Runner’s High…all natural! 

 

Scepticism about whether or not runners experience a natural high after running has been laid to rest.  Neuroscientist have finally discovered what “we runners” knew all along–running does alter our moods–for the better. Scientific mumbo jumbo aside, running releases the endorphins responsible for that high we get after a good long run. The more we run, the more endorphins released, the more euphoria we experience. 

Vigorous exercise can have the same effect as running when it comes to altering our moods. For anyone who has experienced the blues or mild depression from time to time, running and exercise can only benefit. 

I recently started training for my next half marathon. Monday morning about 6:45–just as the sun was rising –I washed my face, brushed my teeth, slathered on the moisturizer, got dressed and headed for the door while thinking, “I don’t want to go to work today.” Into my third mile, I began to feel my mood lift and the dread of going to work vanished. It wasn’t something that happened in an instant, but rather a gradual transition that lifted my spirit, heightened my awareness and gave me the feeling that I could accomplish just about anything. Now…that’s powerful. 

Thinking about this amazing feeling that can only be understood when experiencing it for yourself, I thought, “If only I could bottle It.” Guess what?…it didn’t matter that this feeling couldn’t be bottled because it’s something that everyone has access to. And the really good news…it’s free.

This wonderful feeling didn’t go away in the next few minutes; it lasted for most of the day. And work?  Well, I had a fantastic and productive day at work. I suppose this phenomenon is one thing that makes running and other exercise so addictive. My oh my…just think about all the other benefits as well. You can’t go wrong by starting an exercise program or running in a race–it’s a win, win. Believe me, if I could bottle it, I’d be a millionaire. 

Shelley lives in Las Vegas and joined me for the Music City half marathon in Nashville this past April. So…what’s stopping you?

Gale Compton