What Exactly Is a Runner’s High?

Jordan Siemens/Getty ImagIf you’ve ever completed a long run and felt like you could keep going a few more miles, you may have experienced a runner’s high. his sense of euphoria helps athletes feel relaxed and calm. It can also help shield against pain from the long bout of exercise, at least temporarilBut not everyone who runs or exercises will feel this brief moment of blisKeep reading to find out why a runner’s high occurs. This article will also review what’s

responsible for this feeling and why it may not be as easy to experience as you might hopeWhat is a runner’s highA runner’s high is a brief, deeply relaxing state of euphoria. Euphoria is a sense of extreme joy or delighIn this case, it occurs after intense or lengthy exercise. Often, people who experience a runner’s high also report feeling less anxiety and pain immediately after their runNot everyone who runs or exercises intensely will get a runner’s high, however. It’s difficult to measure “euphoria” because the experience is subjective. But what we do know is that it’s likely rarPlus, you may need to run for several miles at a

time to reach the point where a runner’s high could occur. For many people, this distance might not be easy or possibleSo if you complete a lengthy jog and you don’t feel like you could begin your race again, you’re probably not alone. But good for you for taking that healthy run anywHow your body and brain respond to runniA runner’s high isn’t the only possible benefit of running or exercising. Indeed, there are several physical benefits caused by the chemicals released when

you’re running, and they’re not all related to your cardiovascular systeRunning and aerobic exercise release a flood of endorphins into your blood. Endorphins are often called the “feel-good” chemicals because they produce feelings of happiness and pleasurThey also help you feel less pain while you’re running. That can act as a natural pain reliever, helping you endure longer periods of exercisFor decscientists believed endorphins were responsible for a runner’s high. It makes

sense — they do have a great deal of beneficial effectsBut in recent years, research has revealed that endorphins may not have much to do with it after all. Instead, new research points to another type of molecule: endocannabinoidThese molecules act on your endocannabinoid system. This is the same system that’s affected by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in cannabiLike endorphins, exercise releases endocannabinoids into the bloodstream. If you feel euphoric or deeply relaxed after a run, these molecules may be the responsible party.