Feeling Better Post Run? Not getting a runners high.

[Rayblade900]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this and recently completed C25K having started late Jan this year. My reason mainly for doing this was to try and help my mental health (I suffer with depression) and fitness due to Lockdown (like many others). My question is this... I do not feel a "high" or sense of real achievement after the runs. I've read that post exercise we should feel better. Does anyone else share the same feelings? Thank you... Ray

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

Many people find that slowing down is an epiphany. Not only does it make it more achievable but also more enjoyable. An easy conversational pace is recommended for 80% of your running time, as it is the optimal pace to develop your stamina and endurance.

This slow pace stresses the body less and removes all competitive aspects from running, which plague many with feelings of inferiority compared to faster runners. Forget about pace and run somewhere beautiful and inspiring and pay attention to your environment.........it works for me.

Not everyone gets a runner's high and running is not for everyone, but I have never heard of running causing depression. .........in fact the opposite is prevalent.

In general terms, you may find this guide to post C25K running helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Rayblade900 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi and thank you for your reply. I do not suffer with depression post run (that's a Mental Health condition I have). Thank you for the link.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Rayblade900]

Sorry, that is what I took from your title.

[Rayblade900 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Ok cheers. I've now reworded to try and save confusion.

[PaulM61]

Did you get the high whilst you were doing the C25K ? I found I only really get a sense of achievement if I’m doing something I haven’t done before (fastest time/ longest run etc)

[Rayblade900 in reply to PaulM61]

Hi Paul. Frankly, no. I'm pleased I've completed it but don't get a rush of good feelings. I think that's a symptom of my depression. Other people who suffer apprently really benefit.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I suffer with anxiety and depression and the best running high I remember was after completing the very first run !It's sort of dwindled since then.

I do feel better after completing a run now but it's certainly not as it was on that first day

[Rayblade900 in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you. I find it's a necessary evil 😀It's hard work, but want to continue. Anything to try and self-help is good.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Rayblade900]

Yes, I get that !I sometimes feel that way about it 😁

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

In addition to the psychological benefits of slowing down that Iannoda Truffe has outlined. Apparently there are physical reasons why you may get more of a runners high when you go slow. Here's a link to a book review, there's a paragraph on runners high about halfway through.

championseverywhere.com/nik...

Personally, even though it's very early days I'd say I am getting a runners high. Finishing my runs smiling and getting a sense of well-being for a little while after. I get this to some extent from other forms of exercise but at the moment it seems more pronounced from running, maybe because it's easier to stick to a nice intensity?

[BekkaPumpkin]

Hi I was watching about this recently on the run experience YouTube channel and it said some people only get a runners high after 30 mins of continuous running. Maybe you'll get it when you can run a little bit longer, we are all individual but I do hope you get it soon. Personally I get it a tiny bit after most runs some more than others. But I feel better for about an hour max afterwards. Do you get at least a little bit? X

[Rayblade900]

Hi and thank you for your reply. I was happy I ran my first 5K a couple of weeks ago but didn't get an overwhelming sense of adrenalin. I run a 5K on average of about 31 mins... not obsessed by times. I don't enjoy it whilst running as I find it really tough. However, I'm determined to keep it up. My depression has taken a real dip recently and trying to do anything for myself to help out the "dark thoughts"! Hope you're doing ok too.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Rayblade900]

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

[Rayblade900 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I'd guess so. I on my own and don't tend to speak to myself 😀It's probably near the end I'd be like that.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Rayblade900]

If it is tough just slow down.