Reply To: The Fabled Runner's High

[Gallup’s Mirror]

Matt wrote:

Someone mentioned that they like cardio because of the high that accompanies it. I’ve never been able to achieve this. I always end up hot, sweaty, and generally unhappy after cardio exercise. So I’m wondering, under what circumstances do/did you achieve the cardio high? Is it something that, maybe, not everyone gets?

The medical science is legit.

Cycling does it for me. If I push myself hard, but not too hard, I get a rush, a feel-good high, after about 45 minutes. Riding a long uphill works best. The feeling lasts half an hour, then gently fades into a sort of good mood.

It doesn’t work every time but I wish it did.