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Does The Runner's High Exist?
Sure, running does wonders for the body and mind. But for years runners have been claiming a sense of elation that could be considered an actual high. Does this mysterious sensation exist?
Run, Baby, Run! — Why It Matters
The runner's high phenomenon is fueled by reports of euphoria or elation experienced while running. From cardio to weightlifting, exercise causes the body to release energy and mood improving endorphins [1]. But can these endorphins actually create a “high”? One group of researchers found an increase in pleasure receptor activity in the brain after two hours of jogging, which could start to explain the feelings of euphoria experienced by some avid long distance runners [2]. Need a mood boost? Maybe it’s time to start training for that marathon. Or at least a high-heel-a-thon.
Hit The Ground Running — The Answer/Debate
While some studies support the runner's high, there are reasons to be wary of this trail theory. In the previously mentioned study, the sample size was very small, just 10 already-fit subjects [2]. And while each athlete's brain activity was scanned using advanced imaging techniques, receptor levels were not measured during the run, when the supposed “high” is generally reported. Another study showed a clear connection between 50 minutes of moderate intensity exercise and increased activity in the body's release of natural drug-like compounds [4]. However, this doesn't necessarily imply a link between such intense running and the release of such compounds.
So despite a clear connection between exercise and the release of endorphins, the support for a runner’s “high” is still mostly anecdotal [5]. The consensus? Sure, endorphins released while running could create an euphoric feeling, but the scientific evidence can’t support these claims 100% just yet, as the effects of endorphins vary from person to person. But for those runners who claim a consistent, pleasurable high, well, they’re having too much fun in la-la land to really care.
Certainty Level
This one's iffy.
Works Cited
- Beta-endorphin response to exercise. Goldfarb, A., A Jamurtas. Exercise and Sport Science Department, University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Sports Medicine. 1997 Jul; 24(1): 8-16.⤴
- The Runner’s High: Opioidergic mechanisms in the human brain. Boecker, H., Sprenger, T., Spiker, M.E., et al. Nuklearmedizinische Klinik Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitat Munchen, Munich, Germany. Cereberal Cortex. 2008 Nov;18(11):2523-31.⤴
- The Runner’s High: Opioidergic mechanisms in the human brain. Boecker, H., Sprenger, T., Spiker, M.E., et al. Nuklearmedizinische Klinik Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitat Munchen, Munich, Germany. Cereberal Cortex. 2008 Nov;18(11):2523-31.⤴
- Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system. Sparling, P.B., Giuffrida, A., Piomelli, D., et al. School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA. Neuroreport. 2003 Dec 2;14(17):2209-11.⤴
- Endorphins: The Basis of Pleasure?. Hawkes, C. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 1992 April; 55(4): 247-250.⤴
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Comments Leave a comment
Does the runner's high exist? Yes. From experience though, having run both as an unfit male adult and a fit male adult, that you experience it more the more you have already run.
Does the runner's high exist? Yes. From experience though, having run both as an unfit male adult and a fit male adult, that you experience it more the more you have already run.
Our body is like a Machine. The machine get rusty and go out of order without regular movement. So running is a good exercise.From my experience I have found that runner's are always keep high exist in their life.
Yes it exists. Does it occur 100% of the time for 100% of the people? No. So what.
Is it a "high"? What is the definition of 'high'?The author writes "why it matters", but doesn't answer this.
Why report on something pleasurable in a negative, doubtful, challenging way? Why not state it in a positive way? Stating the article as a negative leaves those who've experienced it to defend it. Stating the article as a positive educates those who have not experienced it to try it. The author is a contrarian, simply trying to get a cheap thrill by stirring up people. Fail.
Which is a more useful, interesting article? "The Roar of Angel Falls Is Not A Soothing Relaxing Sound" or "Visitors Experience A Soothing Relaxing Feeling When Hearing The Sound of Angel Falls".