School · Running culture and science · 45 s .
Runner's high
The calm, happy feeling after a good run.
Many runners feel calm, content and less sensitive to pain after 30 minutes or more of steady running.
For decades it was credited to endorphins. Newer research points mainly to endocannabinoids, molecules the body makes that can reach the brain more easily.
Moderate, continuous effort seems to trigger it best: not too easy, not all-out.
It's real chemistry, and steady effort brings it on.
Quick check .
What does current research point to for the runner's high?
They're molecules the body makes that reach the brain more easily.