Runner's High

You don’t get high the first time, unless…scientifically speaking your body produces enough endorphins to flood your brain producing a sense of euphoria similar to any standard opiate. Endorphins enter the brain and attach to the limbic and prefrontal areas, which are known to activate emotions. You certainly don’t have to run a marathon to achieve this feeling, even shorter runs or strenuous runs can produce the same rush. But I believe that running long distances and going through intense training, increases the amounts of endorphins causing “runner’s high”.

Side affects? I don’t know, but I’m telling you it is true. It has been studied and proven, but I’ll give you my own account. When I tell you I just ran 18.5 miles and I said I enjoyed it, well I’m not giving you the full truth as there is a little more to the run aside from burning loads of calories. Personally, if the run was 18 miles, I’ll get high right around mile 12 and that feeling will most likely carry me through the next 6 miles, or until I hit the proverbial wall.

Suddenly I’ll feel like I’m floating, my strides are so aligned and perfect that it does not seem like I am putting in any work. Next thing I know the sound of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon drowns out the noise of my footsteps and cars driving by. During the day, if the sun is out and there are clear skies, I can see everything move by me very slowly and rhythmically. If I’m running at night I just tilt my head up slightly to gaze at the stars. There is no stress on my legs when I’m running high.

The high is indeed enjoyable, but to furthermore prove its existence, I have to admit that I am addicted. There is no 12 step program for running and certainly no rehab centers, so I have accepted that it is something I’ll have to live with. There are days that my body is calling for a run, especially if I haven’t produced a significant level of endorphins in a few days. There could be some factors that also contribute to the euphoria such as, adrenaline, caffeine, chocolate, and Gatorade. But at the end, coming down is tough. Good thing it is not a serious problem.

Does it come to any surprise that the Boston Marathon is on 4/20 this year?

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