For all its benefits, endurance training is still stressful to your body, and it may trigger the release of various hormones to help your body cope (just like mental stress). These hormones may explain some of the known psychophysical effects of endurance training, including stress reduction, mood elevation and reduced pain perception.
The runner's high describes the feelings of intense pleasantness and inner harmony that some people experience during extended or lengthy running. The general theory is the runner’s high is triggered by endorphin hormones. Endorphins are the body’s natural equivalent to the pain relief morphine, and the result is a natural high, or a state of near euphoria.
The research
A 2008 study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex used advanced imaging techniques to scan athletes’ brains after two hours of jogging to help determine if and what the runner’s high is.
Compared to baseline measures, the researchers found exercise triggered an increase in pleasure receptor activity in the brain, and there were significant increases in ratings of euphoria and happiness.
The researchers also discussed a prior study which found a 5-fold increase in blood endorphin levels after physical exercise.
While there is still not 100 percent certainty about the exact mechanisms of what produces the “runner’s high”, there is little doubt about its existence.
Practical tips to induce the runners high
Here are some important tips to consider when chasing that runner’s high.
References available on request