afraid of disappointing people, losing someone I love and failure.
Two years ago, I decided to try ziplining. As I was hurtling through the air above a small canyon, I felt alive. I wanted to do it again and again. Unfortunately, I could only go so many times, and since ziplines aren’t free, we waited several years before going again.
I was ecstatic to feel the rush of adrenaline again. I was so excited that I felt like I was already hurtling through the air attached only to a wire. I got clipped in, and an employee pushed me off the platform at the top of the canopy. I expected to feel butterflies in my stomach, but yet I felt nothing. I was 200 meters in the air, and I felt nothing.
When I arrived at the end, I felt disappointed. The view had been great, but I just felt normal.
I realized I needed more thrill. Maybe it’s because I knew ziplines were safe, so I didn’t get the same kick out of them. I found myself thinking about if I would ever stop craving the feeling of an adrenaline rush.
I wondered what the future would hold, I don’t know for sure, but it’ll most likely it’ll involve skydiving.
