The “runner’s high” is one of the most elusive yet sought-after myths in modern lore. But is it a real biochemical response or just marathoners trying to justify spending their entire Saturday running? For people who get a runner’s high, it’s not only real but euphoric; but for those who’ve never experienced the high, it can seem like a whole lot of nonsense. A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology takes a closer look at the runner’s high and the results are rather interesting!

Who Can Get a Runner’s High?
YOU can get a runner’s high! You just might not feel it right away. While all humans have the same brain chemicals, the researchers say there is a tipping point for achieving the pleasure response. That point has everything to do with the intensity of your exercise.

Health Magazine states:

Inactive people may not be fit enough to hit the exercise intensity that leads to this sort of rewarding sensation. Inactive individuals can build up their exercise tolerance until they cross the threshold where they become motivated to exercise by endocannabinoids.

How to Train to Get a Runner’s High?
The two key factors influence the release of the endocannabinoids are intensity and duration.

Most people need to run a minimum of 20 minutes before they start to feel the benefits. If extending your run alone isn’t helping you achieve a high, try increasing the intensity of your run by mixing in short sprints or tempo runs.

This is great news for people who want to love running but haven’t been able to make it happen.

Like anything else, to achieve a goal you need to practice; achieving a runner’s high takes practice. The more effort you put into your goal the sooner you will see results. When you do finally hit the high it will be worth it! Keep practice and stay motivated; after all Rome wasn’t built in a day.

photo courtesy of: Facebook