What is a ‘Runner’s High’?

[mrrun]

Some runners at times experience a feeling close to euphoria when anxiety and feeling of pain seem to reduce. For a while the phenomenon has been associated with increased levels of endorphins in blood but now there seem to be more interesting new theories. But when does it happen? It turns out it’s quite often a happy mix of several factors. Normally it’s those up to an hour long slower runs when heart rate gets stable, body is warmed up and we are fully comfortable at the stage before the run becomes tiring, laborious or painful. We can’t get it every time, all needs to fall neatly in place but when it does happen - you are likely to remember it forever!

I have experienced three such highs in the last four years, with the most recent one being an absolute ace. As I ran through the park the clarity of sounds, aromas and light became so real and comfortable, it felt perfect. I felt like a satisfied observer being carried around, running without effort. It happened during a 16km run and that feeling carried me through as if I watched it on a film.

I got home in an incredibly good mood which lasted for the best chunk of that afternoon. Remarkable. Another proof that running can deliver a bag full of good surprises.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

The only runners high I can think of is finishing a what they call a "milestone run" rather as you described in your post while actually running.

Those milestone runs are runs 3 of week 5 and 9 of C25K, your first 5k or 10k run, a sub 30 or 60 minutes 5 or 10K run respectively, your first half or full marathon as well and of course for you mrrun your first ultra 50K marathon.

[Tasha99 Marathon]

After every run. That’s what keeps me running.

[SlowLoris]

I thought it was just Americans.

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to SlowLoris]

Lol, apparently not. I've discussed it with a 'name' marathon runner (Twitter can be useful at times) and he told me of his experiences during long easy runs. Similar sensation. Doctors agree that endorphins can play tricks with our minds in certain situations. I was aware what was happening and simply took it as a rare gift.

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I don't get any kind of endorphin rush, never have, and I feel a bit sad about that. But I do enjoy the slightly smug feeling of getting to the finish line of a race and the subsequent massive dinner.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Interesting - I've always thought of the runner's high being that after-run or after-race feeling.

But what you describe? ... I have on more than one occasion been running and felt that quite literally all was well with the world, and that my place in that was a wonderful thing. Whether this was your 'runner's high' or not I'm not sure ... maybe there's even better to come 🙂

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

You are describing it quite well, maybe that's also it? Maybe outside factors like current state of mind also contribute and amplify the overall sensation? Dunno but it does sound interesting! 😉

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to mrrun]

They were certainly very positive moments. I do love this running malarkey and it's bag of very varied gifts 😊

[Buddy34 Half Marathon]

One run really sticks in my mind , it was my second 10 mile run. It was raining I was soaking but I just seemed to be enjoying it so much . Like everything was so good and forgot just for a while about everything that was going on in the world ( covid 19) . That was my happy place and happy pace . So you're right it can't happen on every run or it wouldn't be so special or memorable 😊😊

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Buddy34]

Incredible feeling. I've read about it and heard from others, it's not frequent (far from it) but it's got that special place in runners diary.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I think I’ve felt that way a few times but it’s true, a number of things need to fall into place for it to occur, some in your control (like managing my pace) and others not (like weather, life circumstances etc) But when it happens it is sweet.

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

Yep. I've read that 24hr ultra racers are literary tripping when having hallucinations during the non-stop run. lol. I can do without that....🤪

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to mrrun]

Yes indeed: irun4ultra.com/hallucinatio...

[Hidden]

I have had this a few times on long runs. I meditate and would say that it’s a similar and equally evasive sensation as the altered state of consciousness that that sometimes brings. You just feel calm, peaceful, and ever so slightly trippy (I imagine😂)

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

I'm literary reading more about this now and you have described it spot on.

[Hidden in reply to mrrun]

Maybe you should try meditating. It’s another discipline to assist the long distances. I don’t want to sound too hippy, but you can find real inner peace when you reach the point of silence in your mind 🙏

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

I've been meditating since the late eighties. 😉

[NotPrime]

I’ve had this a few times. Usually on the easier sections of long hill runs. The only thing I seem conscious of is movement through the landscape. Once it starts it can turn into a kind of reverie. I’ve even heard myself laughing without knowing why.

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to NotPrime]

That's it, that's exactly what it is. A natural high.

[Hidden]

I went running listening to Kraftwerk this morning, it took me straight into an altered state- it was really weird, I felt hypnotised.