Runner's High
You’re lined up at the starting line; your heart is racing already. The gun is fired, and the race begins. The next thing you know, you’re entering the final 100m in first place. You sprint to the finish and cross the line with a giant grin on your face. You’ve never felt better. “I should be dying!” you think to yourself. But for some reason, you’re feeling...euphoric.
Runner’s high is something that runners have known about for hundreds of years. For scientists, however, it’s a relatively new discovery. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to discover the reasons behind this feeling of euphoria that runners experience, often when they least expect it.
Jesse Pittsburg, Ph.D., The President of The American Society of Exercise Physiologists, explains that “Psychologically, runners may experience euphoria, a feeling of being invincible, a reduced state of discomfort or pain, and even a loss in sense of time while running.”
Why is this? Well, scientists are still debating on the physiological reasons behind the feeling of bliss experienced by runners for minutes or even hours after a run. One study, by David Raichlen and Gregory Gerdeman, of the University of Arizona, focused on the levels of an endocanabinoid called anandamide that scientists say your body sometimes releases during and after strenuous exercise. Endocanabinoids are a naturally synthesized version of HTC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. Raichlen and Gerdeman took the levels of anandamide in dogs and ferrets before and after they had run, and noted that in some of the dogs and ferrets, there was an increase in anandamide, while in others, there was not. The scientists theorized that runners may only feel the benefits of increased anandamide if they are already in shape. (Sorry couch potatoes, you’re probably not going to feel the runner’s high on your first run.)
Mathew Hill, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and has conducted many studies on runner’s high.” He explains that, “Endorphins are painkillers produced in response to physical discomfort.” From the results of his studies, Hill believes that runner’s high is most certainly attributed to the rise in anandamide in the body during and after exercise. Hill explains his theory in the article, “How to Achieve a Runner’s High” by K. Aleisha Fetters. Hill believes that he has unlocked the key to runner’s high. Hill says that it all starts when specialized cells secrete endorphins, which help control a person’s mood. Next, your body secretes THC. Your blood then carries the chemicals to your brain, where it encounters a “brain barrier.” This barrier acts as a gatekeeper to your brain cells. The Anandamide crosses easily, while the large endorphins have trouble getting in. This is not a problem though, as your brain also produces endorphins. The two mood boosters are then sent into your central nervous system, where they control the signaling of pain receptors called Nociceptors, which spread out from your spinal cord. As a result, you do not feel how much your legs are burning. The endorphins “numb” the brain’s prefrontal and limbic regions, which regulate your motivation and emotions. This causes a feeling of calmness, and later, may be followed by a feeling of euphoria. Anandamide triggers the release of neurotransmitters that contributes to feelings of lust, pleasure, and addiction. It also binds the cannabinoid receptors in your brains circuit of pleasure, much like myelin does to your nerve endings after continued practice. This causes those signals of bliss for minutes, or for some (lucky) people, hours after intense activity.
You’re probably wondering, “How can I get runner’s high?” Well, lucky for you, the answer may be simpler than you think. Cindra S. Kamphoff, Ph. D., Director for Sports and Performance Psychology at Minnesota State University explained that, “Most runners I have worked with experience endorphins when they are pushing their bodies, but not usually at max effort.” Kamphoff explains that in order to reach this euphoric feeling, runners should think “tempo run”, versus “race.” Dr. Gerdeman recommends running for thirty minutes at eighty percent of your maximum heart rate for the greatest chance of achieving runner’s high. Research also indicates that in minimal amounts, mental stress may trigger and increase endocanabinoid production. That means that those pre-race jitters may actually be useful.
Research also indicates that listening to your favorite music while running may increase the release of endorphins in your brain. Research by Celicia J. Hillard, Ph.D., the director of the Neuroscience Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that endocannabinoid levels were three times higher in the morning than at night, meaning that you will probably have a better chance of “getting high” in the morning than at night. So, waking up for that early morning run may have more benefits than you may think.
Another study by researchers at Oxford University examined a group of twelve rowers after a vigorous workout in a virtual boat. After 45 minutes of either rowing separately, or in a team of six, researchers measured their pain tolerance by how long they could tolerate an inflated blood pressure cup on their arm. The team rowers were able to withstand the pain a significantly longer amount of time than the solo rowers. The scientists leading the study concluded that this was because of the increased endorphin release. So having a running buddy may have actual physical benefits!
So next time you are standing on the starting line, with your heart racing, think of that feeling of euphoria. Think of the giant grin that will be on your face as you cross the finish line in first place. Think of the runner’s high you’ll be feeling.
Runner's High
You’re lined up at the starting line; your heart is racing already. The gun is fired, and the race begins. The next thing you know, you’re entering the final 100m in first place. You sprint to the finish and cross the line with a giant grin on your face. You’ve never felt better. “I should be dying!” you think to yourself. But for some reason, you’re feeling...euphoric.
Runner’s high is something that runners have known about for hundreds of years. For scientists, however, it’s a relatively new discovery. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to discover the reasons behind this feeling of euphoria that runners experience, often when they least expect it.
Jesse Pittsburg, Ph.D., The President of The American Society of Exercise Physiologists, explains that “Psychologically, runners may experience euphoria, a feeling of being invincible, a reduced state of discomfort or pain, and even a loss in sense of time while running.”
Why is this? Well, scientists are still debating on the physiological reasons behind the feeling of bliss experienced by runners for minutes or even hours after a run. One study, by David Raichlen and Gregory Gerdeman, of the University of Arizona, focused on the levels of an endocanabinoid called anandamide that scientists say your body sometimes releases during and after strenuous exercise. Endocanabinoids are a naturally synthesized version of HTC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. Raichlen and Gerdeman took the levels of anandamide in dogs and ferrets before and after they had run, and noted that in some of the dogs and ferrets, there was an increase in anandamide, while in others, there was not. The scientists theorized that runners may only feel the benefits of increased anandamide if they are already in shape. (Sorry couch potatoes, you’re probably not going to feel the runner’s high on your first run.)
Mathew Hill, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and has conducted many studies on runner’s high.” He explains that, “Endorphins are painkillers produced in response to physical discomfort.” From the results of his studies, Hill believes that runner’s high is most certainly attributed to the rise in anandamide in the body during and after exercise. Hill explains his theory in the article, “How to Achieve a Runner’s High” by K. Aleisha Fetters. Hill believes that he has unlocked the key to runner’s high. Hill says that it all starts when specialized cells secrete endorphins, which help control a person’s mood. Next, your body secretes THC. Your blood then carries the chemicals to your brain, where it encounters a “brain barrier.” This barrier acts as a gatekeeper to your brain cells. The Anandamide crosses easily, while the large endorphins have trouble getting in. This is not a problem though, as your brain also produces endorphins. The two mood boosters are then sent into your central nervous system, where they control the signaling of pain receptors called Nociceptors, which spread out from your spinal cord. As a result, you do not feel how much your legs are burning. The endorphins “numb” the brain’s prefrontal and limbic regions, which regulate your motivation and emotions. This causes a feeling of calmness, and later, may be followed by a feeling of euphoria. Anandamide triggers the release of neurotransmitters that contributes to feelings of lust, pleasure, and addiction. It also binds the cannabinoid receptors in your brains circuit of pleasure, much like myelin does to your nerve endings after continued practice. This causes those signals of bliss for minutes, or for some (lucky) people, hours after intense activity.
You’re probably wondering, “How can I get runner’s high?” Well, lucky for you, the answer may be simpler than you think. Cindra S. Kamphoff, Ph. D., Director for Sports and Performance Psychology at Minnesota State University explained that, “Most runners I have worked with experience endorphins when they are pushing their bodies, but not usually at max effort.” Kamphoff explains that in order to reach this euphoric feeling, runners should think “tempo run”, versus “race.” Dr. Gerdeman recommends running for thirty minutes at eighty percent of your maximum heart rate for the greatest chance of achieving runner’s high. Research also indicates that in minimal amounts, mental stress may trigger and increase endocanabinoid production. That means that those pre-race jitters may actually be useful.
Research also indicates that listening to your favorite music while running may increase the release of endorphins in your brain. Research by Celicia J. Hillard, Ph.D., the director of the Neuroscience Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that endocannabinoid levels were three times higher in the morning than at night, meaning that you will probably have a better chance of “getting high” in the morning than at night. So, waking up for that early morning run may have more benefits than you may think.
Another study by researchers at Oxford University examined a group of twelve rowers after a vigorous workout in a virtual boat. After 45 minutes of either rowing separately, or in a team of six, researchers measured their pain tolerance by how long they could tolerate an inflated blood pressure cup on their arm. The team rowers were able to withstand the pain a significantly longer amount of time than the solo rowers. The scientists leading the study concluded that this was because of the increased endorphin release. So having a running buddy may have actual physical benefits!
So next time you are standing on the starting line, with your heart racing, think of that feeling of euphoria. Think of the giant grin that will be on your face as you cross the finish line in first place. Think of the runner’s high you’ll be feeling.
You’re lined up at the starting line; your heart is racing already. The gun is fired, and the race begins. The next thing you know, you’re entering the final 100m in first place. You sprint to the finish and cross the line with a giant grin on your face. You’ve never felt better. “I should be dying!” you think to yourself. But for some reason, you’re feeling...euphoric.
Runner’s high is something that runners have known about for hundreds of years. For scientists, however, it’s a relatively new discovery. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to discover the reasons behind this feeling of euphoria that runners experience, often when they least expect it.
Jesse Pittsburg, Ph.D., The President of The American Society of Exercise Physiologists, explains that “Psychologically, runners may experience euphoria, a feeling of being invincible, a reduced state of discomfort or pain, and even a loss in sense of time while running.”
Why is this? Well, scientists are still debating on the physiological reasons behind the feeling of bliss experienced by runners for minutes or even hours after a run. One study, by David Raichlen and Gregory Gerdeman, of the University of Arizona, focused on the levels of an endocanabinoid called anandamide that scientists say your body sometimes releases during and after strenuous exercise. Endocanabinoids are a naturally synthesized version of HTC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. Raichlen and Gerdeman took the levels of anandamide in dogs and ferrets before and after they had run, and noted that in some of the dogs and ferrets, there was an increase in anandamide, while in others, there was not. The scientists theorized that runners may only feel the benefits of increased anandamide if they are already in shape. (Sorry couch potatoes, you’re probably not going to feel the runner’s high on your first run.)
Mathew Hill, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and has conducted many studies on runner’s high.” He explains that, “Endorphins are painkillers produced in response to physical discomfort.” From the results of his studies, Hill believes that runner’s high is most certainly attributed to the rise in anandamide in the body during and after exercise. Hill explains his theory in the article, “How to Achieve a Runner’s High” by K. Aleisha Fetters. Hill believes that he has unlocked the key to runner’s high. Hill says that it all starts when specialized cells secrete endorphins, which help control a person’s mood. Next, your body secretes THC. Your blood then carries the chemicals to your brain, where it encounters a “brain barrier.” This barrier acts as a gatekeeper to your brain cells. The Anandamide crosses easily, while the large endorphins have trouble getting in. This is not a problem though, as your brain also produces endorphins. The two mood boosters are then sent into your central nervous system, where they control the signaling of pain receptors called Nociceptors, which spread out from your spinal cord. As a result, you do not feel how much your legs are burning. The endorphins “numb” the brain’s prefrontal and limbic regions, which regulate your motivation and emotions. This causes a feeling of calmness, and later, may be followed by a feeling of euphoria. Anandamide triggers the release of neurotransmitters that contributes to feelings of lust, pleasure, and addiction. It also binds the cannabinoid receptors in your brains circuit of pleasure, much like myelin does to your nerve endings after continued practice. This causes those signals of bliss for minutes, or for some (lucky) people, hours after intense activity.
You’re probably wondering, “How can I get runner’s high?” Well, lucky for you, the answer may be simpler than you think. Cindra S. Kamphoff, Ph. D., Director for Sports and Performance Psychology at Minnesota State University explained that, “Most runners I have worked with experience endorphins when they are pushing their bodies, but not usually at max effort.” Kamphoff explains that in order to reach this euphoric feeling, runners should think “tempo run”, versus “race.” Dr. Gerdeman recommends running for thirty minutes at eighty percent of your maximum heart rate for the greatest chance of achieving runner’s high. Research also indicates that in minimal amounts, mental stress may trigger and increase endocanabinoid production. That means that those pre-race jitters may actually be useful.
Research also indicates that listening to your favorite music while running may increase the release of endorphins in your brain. Research by Celicia J. Hillard, Ph.D., the director of the Neuroscience Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that endocannabinoid levels were three times higher in the morning than at night, meaning that you will probably have a better chance of “getting high” in the morning than at night. So, waking up for that early morning run may have more benefits than you may think.
Another study by researchers at Oxford University examined a group of twelve rowers after a vigorous workout in a virtual boat. After 45 minutes of either rowing separately, or in a team of six, researchers measured their pain tolerance by how long they could tolerate an inflated blood pressure cup on their arm. The team rowers were able to withstand the pain a significantly longer amount of time than the solo rowers. The scientists leading the study concluded that this was because of the increased endorphin release. So having a running buddy may have actual physical benefits!
So next time you are standing on the starting line, with your heart racing, think of that feeling of euphoria. Think of the giant grin that will be on your face as you cross the finish line in first place. Think of the runner’s high you’ll be feeling.
Runner's High
You’re lined up at the starting line; your heart is racing already. The gun is fired, and the race begins. The next thing you know, you’re entering the final 100m in first place. You sprint to the finish and cross the line with a giant grin on your face. You’ve never felt better. “I should be dying!” you think to yourself. But for some reason, you’re feeling...euphoric.
Runner’s high is something that runners have known about for hundreds of years. For scientists, however, it’s a relatively new discovery. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to discover the reasons behind this feeling of euphoria that runners experience, often when they least expect it.
Jesse Pittsburg, Ph.D., The President of The American Society of Exercise Physiologists, explains that “Psychologically, runners may experience euphoria, a feeling of being invincible, a reduced state of discomfort or pain, and even a loss in sense of time while running.”
Why is this? Well, scientists are still debating on the physiological reasons behind the feeling of bliss experienced by runners for minutes or even hours after a run. One study, by David Raichlen and Gregory Gerdeman, of the University of Arizona, focused on the levels of an endocanabinoid called anandamide that scientists say your body sometimes releases during and after strenuous exercise. Endocanabinoids are a naturally synthesized version of HTC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. Raichlen and Gerdeman took the levels of anandamide in dogs and ferrets before and after they had run, and noted that in some of the dogs and ferrets, there was an increase in anandamide, while in others, there was not. The scientists theorized that runners may only feel the benefits of increased anandamide if they are already in shape. (Sorry couch potatoes, you’re probably not going to feel the runner’s high on your first run.)
Mathew Hill, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and has conducted many studies on runner’s high.” He explains that, “Endorphins are painkillers produced in response to physical discomfort.” From the results of his studies, Hill believes that runner’s high is most certainly attributed to the rise in anandamide in the body during and after exercise. Hill explains his theory in the article, “How to Achieve a Runner’s High” by K. Aleisha Fetters. Hill believes that he has unlocked the key to runner’s high. Hill says that it all starts when specialized cells secrete endorphins, which help control a person’s mood. Next, your body secretes THC. Your blood then carries the chemicals to your brain, where it encounters a “brain barrier.” This barrier acts as a gatekeeper to your brain cells. The Anandamide crosses easily, while the large endorphins have trouble getting in. This is not a problem though, as your brain also produces endorphins. The two mood boosters are then sent into your central nervous system, where they control the signaling of pain receptors called Nociceptors, which spread out from your spinal cord. As a result, you do not feel how much your legs are burning. The endorphins “numb” the brain’s prefrontal and limbic regions, which regulate your motivation and emotions. This causes a feeling of calmness, and later, may be followed by a feeling of euphoria. Anandamide triggers the release of neurotransmitters that contributes to feelings of lust, pleasure, and addiction. It also binds the cannabinoid receptors in your brains circuit of pleasure, much like myelin does to your nerve endings after continued practice. This causes those signals of bliss for minutes, or for some (lucky) people, hours after intense activity.
You’re probably wondering, “How can I get runner’s high?” Well, lucky for you, the answer may be simpler than you think. Cindra S. Kamphoff, Ph. D., Director for Sports and Performance Psychology at Minnesota State University explained that, “Most runners I have worked with experience endorphins when they are pushing their bodies, but not usually at max effort.” Kamphoff explains that in order to reach this euphoric feeling, runners should think “tempo run”, versus “race.” Dr. Gerdeman recommends running for thirty minutes at eighty percent of your maximum heart rate for the greatest chance of achieving runner’s high. Research also indicates that in minimal amounts, mental stress may trigger and increase endocanabinoid production. That means that those pre-race jitters may actually be useful.
Research also indicates that listening to your favorite music while running may increase the release of endorphins in your brain. Research by Celicia J. Hillard, Ph.D., the director of the Neuroscience Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that endocannabinoid levels were three times higher in the morning than at night, meaning that you will probably have a better chance of “getting high” in the morning than at night. So, waking up for that early morning run may have more benefits than you may think.
Another study by researchers at Oxford University examined a group of twelve rowers after a vigorous workout in a virtual boat. After 45 minutes of either rowing separately, or in a team of six, researchers measured their pain tolerance by how long they could tolerate an inflated blood pressure cup on their arm. The team rowers were able to withstand the pain a significantly longer amount of time than the solo rowers. The scientists leading the study concluded that this was because of the increased endorphin release. So having a running buddy may have actual physical benefits!
So next time you are standing on the starting line, with your heart racing, think of that feeling of euphoria. Think of the giant grin that will be on your face as you cross the finish line in first place. Think of the runner’s high you’ll be feeling.