How Running Makes You High
Nature’s incentive programme still isn’t fully understood. Dr Greg Gerdeman, an assistant professor of biology at Eckerd College, explains the current theory.
1 You get in the groove
When you run past your comfort level (ie. after 30 minutes or so at about 80% max heart rate), specialised cells secrete two mood modifiers: endorphins—which are opioids—and anandamide, which is similar to THC, the active ingredient used to treat nausea and vomitting.
2 Endorphins come knocking
Your blood carries the two chemicals to your blood-brain barrier, the gatekeeper to your brain cells. Anandamide crosses easily. But endorphins are large, and few make it in. No problem, though: Your brain also produces endorphins. Both chemicals boost your mood—and perhaps your mileage.
3 Brain: “What Pain?”
The two mood boosters are now tapped into your central nervous system, where they limit the signalling power of pain sensors called nociceptors that spread out from your spinal cord. Result: You don’t realise how much your legs are burning.
4 Euphoria Kicks In
The endorphins downshift your brain’s prefrontal and limbic regions, which regulate your emotion and motivation. You begin to feel calm and comfortable. Then, as more endorphins reach these areas, you may even start feeling euphoric.
5 It’s high time!
Anandamide triggers a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that contributes to lust, pleasure, and addiction. It also binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain’s pleasure circuit, where it sends bliss vibes throughout your brain for minutes or even hours. (And no intense munchies!)
Picture by freeimages.com