Long distance run fright?

Question

I was on my usual midnight 2-mile run through the neighborhood, when midway through a deer popped up in front me. It gave me quite a fright, causing my heart to skip a beat, an adrenaline rush. I avoided the deer and finished off my last mile.

My question- is it safe for my body to continue running itself after my heart receives such a fright?

Answer 1

So long as your not primed for a heat attack there is nothing wrong with it. To use an old term its simply a flight or fight response. The instant your body senses fear or danger, whether it be the shock of a deer or simply watching a bear meander by hiking, your body immediately raises your heart rate and begins pumping adrenaline. Its simply your body preparing itself to react to whatever may be threatening you. If anything it would help you out running and should allow you to press yourself harder that last mile then you normally would, so thank the deer ;-)

Answer 2

After the "danger" was over, your body returned to its natural rhythm.  "Fight or flight" is a natural response, which obviously "flight" is one of the options, so I think it's ok that you continued running.

Answer 3

Ha, u got scared and your body went to its "Fight or Flight response" ANd yes it is

Answer 4

I would think that the added adrenaline rush could make you run farther and faster, all great bonuses.  And it is a natural reaction to be frightened so i say its ok.