Euphoric feeling after running??

[Beavereater]

I mentioned before that I starting half jogging and half fast paced walking. Well, after the first 5 minutes, at the end of a short (and I do mean short) jog, I slow to a fast paced walk. I am breathing hard, and my heart is pounding. BUT...up the back side of my head I almost feel euphoric...no pain, not scary...just really really nice!!

Does anybody else get this? Or is something wrong with me. Remeber, this isn't a psychological thing like "I feel great that I am getting into shape." its a "Oh my god, my head feels...gooooood."

[geoffgarcia]

this is known as endorphin release.

Endorphins are "Any of a group of peptide hormones that bind to opiate receptors and are found mainly in the brain. Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions"

[SpecialK]

Yeah I used to get that back when I ran XC and track in high school, but I would have to be running either in a race or in an extremely tough practice. I never get the "runner's high" just running out on my own.

[Beavereater]

So is this normal...safe!? Should it be cause for concern? Should I just slow down a bit or is it something that will slowly go away!?

[Brokensword]

That's one of the reasons that so many people are runners. It's perfectly normal and most people experience it at least when they start running.

Once you can run 5 to 7 miles non stop then you can REALLY get the high. I was addicted to running for a while, that's how I lost 80lbs and went from Obese to skinny. Enjoy that Runner's high while you can cause eventually it just wears off, unless you really push yourself.

Sadly, I don't get it anymore....

[RichLockyer]

So is this normal...safe!? Should it be cause for concern? Should I just slow down a bit or is it something that will slowly go away!?

Safe? Yes... perfectly normal and physically safe, however, it can be psychologically addictive.

[Beavereater]

OK...I was gonna say that if I can have this feeling all the time, I would just keep running. I didn't wanna give myself a heart attack though so I stopped. Gonna run again tonight see what happens.

Thanks for the info guys. You're always great help