{"id":11954,"date":"2023-02-22T11:59:59","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T11:59:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/chasing-a-runners-high-heres-everything-you-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2023-02-22T11:59:59","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T11:59:59","slug":"chasing-a-runners-high-heres-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/chasing-a-runners-high-heres-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Chasing a runner\u2019s high? Here\u2019s everything you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"


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A runner\u2019s high is an extraordinary sensation that many exercise enthusiasts strive for. It is described as a deeply relaxing and even euphoric state that, when experienced, will keep you coming back for more.<\/span><\/p>\n

While for some runners, it\u2019s a constant in their athletic lives, others only experience it once in a while, and some not at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll answer any questions you might have about this elusive feeling, like how do you get a runner\u2019s high and what exactly does it feel like?<\/span><\/p>\n

Most importantly, we\u2019ll provide you with an in-depth analysis of the possible causes of a runner\u2019s high, giving you a better shot at finally experiencing this unique pleasure for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT IS A RUNNER\u2019S HIGH?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A runner\u2019s high is a relatively short-lived state of euphoria that sometimes accompanies prolonged high-intensity exercise.<\/span>(1)<\/sup><\/p>\n

Triathlete Scott Dunlap describes a runner\u2019s high as \u201cTwo Red Bulls and vodka, three ibuprofen, plus a $50 winning Lotto ticket in your pocket.\u201d But the physical sensations that each person experiences are different, with some people never experiencing a runner\u2019s high at all!<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is you don\u2019t need to <\/span>run an ultramarathon<\/span> to experience a runner\u2019s high. The bad news? What exactly creates these euphoric sensations isn\u2019t completely understood.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That means there is no magic recipe for those wondering, \u201chow do you trigger a runner\u2019s high?\u201d That being said, understanding the possible causes of the runner\u2019s high can help those who want to experience this euphoric state finally reach their target.<\/span><\/p>\n

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WHAT CAUSES A RUNNER\u2019S HIGH?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are two schools of thought regarding the runner\u2019s high. Originally, researchers believed that the runner\u2019s high was triggered by the release of neurochemicals called endorphins, which are responsible for minimizing the pain of intense physical exercise.<\/span>(2)<\/sup><\/p>\n

However, new research suggests that endocannabinoids may be responsible for this highly desirable feeling. In reality, it\u2019s possible that endorphins and endocannabinoids work in unison to create a runner\u2019s high.<\/span>(3)<\/sup><\/p>\n

ENDORPHINS<\/span><\/h3>\n

Endorphins are \u201cfeel-good\u201d chemicals that are released during both pleasurable and painful experiences, such as getting a massage or doing high-intensity exercise.(<\/sup><\/span>4<\/span>)<\/span><\/sup><\/p>\n

When your body experiences pain, endorphins \u2013 which function as natural pain relievers \u2013 are released to block the pain receptors responsible for receiving pain signals. High-intensity exercise done for extended periods triggers the release of endorphins to help our bodies adapt to stress. Making these chemicals a plausible cause of a runner\u2019s high.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, new evidence suggests that these molecules are too large to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Leaving researchers in search of another possible cause of this euphoric feeling.<\/span>(5)<\/sup><\/p>\n

ENDOCANNABINOIDS<\/span><\/h3>\n

Under further investigation, researchers also discovered high amounts of molecules called endocannabinoids that are released during high-intensity exercise.<\/span>(6)<\/sup><\/p>\n

Endocannabinoids are molecules similar to the cannabinoids you find in THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, but are naturally produced by your body. They have been shown to produce euphoric sensations, reduce anxiety, and enhance feelings of calm, all of which are important components of a runner\u2019s high.<\/span>(1)<\/sup><\/p>\n

Triggering the release of endocannabinoids is just one of the <\/span>benefits of running every day<\/span>, along with improving cardiovascular health, mental clarity, and boosting your mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

HOW LONG DOES A RUNNER\u2019S HIGH LAST?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most runners will need to undergo 60 minutes of steady aerobic exercise in order to experience a release of beta-endorphins \u2013 one of the chemicals thought to be responsible for a runner\u2019s high.(7)<\/sup><\/p>\n

One study on beta-endorphins shows that the levels of these hormones in the body decrease by 50% within 40-90 minutes of exercise. This means that you can\u2019t expect to feel the effects of a runner\u2019s high for longer than a couple of hours.(8)<\/sup><\/p>\n

WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR MILEAGE<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you want to experience the effects of a runner\u2019s high, the first step will likely be to <\/span>increase your running stamina<\/span> so you can maintain 60 minutes of higher-intensity exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of our favorite tips for helping you run longer and faster.<\/span><\/p>\n

EAT THE RIGHT PRE-RUN SNACK<\/span><\/h3>\n

The right snack eaten before your run has the potential to fuel a personal best or leave you feeling sluggish and sick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although there is no such thing as \u201cthe best diet for runners,\u201d there are some <\/span>foods that you would benefit from eating<\/span> before a run. A banana with peanut butter is an example of an ideal pre-snack because it\u2019s high in carbs, potassium, and protein.<\/span><\/p>\n

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However, simple-carb foods like white bread and heavy animal-based protein snacks are <\/span>foods that are best to be avoided<\/span> before high-intensity exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

FOCUS ON YOUR BREATHING<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your breathing is a key ingredient in high-intensity exercise. Without adequate oxygen, your muscles won\u2019t have the fuel needed to sustain your movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

When running, try to focus on breathing into your belly to ensure you\u2019re getting all the oxygen you can in your lungs. You might also choose to <\/span>practice rhythmic breathing<\/span> as a way to increase your awareness of your breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

USE AN APP<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re unable to reach your running goals on your own, you might consider using a running app, like the <\/span>adidas Running app<\/span>. In it, you\u2019ll find workouts designed to challenge your running skills and a tracker to help you follow your progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Using the <\/span>adidas Running app<\/span> can provide you with many of the same benefits as hiring a running coach \u2013 at a fraction of the price.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/span><\/h2>\n

The runner\u2019s high meaning is increased euphoria and a feeling of relaxation that sometimes accompany long-distance or high-intensity exercise \u2013 but not always. It\u2019s unclear whether a runner\u2019s high is caused by endorphins, endocannabinoids, or a combination of the two.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many experts believe that at least 60 minutes of intense exercise is required to trigger a runner\u2019s high. But the truth is, there\u2019s no magic recipe for inducing this elusive feeling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your goal is to experience the euphoric feeling of a runner\u2019s high, finding ways to increase your stamina will help. You can start by using the tips outlined in this article, like switching up your pre-run snack, changing your breathing patterns, or downloading a running app.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n