Is runner’s high really a thing?

You’ve probably heard people talk about this thing called “runner’s high.” It’s that almost mythical feeling where running feels effortless, like you could keep going forever. But is it real, or is it just something runners say to make the miles sound more fun? And if it is real, what’s actually happening in your brain when you experience it?

Runner's high is a real sensation that some runners experience during or after long runs. It feels like a mix of euphoria, reduced anxiety, and less sensitivity to pain. Some describe it as feeling like you’re floating or "in the zone," where everything just clicks. While it doesn’t happen every time for every runner, when it does, it can feel pretty magical. But here’s the cool part: it’s not just all in your head, science can explain exactly what’s going on.

When you run for an extended time, your brain starts releasing a bunch of feel-good chemicals that affect your mood and pain perception. For years, people believed endorphins were behind this. Endorphins are natural painkillers your body releases during exercise to help manage the physical strain. Makes sense, right? Running can be tough, and endorphins help ease the pain. But there’s a catch: endorphins have a hard time crossing into the brain, so while they do help, they aren’t the full story.

Enter the endocannabinoids. These are chemicals your body makes that are similar to compounds in cannabis (yep, you read that right!). They’re small enough to easily cross into your brain, and they play a huge role in boosting your mood. One of these, called anandamide, is often dubbed the “bliss molecule.” When anandamide levels go up during a run, you can feel more calm, less anxious, and even get a bit of pain relief. That’s part of the runner’s high magic.

But that’s not all: dopamine also gets in on the action. This is the "reward" chemical that makes you feel good when you accomplish something. Running triggers dopamine production, which is why hitting a new distance or finishing a tough run feels so satisfying. It reinforces that good feeling, motivating you to lace up your shoes again and keep chasing that high.

So, can anyone experience runner’s high? Yes! But the catch is, it doesn’t happen every time, and a few factors influence when and how it kicks in. First, you usually need to be running for a while, since those quick sprints won’t trigger the same chemical response. The sweet spot for a runner’s high tends to happen during longer, moderate-paced runs. So, if you’ve ever felt that "zone" during a 30-minute run or longer, you were probably close.

Experience also matters. More seasoned runners are often better at finding that rhythm where the high occurs. Their bodies are more adapted to the demands of running, which makes it easier to hit that point. And, of course, everyone’s brain chemistry is different. Some people are naturally more sensitive to the effects of these chemicals and might feel the high more easily.

But even if you haven’t hit the high yet, don’t worry! You can increase your chances by running consistently, focusing on longer, steady runs, and even running in nature. There’s something about being out in green spaces, like parks or trails, that helps amplify those feel-good chemicals even more.

At the end of the day, while the runner’s high might feel like magic, it’s very real, rooted in the science of your brain. When you hit that perfect mix of prolonged, moderate-intensity running, your brain releases a cocktail of endorphins, endocannabinoids, and dopamine that make running feel amazing.

The best part? Even if you don’t experience a runner’s high on every run, the benefits of running are still there, both for your mental and physical health. So keep running and FeedingtheRunner in you, whether you’re chasing that high or just chasing your next personal best. The high might just hit you when you least expect it!