The Fabled Runner's High

[MattParticipant]

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?

[.Spectator]

I get it all the time…i think properly warming up and drinking enough water is key. I always do both. It feels amazing!

• This reply was modified 10 years, 4 months ago by  ..

[StregaModerator]

I’m with you Matt. Apparently we either aren’t damaging our muscles enough in the exercise, thus not triggering the fabled endorphin rush, or maybe our endorphins are so laid back they can’t be bothered to muster.

If there was a guaranteed high, there’d be a line outside the gym every day.

[Reg the Fronkey FarmerModerator]

Some evenings after work I can (very easily) talk myself into postponing going to the gym until tomorrow but……once I get my head right and see the first 20 minutes at 10kph done I start to grin inside and say to myself “no more fucking about” and focus on the next 20 minutes because that is the easy part as I have just had my hit…..know what I mean?

• This reply was modified 10 years, 4 months ago by  Reg the Fronkey Farmer.

[_Robert_Participant]

Wicked vid, Reg.
It would describe it as a burst of energy and mental clarity. It takes at least 25 to 40 minutes of aerobics for it to kick in and it’s like a switch.

[Gallup’s MirrorParticipant]

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.

[MattParticipant]

Hmm, ok. It sounds like this is something I would have to build up my fitness to achieve. I just can’t run or even jog for 45 mins straight. Thanks for the input everyone.

@strega: “If there was a guaranteed high, there’d be a line outside the gym every day.” – all jogging on the spot, no doubt.

[Author]

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