Discussion: Runner's high.

From the NY TImes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/health/nutrition...

Running seems to have two effects on me - the laxative effect shortly after I start and the euphoric effect shortly after I finish (running).

"There are studies that showed enhanced pain tolerance in runners," he said. "You have to give higher pain stimuli before they say, 'O.K., this hurts.'" - roger that...

I know I am addited to the feeling described in article of "near collapse" during the run when I feel I am running faster then I should and it hurts and I know it hurts, but I am affraid to slow down because when I do I slow down I would go from 6 min per mile pace to 10 min per mile pace.

I can't remember ever having feeling of euphria after runs even in days when I used to win some of the races. After races usually I question my inteligence...

when I was younger 20-30 yrs ago I would experience mild euphoria on almost every run, not so much these days

When I first started running in my early teens, one of my "goals" besides time goals, was this mythic "runner's high" I was hearing about. I found it elusive...yet at the same time addictive. Years...like 25 years later...I finally discovered this running high. It came at the moment during a run, when I'd forgetten I was actually running, Everything felt effortless...and it was then that I realized I'd been having this feeling all along..just running on autopilot, joking with my running buddies, or lost in some elusive thought. .it was the feeling during the race, not thinking of how much it hurt, but the catching the guy in front of me...or outsprinting the guy next to me. I wasn't running anymore, I was being. And the feeling aftwards...that glow, that feeling of energy that lasts long after the run was over. Yes, I'm addicted.

Running is certainly my drug of choice...and part of the reason that being injured is so frustrating.

I second that one! I don't think you realize how addictive it is until you are forced to quit cold turkey. Then the bad moods and the twitchy legs get you.