Runners High?

srp2011

Have any of you regular runners experienced the 'runner's high'? I run regularly, and I don't think I've ever experienced it, but I'm not sure because I don't really know what to expect. Is it something you feel during the run or afterwards? Is it only at really long distances? I run 2.5-4 miles usually, and I usually feel pretty miserable during my run (like why on earth am I doing this?) or sometimes I get into a Forrest Gump zone and just keep putting one foot in front of the other mindlessly, but I have never felt euphoric. But, after my run, after I've stretched and showered, I feel really amazing, relaxed and mellow. Just want to know what other people's experiences are.

Angela4Health

I felt what I call a runner's high for probably the first time on Saturday after I ran 8 miles for the first time in my life. The furthest I had ever run before that was about 6 miles, and that was only once. I felt euphoric... and the feeling lasted for a few days even. I am so in love with running. It's just... amazing.

Elzecat

I'm a fairly new runner (about 4 months now) and I have experienced it several times...I can't describe it much better than that "euphoric" feeling...I actually get it during my runs regularly...usually after that first mile or so...

If you really feel miserable while running, though, and the euphoria/relaxed feeling after you're done doesn't seem like enough...I guess I would see if maybe there's another exercise that you really enjoy, or would enjoy more? Part of me getting back into a fitness routine was finding activities I really like, so I will stick with them...just a thought

jeffrodgers1

Yes... and like you say, relaxed, mellow and totally stress free. I usually get his way after about a 12-13 mile run.

gooberr4

I don't get runner's high often but if i do it's usually during the run when a good song is on, i pump up the speed, and feel super fast and amazing.

But I know what you mean about after stretching. i usually feel really good and calm/mellow.

Schwiggity

My high usually comes after the run, though on some of my long runs, I feel it when I hit my stride. I love the feeling afterward though because I feel a sense of strength and relief going from my legs to my feet.

srp2011

If you really feel miserable while running, though, and the euphoria/relaxed feeling after you're done doesn't seem like enough...I guess I would see if maybe there's another exercise that you really enjoy, or would enjoy more? Part of me getting back into a fitness routine was finding activities I really like, so I will stick with them...just a thought

Actually, miserable may have been a bit inaccurate - I really enjoy running and I'm addicted to running 5K races. But when I run, I'm very aware of being hot and sweaty and breathing hard, so not what I would call euphoric - what I feel afterwards is really wonderful, so I was really just curious about other people's experiences, and whether the euphoria afterwards was in any way related to the runner's high, or whether it was a different phenomenon.

RunningAddict

This is going to be something that is different for people. For me, what I call a "Runner's High" usually comes after a period of wanting to quit and thinking that I just can't possibly go any further. Seems like once I press through that period I start feeling unstopable, my feet automatically move faster because I feel so good I just can't help myself and during this period my mind is free to think about whatever I choose. So in a sense I completely forget that I'm running, there is no struggle. It is a great feeling though. I don't always get a "Runner's High at the same distance either, it comes at different times and I do have those days when I don't experience one and just have to press through without it but I still feel great because of the acomplishment....Hope this makes sense its kind of hard to explain.

Elizabeth_C34

I'm not a runner (knees are crap), but when I really do a serious cardio burn and push myself longer and harder, I get an incredible endorphine high. It's wonderful. I am completely at ease, delightfully happy, and feel like a million bucks. It's lasted for up to 7 hours before.