Is the Runner’s High Even Real?

Is Runner's High Possible?

You’ve probably heard the term – the “runner’s high.” Quite simply, it refers to the way your brain is effected by a long amount of constant physical exertion – your body adapts by sending endorphins through the body, giving you a feeling of mild euphoria, even while you body grinds against itself, pounding the pavement, propelling yourself forward in a constant struggle. If running is so hard, why are so many people into it – is this runner’s high a real phenomenon?

First, have you experienced a runner’s high?

A rule of thumb is generally that if you have to ask, you haven’t. Depending on your level of development, a runner’s high can take a good amount of exercise before it’s triggered – maybe 40 minutes into your run, even. If you’ve just been jogging for 5 minutes at a time, there’s a good chance that you haven’t come into your own yet. Perhaps you haven’t been pushing yourself out of your comfort zone enough.

Those who have experienced the runner’s high feel a very compelling reason to exercise frequently – not only does it make them healthier, but it makes them feel better about themselves. Even after a run, the hormones running through your body can be enough to make you feel great. And it’s an intrinsic high – it takes no drugs, no food, and no alcohol to feel that great.

But what if the runner’s high is just a placebo effect?

What if anyone can feel good about their favorite activity simply because they enjoy it? Is there really science to back up the runner’s high?

At this point, the details are sketchy. As our knowledge of the human mind expands, we’ll learn more about how the brain responds to exercise. But those who have been running for a while will be able to tell you that there’s no “self-convincing” happening. The runner’s high seems to happen to them, rather than them inventing this kind of feeling.

To really answer this question in a way that satisfies you, you’ll have to experience it for yourself. If you’re interested in running or the runner’s high, you can go out and search for your own runner’s high simply by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and forcing your body to adapt to new circumstances. If, after some time of pursuing the runner’s high, you don’t experience it, feel free to try something else. But those who have pursued running seriously know why they do it – and they can’t wait for that next runner’s high. Will you feel that good about making an investment in yourself and your body?

Photo Credits: mikebaird

Originally posted 2009-05-11 05:50:32.

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