Are Runner’s High?
Running sucks for fat guys! It’s seriously about the worst form of exercise that we can put ourselves through. Can you imagine taking 400 pounds and repeatedly dropping it on a couple of loaves of bread? That’s what we’re doing. We’re crushing a loaf of Wonder in the name of “improving our health” or “getting fit.” We’re consciously telling our feet, knees, hips, and back that we hate them. Even Dr. Scholl can’t deny it. I’ve always been an Airdyne Bike guy as far as cardio goes (we especially love the interval cardio don’t we?), but lately I’ve been running.
After everything I covered in the first paragraph I’m telling you right here and now, I’M RUNNING! What am I thinking? Granted, being in the 270′s is a little different than the 400 range, but still. Why am I running? I’m being completely serious when I say I don’t like to run. That’s part of the reason I started running. For some reason I have this masochistic energy right now that is making me want to “overcome obstacles” and “conquer weaknesses” and all that other garbage. The energy is exhausting but I’m smart enough not to ignore it while I have it.
Over the last couple of weeks as I’ve been pounding the rubber sidewalk something has changed. I don’t absolutely hate running anymore. I’m not even close to saying that I like it, but I don’t dread the idea of pushing the little arrow button up to 6 like I used to.
On Tuesday night while I was running I think I experienced something that I have refused to believe existed; the runner’s high. Now I can’t be sure because it didn’t give me the euphoric feeling that I’ve had post surgery a few times while riding the opiate train, but I did feel like I could run forever. I had the strangest burst of energy that honestly made me believe I would finish a marathon that very night. Now unfortunately it burned out after about a mile and my “marathon” ended at 2.6 instead of 26, but it almost convinced me that the runner’s high is a real thing. I’m kind of a skeptic when it comes to these types of things. Give me time.
Besides the apparent masochism there is another reason I’ve decided to start running. I’m going to do the 5K thing. April 17th I’ll be running this race in Salt Lake City. I’m pretty stoked for it but my goal isn’t just to finish it. I want to perform. I’m really hoping for a sub 35 minute time, but who knows, in 8 weeks I might be looking more closely at 10 minute miles instead of 12 minute ones. We will see.
This also means that I need to take my running outside fairly soon. The weather has been fairly cooperative here in Utah but I haven’t ventured there yet. I mean, there are so many hills in my neighborhood. My brother, who is training for a half marathon and is a freaking stud and a big part of my motivation to get fit, says that he’s afraid to start running outside because he might get tired when he’s really far from home. I couldn’t agree more. Public transit in Utah sucks and I’ll be damned if I have to call my wife to come pick me up from a run. Nevertheless, I’m sure it won’t be long before I’m dodging fire hydrants and school buses in the mornings.
What do you think? Is the runner’s high a myth or reality? Why do you run? Do you run? Inquiring minds (mine) need to know!
29 Responses to “Are Runner’s High?”
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| Current Weight: | 261.0 lbs |
| Goal Weight: | 225.0 lbs |
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Runner’s high is not a myth! Congrats Ryan. I can’t wait to hear about your running adventures.
I need you to be my mentor. Please show me the runners ways!
I’ve never been much of a runner, but I’m strongly considering it as my next health challenge. My problem right now is that I’m having a hard time getting my heart rate up with the same old exercising I’ve been doing. And as Springtime weather gets here, I’ve got an itch to get outside.
Good for you for discovering a part of yourself that has lain dormant for way too long.
It’s funny how our bodies get used to routines. I guess that’s why we have to keep switching it up right? I’m really itching to get outside soon too!
You KNOW I’m struggling with this one right now.
I shall let you know if this weekends longish run changes my mind but for me the answer right now is MYTH.
Can’t wait to hear your feeling on the matter!
I used to think it was a myth, a ridiculous myth. Seriously, how could ANYONE get high off running??
It wasn’t until I started the C25K program that I began to understand. I completed the program & now like running. And yes, I’ve experienced a ‘high’ of sorts.
Why do I run? Because I can!! I lost 65 lbs & never had an interest in any form of exercise (let alone running)during my obese years. Now that I’m at my healthy weight, I enjoy the challenge & experience of being able to do physical activities that I was NEVER able to do because of my weight.
So, go for it!!! I really hope you find enjoyment in it!
Your reason for why you run is a good one. Weight loss is such a freedom
I’m not currently doing any running, but as soon as it starts to warm up around here, and the ice and snow are melted off the roads, I’m planning on getting started. I’m going to give the couch to 5k program a try, and see how it goes from there.
That’s actually the program I’m “doing” I was pretty faithful at first but now I just try and see how far I can run at a decent pace before I feel like I’m going to die. I should probably follow the program a little better considering it was designed by experts and blah blah blah…
Like Brandon, I am doing the couch to 5k program. The other day I was doing my intervals, but decided to go longer than what the program recommended. My shins were killing, but I kept on going. After about 3 minutes the pain was gone and I cranked up the speed a bit more. I was running faster than I have ran in a very long while. I don’t believe this was a “high” but a good personal milestone for me, and when I was all done it felt pretty darn good!
That’s rad Kevin! I think those personal milestones are one of the main things that keep me going. Good work man!
I don’t know. I’ve never been great at running so I never got far enough to find out.
I’m in the data gathering stages myself Mary
I’ll let you know what I find out!
I hate to say it…but it’s not a myth! For me, it started as amazement…that I could actually run. It’s not ever going to be my favorite thing, but I like to be moderately good at everything.
I have started running to work in the mornings…and can’t get the clothes quite right…freezing or sweating…but luckily, it’s still cold enough out, that everybody doesn’t see everything bouncing. To make sure I get back home, I never take bus fare with me…and it forces me to do it.
I love that you stash your cash so that you for sure run home. That sounds like something I would do
I LOVE running and the runners’ high is definitely real! Not on the treadmill (dreadmill!) though. I think you will really feel it once you start running outside! Hills are tough, but running outside is SO much better! Good luck and enjoy your running!!!
We just got pummeled with snow but now you’ve got me committed to hittin’ the streets as they say!
Step away from the treadmill! You sound like you’re getting hooked. Next thing you know you’ll be like me and start thinking crazy thoughts like I could run a marathon one day!
The runners high is definitely not a myth, but I think it manifests itself differently for everyone.
I started running at 280 pounds and went from feeling like I’d cough up a lung after 1 minute to running an entire 5K without stopping (albeit in nearly 40 minutes) within 3 months. I started running because it was an efficient way to burn calories. I KEEP running because of how it makes me feel – strong, accomplished, athletic, tired-in-that-good-way, and ABLE.
Keep it up and wait until you get outside – WAY better than the treadmill. Running hills will only make you a stronger, faster, better runner, so don’t be afraid of them!
I love this response. Thanks for such a well thought out comment! And thanks for your first comment here at NMB
Hi Ryan, this is my first visit to your blog! Great post. I run, and YES I get totally high from a good run! It gives me so much energy that I accomplish so much the rest of the day!
I stopped running when I was preggers with #2 and then when I started running I would smile during my runs cause I loved it so much, and I was so happy to be back!
I started running for weight loss but now I’m running because I truly love it. I love the accomplishments I’ve made and I’m so looking forward to my half marathon in May!
Keep at it Ryan, you’ll feel that high soon enough!
Christine
Awesome…welcome welcome to this little blog here! I’m glad you found us. If you need a hot cocoa, a pillow, or some light refreshments please let us know
I run because it is the simplest form of exercise. The only $$ one spends is on a good pair of tennis shoes.
I also do it as a challenge to myself. I was never much of a person involved in physical activity in my youth and young adult age. One of the reasons I was overweight. Once I began my quest to being more healthy, running seemed like a logical fit. I started with walking and slowly progressed to running.
I completed a 10K yesterday. A man asked me, while waiting for the event to start, if I was going to win. I said no. I saw him afterwards an he asked once again, did you win? I stated, “Yes! I won because I finished!” For me it is all about leading a healthy lifestyle and participating in 10Ks and 5Ks is a means of doing so. They are just a bonus to my everyday quest.
Ryan,
So. Freaking. Awesome. A 5k goal, and not just to do it but do it with style! So excited for you! And I am with you 1000%!
As for chafing, invest in BodyGlide. Good stuff. I use it under my sports bra and also with my wetsuit (neck chafing – ew…) – highly recommend it. Not greasy, just good.
Love catching up on all your goodness in my reader – keep on going!
Donna
Where is the best place to get running shoes?
I picked up my running shoes at Runner’s Corner in Orem and they were awesome to work with. This was way back when I was super fat and they treated me like I was a regular at the store. They answered all the questions I had and then some. This is their website.
http://www.runners-corner.com/
If you’re looking for something closer to you I found The Salt Lake Running Company and it looks like they have a pretty good reputation from what I’ve read. Here are their locations in the SL Valley. Hope this helps
http://www.mysaltlakerunningco.com/saltlake/dept.asp?&dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=10058
Awww, dude! Yous runnin! WooT!!!!
I hated the idea of running because it felt uncomfortable and I didn’t like seeing my fat flying in every direction. I’m hooked though, and I definitely believe in the runners high. Congrats for signing up for the 5k too, knowing you have that coming up is a great motivation to keep up with it.
I need to get outside more too…I’m hoping the rain tonight will wash away alot of the snow and uncover some more sidewalk.
I've been training for a 5K since January (and I gotta say…I just hit the mile mark yesterday/I'm really slow…so kudos to you for managing 2.6) and I definitely get a runner's high. Mine feels spacy and light, and I tend to grin for absolutely no reason at all. Like, I can't even enunciate words properly because my grin is so wide. Also, I tend to be kind of…out of it, I guess, for a while after I run. It's pretty sweet.