Here Try This “Runners High” Out
What is runner’s high?
“Another widely publicized effect of endorphin production is the so-called “runner’s high“, which is said to occur when strenuous exercise takes a person over a threshold that activates endorphin production. Endorphins are released during long, continuous workouts, when the level of intensity is between moderate and high, and breathing is difficult. This also corresponds with the time that muscles use up their stored glycogen. Workouts that are most likely to produce endorphins include running, swimming, cross-country skiing, long distance rowing, bicycling, weight lifting, aerobics, or playing a sport such as basketball, rugby, lacrosse, or American football.” [wikipedia]
Opinions abound on how real this phenomenon is but the concept has been around for some time now. What’s important to keep in mind is that endorphin release is associated with stress. At the end of the day, you run long enough you’re body is stressed out to the point of releasing something to deal with that stress. Unless you are a professional athlete and your career depends on pushing yourself to that limit, be careful that you don’t over do it to the point of causing injury. It can be a great feeling but if you are in it for the fitness of life thing, you may be doing more harm than good. Log your runs or distance activities over time on www.fivi.com and keep increasing the time and intensity of your workouts until you start to register the euphoric sensation. Keep in mind it’ll be different for different people, but you should compare notes and most importantly make sure you don’t push yourself to the point of injury!
