Physiologically, what is a "runner's high"? (runner's get this after they run a long distance.)

Question

I need the question answered by tommorow morning and not to long...

Answer 1

Ooooh, it is the BEST feeling in the entire world. It isn't a physical feeling, but very emotional.  It's the satisfaction that you know you did something good for yourself. Just lifts self confidence.

Answer 2

It can either be when a runner is extremely out of breath or, when their endorfins kick in

Answer 3

Endorphins are the neurochemicals that act as the body’s “natural painkillers”.  Endorphins are responsible for the decrease in physical pain with exercise.  Many runners will attest to the fact that chronic pains seem less noticeable during, and immediately after a run.  Endorphins are also responsible for the ability to disregard, or perhaps not even notice pain, when engaged in a physical activity.  This is why we can run, or play without noticing blisters on our feet, until after the run, or game.  Endorphins can allow us to perform activities that would otherwise be stopped by pain.  Endorphins are also partly responsible for the “runners high” that is often reported by devout runners.  The endorphin response to exercise increases with frequency of the exercise.  Interestingly, substance and alcohol abuse can deplete the endorphin response to exercise.  However, all people, regardless of history, will experience a rise in endorphin levels with exercise of any kind.

Serotonin and dopamine also play a role but that would be a longer answer...

Answer 4

I typically get a runners high about 5-10 miles into a run and then will get another few throughout the run.  They are caused by these wonderful things called endorphins.  They are basically they bodies pain killer.  They suppress pain, relieve sadness, and make you feel like your on top of the world.  When i first started running I got migraines between 2-3 times a week.  Since I've been running I strongly believe that the endorphins that my body produces are the reason that I don't get migraines anymore.  When I go more than a week without intense running mild headaches begin to come back.

Answer 5

omg!! u have to try it! it like the best thing in the whole world. man after i get done with a hard core run after the feeling of having no body just a soul. then u stop and it hits oh man. i wanna go run now. =/