Chalk this up as another reason to exercise, German scientists recently proved that "runner's high" is real. 
Recent advances in brain scan technology allowed researchers to map runners' brains before and after a two hour run. The post run scan showed increased endorphins, the natural feel good drug for the brain, in the areas of the brain that are active during extremely positive emotions - like love.
While the runners involved in the experiment were experienced runners, new research involving subjects with more casual relationships with running is ongoing. I hope they research the effects of running for shorter time periods. I cannot say I feel euphoric when I finish a run or long bike ride, but I am certainly more at ease. And you? Have you experienced a runner's high? Inspire me in the comments section below.
Ben Sherman
Versace
Birkenstock
The runner's high, or just the good feeling after is a big push out the door every time, I love it!
This reminds me of a quote from The Office-- Angela: "I look forward to drug testing. I used to get a runner's high, which is why now I swim."
1I just started running recently. I absolutely love it.
2Ive never experiences that runners high, but I'm still very new so maybe one day!
3I was actually surprised scientists had not already proven this was real. The runners high is like instant gratification. It's like a reward as soon as you're done with the workout!
4Actually, 20 mins into my run I'm kinda smiling on and off on the treadmill! People must think I'm CRAZY, lol.
5I always feel so much better after...
6i guess i'd say i get a runners high. i definitely feel fantastic after a run
7Knowing that I did something for my body is a good feeling. I definitely get on exercise highs. I walk faster, talk faster, smile more, and am friendlier and happier after working out. That's not to say I'm not always cheerful and happy, because I am, but I definitely feel like all is right in the world after an intense workout.
8didn't the article say that it saw significant endorphin release after 2 hours of running? so this effect would pertain more to long distance runners. I was in a rush and just skimmed the article in the NYTimes so maybe I got it wrong
9It depends on how hard I push myself and how satisfied I am with my performance. I definitely always feel good after a run, but if I have a really good one, I feel incredible and really happy.
10This is what got me addicted to running in the first place--it's almost like the rush you get when you dance a lot and just don't want to stop. It's this building sense of--well-being, I guess, that you don't even notice at first but that just is better than anything.
11I def to experience a runner's high. I would love to love running!
12Hmm, I'm not sure if it's a "high", but I feel way better about myself and am in a way better mood after a good run!
13I definitely get a "high" after about about 15 or so minutes of any exercise. I push myself for the first 15, and then I get to that point, and I want to keep going to keep the awesome feeling
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We talked about it this in psychology class as well. We also discussed the fact that if your involved in a sport intensively for a long period of time (such as, every day for 5 years, 2+ hours a day) and your getting these exercise highs from it, that you can have withdrawals if you suddenly have to stop for a long period of time...
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