Many of us have experienced a runner's high to different extents, so what exactly is a runner's high? Well, technically speaking it is a state of euphoria which is not only caused by biological aspects of stress associated with running but is also influenced by the environmental stimuli around the runner during the run. When the body is put under stress the mind generally reacts proportionately to the level of stress. One reaction is the release of endorphins within the body. Endorphins are opiate proteins with pain relieving properties that are found naturally in the brain. The origin of the word "endorphin" comes from endogenous, "produced within the body" and morphine which is derived from opium which is a drug that elevates mood and reduces pain. Interestingly enough endorphins are chemically similar to morphine and endorphins are neurotransmitters. People in the medical field have discovered that the brain has morphine receptors. This suggests that the body produces substances similar to morphine. Endorphins and enkephalins are the names of these neurotransmitters which are chemically similar to morphine.
Most runner's have experienced the runner's high to different extents, some may just experience a sense of happiness and contentment while their body seems to go on autopilot while others (like those Hard-Core ultra-marathon runners) may sense a total separation of mind from body during an extreme runner's high.
Happy Trails...
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