How does running make you happy and what is a runner’s high?

Some mornings, ok many mornings, it can be difficult to get out there to run. Last week, winter decided to have one last kick at the can here in Vancouver. After a couple of days of heavy snowfall, the trails were covered in a layer of snow and ice which had been compacted and rutted by the many footprints and pawprints left by those out enjoying the crisp air and beautiful snow-covered trees. I love running on trails. Away from the sounds of traffic and the smells of exhaust, the trail offers a serenity that is hard to find on a city street. The trail is also a lot more forgiving on the ankles and knees than the hard concrete sidewalks are. Given my lifelong problems with my knees, and the newly emerging pains in my ankles and calves, I will do anything to avoid running on concrete. But that morning I was hesitant about the conditions in the trails.

Added to the problems of the snow, my leg had seized up behind my knee the previous afternoon. We were skiing the weekend before, and I wondered if I had injured my leg. I took an extra day of rest after skiing and hoped that my leg just needed some movement. It felt a bit better that morning, and I was determined to get out there and try to run, despite the snow and my sore leg. My philosophy on getting out to run is don’t think too much, just put on your running stuff and go – and hurry before you talk yourself out of it!

Once out there, I decided to chance the icy trail. My run was a bit slower, but it was good. I remained vertical and even my sore leg cleared up once I got moving. I faced the usual pains, at times feeling like I might collapse and die due to a lack of oxygen or a heart attack, but I dug deep and pushed on.

That morning I was rewarded for my efforts. I have heard a lot about the runner’s high and sometimes people ask if I get it. The problem is, sometimes you do not really see or notice something, if you don’t know what it is you are looking for, and the truth is, I have never been exactly clear on what it is I should feel. Is this something I feel during the run or after the run? Am I supposed to feel euphoric, relaxed, or like I can run forever? Running is making me happier. That I can tell. But I am still not sure about this elusive runner’s high.

So, I did a bit of research. How does running affect happiness and what is a runner’s high? When you run or exercise hard or for a long time, your body releases endorphins which can help alleviate pain in your muscles. When I used to run, I worked up to just short of being able to run for two hours. I remember the feeling of being able to run forever. None of this nagging breathlessness or heart pounding out of your chest. I assume that feeling was from the endorphins. So, was that the runner’s high? And can I even hope to enjoy it now when I cannot even run a full 30 minutes without walking breaks?

Then I read something I had never heard about before – endocannabinoids. Your body produces endocannabinoids, a natural substance similar to cannabis, in times of low stress and during exercise. Whhhaaaaat? It does?

That morning, after my run I finally realized what the runner’s high is. After dragging my exhausted butt, heaving lungs, and pounding heart around the trail for 4.6 km, I felt good. Really good. I do love the feelings post run. That day though, I really noticed it. Everything felt great. Not just great, amazing. Everything looked beautiful. Even the colours on that grey wet day were bolder. The birds flying around the garden, playing in the waterfall were amazing. I was so grateful for everything. I felt so calm and relaxed. The warm blanket against my cold skin and a hot cup of coffee were the best things ever! It was euphoric!

So yes, I do get the runner’s high, and yes, running is making me happier!

Read more about the runner’s high and other mental benefits of running here: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running