Never get a "runner's high" when I run......

BigLifter10

I was in the gym this morning doing some cardio (treadmill). I typically use the elliptical or step mill with an occasional outdoor jog. I am wondering if there is a trick to this 'runner's high' that I have heard about. I'm not usually thrilled with running and I won't be doing any marathons, but I can hammer out 30 minutes of running (vary mph from 5.5 to 8.0). If I do a full 30 minutes, I try to stick around 6 mph. Each and every step is always an ordeal for me. I just can't wait to get it over with. I've tried all sorts of mind-sets to work around that because I love the benefits of my runs (I lose any excess weight very fast when I incorporate running, not to mention just feeling better, overall)

I know two people who run regularly and they just love it (so they say). I feel that way about lifting - but, I'm not one of those body types that can just do lifting and still keep excess fat off (unless I take cals too low). Cardio just keeps it off much more effectively. Is there something I am not aware of to finding this sweet spot when I run? I would love to find out how it feels because running just might become a bit more bearable.

Any input? Thanks!

shireeniebeanie

Me neither.

Running sucks. You either love it or you just get by, despite not loving it.

LoneWolfRunner

I run 40-45 miles a week and have done so for about 3 1/2 years... also lift weights... I really enjoy both, but I really love running but I do not think I ever experienced the so-called "runner's high". I have days where I feel like I could run all day, but not because I'm feeling euphoric... just because I'm feeling rested, strong and focused. I get those days in the gym, too. I don't view running as "fun" per se... I enjoy the challenge of it... I like the fact that I can get up in the morning and knock off 1,000 calories before most people even get up, but most of the time running is tough and not fun... but it makes me stronger and tougher mentally...and physically...just like those gym workouts that leave you wringing wet...

When I'm running, I never try to find the "high"... I just run because I like the way I feel when I'm out on the road or trail by myself watching the miles drop off...and getting to the point to see who is going win out... body or brain... maybe that is my "runner's high"...when I push myself to a new limit... or get a new pair of running shoes

in4nomz

I don't get my "runners high" every run, but usually when I do it's after like 6 or 7 miles. I can never get one with a short run, even if it's sprints.

Also, try running outdoors if you're only on a treadmill. I find no satisfaction with running on a treadmill.

IHateThinkingOfAUsername

The only high I ever felt when I was running was when I finished it. In my head my body was doing cartwheels and skipping around because it was all over. In reality my body was collapsed on the floor. But I don't think that's the "runners high" they refer to.

Adc7225

I have no idea what is so great about running - you and I may never love or even like running!

I run intervals . . . but I usually hate it! If I run for 30 minutes the 29th minute is maybe where I get a peak at that runners high.

I incorporated running because I believe it is a good workout and I wanted as many options as possible to help keep me active in the long run.

mammahawk25

I have always wanted to be a "runner", I officially started running 5 years ago. When I first started it was miserable! I found I couldn't go 10 minutes without completely collapsing. Then took a step back and tried the couch to 5k program. It got me building slowly so I could eventually get to 30 minutes of running. But I found that I still really struggled with running, I really wasn't enjoying it and started thinking that maybe running wasn't for me. Then I learned the art of s.l.o.w.i.n.g d.o.w.n.....Yes, I had to LEARN how to slow down, it wasn't easy, but once I figured out a good pace for me...that's when I started falling in love with running! At one point I slowed my pace back to a 13 minute mile...it was a snails pace, but I enjoyed being able to run without feeling like every step was an ordeal. I am now running around an 11:30 minute mile...a few years ago that would have left me in a heap, but today it is a very comfortable, enjoyable pace that doesn't leave me feeling like I'm slogging through another run.

FWIW when doing an "easy" run (which is what most of your runs should be) you should be running at a pace that you can still carry on a conversation with short sentences.

suremeansyes

I hate running and have never gotten a runner's high. I'm also one of those people who don't get like "OMG, I feel SO great after my workouts!" Nope. I usually feel tired. Happy I did it, but tired.

jemhh

I really enjoy (most of) my runs but I'm not sure if I would call it a runner's high. I do get to a point where I just feel really good, like I could go on forever. But I'm not super speedy (generally average 11 minutes/mile) and don't go super far (5 miles at the most.) So going on "forever" would be like 6 or 7 miles.

jmminmn

I completely agree - learning to slow down (and I run outside) has been best for me. While I don't get a runners high - there is something peaceful about running ourside in the morning. It's just as good for my mind as my body. Bottom line, find something that works for you - change of pace, change of scenery, music/quiet...whatever helps make it a more enjoyable experience. You may never experience the so-called runners high - but you wont' dread your runs and you'll feel great at the end!

ashenriver

Try running outdoors on a nice trail.

That is what you might be missing for your 'Runners High'

I get too bored on a treadmill, I love running trails and being outdoors. Since I have started I keep wanting to do more and go longer.

runner475

I don't know what a runner's high is but one thing I do know treadmill sucks.

Can you run outside even if for a mile at a slower pace? Hopefully that will give you a better experience.

Edited - grammar

No_Finish_Line

I experince the 'runner's high'. Not always but fairly often. But i almost NEVER experience it DURING a workout.

Always at the end.

its very subtle and natural so its difficult to distinguish from simply 'feeling good'

I used to swim in highschool. looking back, hanging out with friends after a workout was probably the best i felt during highschool.

it wasn't until i started actually getting high in college that i was like 'oh wait, that must have been a runners high' lol. if you've never gotten artifically high, its even that more difficult to pull appart from a normal feeling (not that a runners high isn't natural). in fact the first few times i got artifically high, i couldn't tell i was high lol.

but i wouldnt expect it to help you complete a work out or really even enjoy it more. its more like an extra gift at the end.

you could try shorter intense workouts like HIIT, might experinece it. my thoughts are that you get a little of it already without picking up on it. its very sublte

MeanderingMammal

I know two people who run regularly and they just love it (so they say).

Personally I really enjoy running, but put me on a dreadmill I'd be ready to kill you after about ten minutes, probably the most boring and demotivating way to train, second only to the elliptical for the tedium.

I'd ask what you're expecting as a runners high?

For me, getitng out on the trail, listening to the wind in the trees, listening to the birds and just enjoying the time and space on my own.

Some sessions are just a means to an end, and some sessions are just painful but need to be included in the training programme.

That said I usually find the first couple of miles a bit harder work, I only really get into a smooth rhythm after that, once I've lossened up and just found my headspace.

I feel that way about lifting

And again, personally I find resistance training to be incredibly tedious, all that p!ssing about with plates, hanging about between sets I find disruptive and boring. Resistance training is a means to an end, as it helps my running performance and helps reduce the risk of injury. I put up with it.

I admire your tenacity in continuing with the running, to make it enjoyable I'd suggest getting outside and running in the real.

You could try different types of sessions, like intervals, but if you neglect the aerobic base then you're not going to get the greatest benefit from them. And in all honesty you're not going to get a quality interval session on a dreadmill anyway.

ThickMcRunFast

1. Ditch the treadmill. That should help.

2. Not all of my runs are winners. Usually, I enjoy them on some level (either physical, mental, or emotional), but very rarely all three. I have had what I would imagine is the 'runners high', where everything is clicking and you just feel like you could run forever, but that is usually in long runs, and it doesn't last the whole time. Sometimes, I enjoy it on no level whatsoever, and am just happy the run is over. Nothing is going to be fun and easy 100% of the time.

Capt_Apollo

go outside.

365andstillalive

I completely agree - learning to slow down (and I run outside) has been best for me. While I don't get a runners high - there is something peaceful about running ourside in the morning. It's just as good for my mind as my body. Bottom line, find something that works for you - change of pace, change of scenery, music/quiet...whatever helps make it a more enjoyable experience. You may never experience the so-called runners high - but you wont' dread your runs and you'll feel great at the end!

Exactly this; especially if you happen to have nature trails around you. Somehow a 5am run as the sun comes up and the birds start chirping and you see the odd deer or something makes me a very happy runner. I finish my run, sit down for a minute, drink back some water and the world feels a little bit more at peace -- no matter how insanely cheesy that sounds.

DBoone85

go outside.

This. I know the feeling, but I can't explain it. I ran 14 miles this morning...and I got the feeling around mile 11......honestly, I did not want to stop.

LoneWolfRunner

Somehow a 5am run as the sun comes up and the birds start chirping and you see the odd deer or something makes me a very happy runner. I finish my run, sit down for a minute, drink back some water and the world feels a little bit more at peace -- no matter how insanely cheesy that sounds.

Exactly...

gobonas99

go outside.

Listen to this man. He is wise. :bigsmile:

I can run outside for an hour, easy peasy. But put me on a dreadmill? Stuck inside and staring at the same spot on the wall? I'll kill you after 10 minutes. I think 15 minutes is the longest I've ever been able to stay on one. I run outside when it's 90 degrees, I run outside when it's 10 degrees, I run outside when it is sunny, when it is snowing, and when it is raining (tho I do draw the line at thunder and lightning). ALL of that is far preferable to the dreadmill.

:flowerforyou:

No_Finish_Line

Somehow a 5am run as the sun comes up and the birds start chirping and you see the odd deer or something makes me a very happy runner. I finish my run, sit down for a minute, drink back some water and the world feels a little bit more at peace -- no matter how insanely cheesy that sounds.

Exactly...

thats essentially how i would describe it. i've always done more sprinit type workouts even as a swimmer. i always felt it afterwards, a tiny pick me up. i've had a few times mid workout, but even then its probably during a rest interval or when i just stop from exhaustion lol

The_Enginerd

Yeah, going to reiterate the "go outside" recommendation.

I couldn't make it 30 minutes on a treadmill either. It's agonizingly boring. Even with TV and music.

Leesha97

I don't think it's a HIGH like a drug high, it's just a feeling of well-being, a tremendous sense of feeling stronger (like you could keep going all day if you needed to), and a little euphoria. I get them running (except intervals - I never get them with intervals), and I get them on my bike too. The best "high" I get from exercise is running races (5ks, triathalons), because you get the body's response plus the awesome satisfaction of finishing a race.

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FancyPantsFran

You might never because its not what you really like running. I get that runners high but for me its more of a sense of accomplishment that gives it to me. running is hard for me but I admit I really loving it. Im fairly new to running

BigLifter10

Good tips and glad to get some perspective from other people. I may just have to accept that it's not the thing I love and just do it because of the good it does for my body. I swear though....thirty minutes feels like six hours when I'm doing that. I want to love it, I just don't and that is disappointing. I am, however, always glad when it's over....maybe that is what it will be about for me. I did take a pre-workout a few times before cardio sessions, but, eh, didn't notice a ton of difference. Now, if I could load up on something sugary....that might help. But, why defeat the purpose of doing it then STILL have to do it.

Thanks for all the input! I'll be attempting to do some hill sprints soon....that might liven things up a little bit. Maybe.

stumblinthrulife

I didn't start getting a runner's high until I started running much faster, and much further. Around the five mile mark of a tempo run is generally my sweet spot. Or after a 10k very fast interval run.

TAsunder

I don't usually feel it (or maybe just don't notice I feel it) during the run. It's usually afterwards... sometimes it doesn't feel like it starts until about a half hour later. I feel like it happens most often after interval running, but I don't know that for sure. certainly not consistent. It feels pretty good, though, and biological in nature, like a mild drug high.

jemhh

I should add that I generally get the great run feeling when I run at night when it is getting dark. I like to end my runs in the dark, not when it is getting sunny. Because I'm a vampire. Joking. I'm not a big fan of hot weather though so it getting sunny/warmer when I get to the more difficult part of a run is not good. I'd rather get to the tough parts when it is cool and gray/black.

No_Finish_Line

Good tips and glad to get some perspective from other people. I may just have to accept that it's not the thing I love and just do it because of the good it does for my body. I swear though....thirty minutes feels like six hours when I'm doing that. I want to love it, I just don't and that is disappointing. I am, however, always glad when it's over....maybe that is what it will be about for me. I did take a pre-workout a few times before cardio sessions, but, eh, didn't notice a ton of difference. Now, if I could load up on something sugary....that might help. But, why defeat the purpose of doing it then STILL have to do it.

Thanks for all the input! I'll be attempting to do some hill sprints soon....that might liven things up a little bit. Maybe.

i think thats a good way to look at it.

But just so you know, that doesnt mean that there isn't another form of intense cardio that will put a smile on your face.

for me its jumping rope. It doesn't always thrill me, but more often then not i will hit a point in the work out where i am enjoying myself (note that this is a qualitativly differnt 'enjoyment' then one might get out of, say, watching a good movie).

should you find such a thing, your still better off incorperating the stuff you don't like along with it.

Raclex

You're not alone! I can't stand running on a treadmill or even flat road... I find it really boring and I struggle. So I trail run with hubby (luckily, we live at the foothill of a great mountain and trails) but still, I don't finish an 8k run feeling awesome. I struggle too. Even if I run at a slower pace. I mean, I prefer being outdoors for sure, but I'm not loving running. I do it because it's good for my heart. And I love obstacle racing so I have to keep up the stamina.