Runner's high: when does it start?

Janne

Barefooters
Jun 22, 2019
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109
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I cannot say I have experienced the euphoria some describe. I also suspect some people mix the feeling after a hard training session (fight/flight response). But for me, so long, barefoot running has been about being gentle and I can say that I don't feel as thirsty or hungry as before, could that be my runner's high?

What do you guys describe as a runner's high? and when do you think it kicks in?
 
Excellent thread question!

I've only experienced a true runner's high twice, both on long runs of over 10 miles. It's the weirdest thing. Both times. It was hot, really hot, and I was exhausted and extremely out of breath, panting and heaving. (I probably should have hydrated better.) I kept thinking, "When will it end? Am I going to pass out? Should I stop and walk?" Then all of a sudden, within the next step or two, I felt like I was floating, like my foot falls were barely touching the ground. My lungs filled deeply and completely, and I had more energy, so much more energy, than when I began. I remember seeing the course I had run a bunch of times with new perspective. I'd always noticed its beauty, but somehow now it was more vibrant and clear, crystal clear, and my exhaustion couldn't cloud my view. Before the high hit, I felt like I was somehow punishing myself being that exhausted and out of breath, but then after the high hit, I felt that I wasn't running alone anymore, that God was running right there with me. I'll never forget it. It's a miraculous feeling, and I hope it finds you.
 
I think the level of euphoria varies for me. Most runs I don't notice anything, some runs I notice it a little then there are those runs where it is like WOW!!!!! :D

One clear time that I recall, I was on a treadmill at a hotel trying to run an hour. The first 20 - 25 minutes sucked. I had made the decision to stop at 30 minutes. Then BAM, happiness hit. I ran the full hour smiling the last 30+ minutes sometimes actually a little giddy, laughing and singing with my music. Good thing no one else was in the hotel gym.