Runner’s High in Charleston
Charleston is a runner’s paradise, offering everything from straight, paved roads with amazing views to challenging terrain along historical cobblestone streets. Many runners experience what’s called a “runner’s high,” a euphoric feeling brought on by physical exertion. But what exactly causes a runner’s high and is it safe?
What Causes a Runner’s High?
Bright McConnell, MD, a local physician and founder of Charleston Sports Medicine, sees this phenomenon quite often and describes it as a period of improved mood, reduced anxiety and sometimes even diminished pain perception.
“You can get a runner’s high from really any kind of moderate-to-intense exercise,” Dr. McConnell said. “People can get in the zone and feel like they can keep going all day.”
He explained that the previously held belief was that a runner’s high was caused by a rush of endorphins; however, when looking at this phenomenon physiologically, endorphins are not its primary cause. Instead, a runner’s high is driven by the endocannabinoid system.
Endocannabinoids, Mood, and Pain Perception
Endocannabinoids are natural, lipid-based signaling molecules produced by the body that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier to affect mood and pain perception. For example, running, specifically for 30 to 60 minutes, significantly increases levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide in the bloodstream, and increased AEA is highly correlated with improved mood and decreased anxiety.
This ability to cross over the blood-brain barrier at a rapid pace means endocannabinoids can bring on a runner’s high in no time at all, depending on the intensity of exercise.
Runner Perspectives from Fleet Feet Mount Pleasant
While local medical professionals’ opinions are invaluable, it’s also important to hear firsthand accounts of the phenomenon from those most likely to experience it: runners.
Carter Hudnell, training program coach at Fleet Feet Mount Pleasant and a local runner, has certainly experienced a runner’s high numerous times.
“To me, the runner’s high is achieved any time I have a run that goes well and typically lasts all day. I carry around this euphoric feeling in the brain that I am satisfied with the work I put in and can feel the progress being made toward my next running goal,” Hudnell said.
For Hudnell, one of the hardest parts about running can be starting. He said many runs don’t go well and may even have the opposite effect of a runner’s high. In those cases, Hudnell said that telltale euphoric feeling may be a gradual process runners feel building in their head as they spend more time on their feet.
While chemical processes are known to be at play, Hudnell believes that some of a runner’s high is genuinely caused by a runner’s sense of personal accomplishment. “Just the knowledge that I ran that day, even just an easy run, is enough to make me feel good and proud of myself,” he said.
Injury Risk and Knowing Your Limits
One of the few drawbacks Hudnell has noticed about a runner’s high is the increased likelihood of injury. This goes along with the diminished pain perception mentioned by Dr. McConnell, because the chances of suffering an injury while running increases as the body is pushed to its limit. If an injury occurs, runners will likely recuperate in a way that prevents anything close to a runner’s high until they are fully recovered.
Fleet Feet works hard to prep runners for whatever challenge is up next, and Hudnell said this sense of community often contributes to improved confidence and becomes a catalyst for a runner’s high.
“We dive deep, helping our participants become better runners and sharing knowledge of all aspects, including form, hydration, nutrition and injury prevention,” he said.
Running, Joint Health, and Common Misconceptions
At Charleston Sports Medicine, Dr. McConnell sees countless patients who are runners. He said their love of running is contagious, but many have misconceptions about the effects running has on their bodies.
“I get asked quite often if I’m seeing a runner who has arthritis in their knee if they should just stop running,” McConnell said. “And the answer is no. Your cartilage and your knee – it’s an organ. It’s meant to be moved and loaded. It’s not meant to just sit idle. The more you use it, the less pain you feel, which are those endocannabinoids at work.”
Chasing the High Safely
The data seems to paint a mostly positive view of a runner’s high, with the phenomenon contributing to reduced anxiety, improved mood and diminished pain perception. The key seems to be knowing your body’s limit and using this euphoric state to improve as a runner rather than to push yourself so hard that you suffer an injury.
Charleston is full of numerous locations ideal for runners. Ready to chase that high?
By Colby Denton
