Runners High

OK let’s get serious here for a few moments. Neuropsychological changes, neural plasticity, gene expression, neuron growth, cognitive control, working memory, cognitive function, neuropsychological function, neurotrophic factors, and neural plasticity. Is that enough? What did I just say? I have no clue, other than the fact that it was all in a report about the Running High, that most of us have had at one time or another. We wish the running high would come around more often, but man when it does, there may be nothing else like it. You do know what I’m talking about right? It’s that run, or workout where you feel like you’re not touching the ground, and you feel like you could run forever. When you turn the corner, you feel like a race car, no matter how fast or steady you’re going. And then when you come to a stop, any problem, worry, or pain (physical or mental), just seems to melt away, if not for an hour, then for a few moments. What’s the culprit of a runner’s high? Simple, your body, pushing your body, but not to max effort, and then at that point, that man-made drug called endorphins releases into your body. It’s nature’s home brewed opiates. Research has shown that, training with groups gives you a better chance for that endorphin release, and if you’re like me and train alone most of the time, they also have reported that good music, the moment, and the run combined can help with the release of that magic drug.  Running and pushing your body is worth it and beneficial in so many ways, and I could write about it and talk about it all day long. The runners high is just a piece of why we run. This type of exercise is also a potent long-term antidepressant and a short-term euphoriant; consequently, consistent exercise has also been shown to produce general improvements in mood and self-esteem. Running can turn a stressful day into jelly. If it’s a test, an interview, a life’s challenge of any kind, GET YOUR MILES IN. And if you happen to get a little runner’s high in the meantime... well nothing could ever be wrong with that.

Robert Espinoza
"Keep Your Chin Up for Strength, and Down For Prayer"
Fleet Feet Sports Savannah