I had a "runners high" today why not every run?

A runners high is when all the endorphins just burst inside you and you feel like you could run FOREVER!! Everything about the run is right. It is like being on drugs without the horrible side effects!!! And it lasts well after your run is over you fell high as the moon, like the world is your oyster!! (Okay enough cliches LOL)

I remember after my first "high" I thought why would anyone do drugs when you can feel like this naturally. I could have run and run and run until I got a rock in my shoe and had to stop!!

It was the most wonderful feeling I keep trying to achieve it again and again but it is ever elusive and comes at it's own bidding. (for me few and far between)

Anyway thats my take on it.

Kim

Edited by: CD1599495 at: 11/9/2009 (17:54)

Runners "high" is a myth for me. Never, ever had it. Sure, some runs are great, some not so great but I've never had that euphoria....

Never had it cycling either. Hmm, maybe it's just me!

There was an NPR podcast that I recently listened to called "Why runners like to feel the burn" that talked about runner's high. I found a transcript of that episode online, here is a link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/
transcript.php?storyId=114319707

I think it was about 1/2 way through the program when it was brought up. Found it interesting!

Please define 'runner's high' because I don't think I have ever had one. Only a satisfying feeling that I made it. I keep hearing of this 'high', but I hate most of my runs. I only do it because it inspires me that my body CAN run--after losing 124 lbs! But would really love a runner's HIGH!!!

I have been so enlightened from this thread. THANK YOU!!

Its such a relief to hear other runners struggle with some of their runs!

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I never know from run to run how it's going to go until I get into it. Some runs are easier than others. Some runs just come easy and flowing and natural like you could just go forever. Then there are runs that I'm just plodding through, wondering "Am I done yet?" Most runs are somewhere in the middle. A lot of how the run goes really depends on my energy level. If I've put in a long day at work, if the weather is dreary or I've had a long stressful week and I'm attempting my long run on the weekend, I may not do as well. If I'm well rested, it helps make the run go better. I also know if I just feel like running, i.e. I'm in the right mood with the hankering to go running, I do really well.

I didn't sleep much afterwards either. But it was such an amazing run that it was totally worth it!

Some runs I "fly" and some I plod wishing I were done. I'm not sure why this is, but it does make it interesting!

This is a great thread. Seems like the high comes for me when EVERYTHING has fallen into place...the runs when my pace and the effort are so natural that it's all good...hard to explain. Wow! running in the moonlight sounds wonderful....I would never be able to sleep though after a run, even a bad run. I guess it's better than fighting it though.

Thats a great comparison, Tami. Its like this carrot that is dangled in front of us. We keep going out in the pursuit of a runner's high. Gots to have my fix!!!!!

John, it's so hard to say why one run will give such a high and others don't... but those few keep us coming back:) I liken it to 17 holes of not so great shots and then the 18th hole a gorgeous shot - it's what brings me back for the next game... hahaha!

Tami

I had one last night. I couldn't sleep so at 10:30 I went for a run last night underneath the goregous moon and stars. Talk about a runners high! Not sure why they come and go, but I live for those highs!

I had one today too! It was a great run! I even blogged about it.

John, I don't have an answer for you but very interested in hearing from runners in the know. I have had this happen perhaps a handful of times since I started running in June. Its pretty awesome when you get them.

I was curious why I experienced a "runners high" today why doesnt this happen on every run? I remember my first 5k race I had this runners high feeling now it doesnt happen as often

curious what you have experienced

John