So I’ve joked about 80-90% percent being my drug of choice – you know zone 5 heart rate wise… and everyone has heard of the so-called ‘runner’s high’ – I think it was a big catch phrase in the 1980’s. Well, a recent study actually confirms this high; this running addiction by showing that intense running can actually release brain chemicals that replicate the sense of euphoria that opiate users experience. …. . read it, it’s really quite interesting: Runner’s High. Perhaps some runners out there will be like “well, duh Sonal everyone knows this…” but really, I didn’t. I chalked up my sense of euphoria during long runs to the fact that I was showing my body who is boss – the sense of accomplishment of pushing it just a little further – not brain chemicals telling me that my long run is the same thing as shooting heroin!
There is also more scientific info on getting that perfect high and the formula varies from person to person: Perfect Running Pace Revealed . Every runner “has an optimal running pace that uses the least amount of oxygen to cover a given distance” and this pace is the key to a runner’s nirvana. This is interesting because the study shows that on average, this pace is 6.5 mph (9:08 min/mile) for females… furthermore, running slower than 4.5 (13 min/mile) is the least efficient pace – something about the run/walk resulting in an awkward gait. Maybe it’s true – the 9 minute pace has been a thorn in my side for a while – I broke it the last few races – I think my fastest 10K is was an 8:18 pace and my last half was at an 8:40 pace – but I will tell you I was NOT high during these runs – just in pain! Long training runs at the slower pace do make me feel good – I feel in control, powerful, alive and hell, even young…. I guess that translates to a high, a certain nirvana. – well, if all this science is true…then I guess I will continue to get high several times a week.
