Endorphins: any of a group of peptides occurring in the brain and other tissues of the vertebrates, and resembling opiates, that react with the brain’s opiate receptors to raise the pain threshold
Endorphins, how I love you. Endoprhins and the thought of what I will eat after my run/race get me through many a long run/race.
Even my MIL has noticed how running releases endorphins for me: she tells me I’m a nicer person after a run.
It’s not just after a run, either, although I suppose that you have to actually run to get those endorphins flowing. I am also a happy chatty cathy at the start line.
There’s nothing like the endorphins from being fit, and the incredible endorphin rush that goes with that.
–Richard Branson
Of course many a new runner wonders just when those endorphins are going to kick in — all they know is that running is hard. Except those few gifted people that fall in love with running from the very first step — which was not me, by the way; I would say it took me years to actually fall in love with running.
Like most runners, it’s often a love/hate relationship.
If you’re a new runner, I can tell you that most likely you’ll only feel that runner’s high after a run, when those endorphins kick in — you’re unlikely to feel them during your run. I can also tell you that there are very few runs that leave me feeling worse than when I started; usually, I feel so much better after a run. I’m a happier, kinder person.
Tell me in the comments:
Have you ever felt a runner’s high?
Don’t you just love the good feeling endorphins give you after a run?
Does the thought of those endorphins at the end of a long run help you get through the run?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I always fell better after a run or any exercise.
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Almost always! 😏
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I’ve never experienced a runner’s high, but, like you, even on the days I least feel like running I feel better afterward. Just this weekend I was pondering that I’ve never once regretted going out for my run.
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I get endorphins from running, but also any hard workout. I actually enjoy going to the gym. The hard work there pays off on the road!
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I like strength training because of the results. Can’t say as I get endorphins from it, though! Which is probably why running tends to come first.
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never during a run or race but always after.
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I can start a run mad at the world, my husband, my kids, my job… But, I always end up feeling all is right with the world, in love with everything and everyone again. The endorphins are magic! See you tomorrow!
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Ack! Tomorrow! Don’t say that! I’ll be fine once I’m at the airport but it’s always hard getting everything together.
Yes, running definitely makes me a happier person. Even most of the bad runs.
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Oh, I’ve had some good highs, usually in cold weather 🙂 I will just feel like I conquered the world lol I waited all summer and I’ve really only had one great one since it cooled off.
You know what is odd, I really didn’t have one from my marathon, I guess I was too tired, I had the opposite…sadness. I wonder if I hit my goal how I would have felt.
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I hear the marathon blues is a real thing . . . you’ve got to be so tired after runnin 26.2 — I really can’t even imagine it.
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You are right, I feel it after a run. Even a crappy run makes me feel accomplished at the end!
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I get the endorphins,but not after every run. Sometimes when I’m expecting them (and counting on them!), they’re a no-show. Other times, I’m pleasantly surprised when they show up unannounced ;-0
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When I run consistent, my mood stays consistently happy. Endorphins are great!
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I’m at the age now where I push myself in the gym just enough to maintain my strength so I don’t really get the endorphin rush I used to get when I’d finish lifting completely spent. Running is different because I can still push myself pretty hard on my runs when I want to – like today when I got that endorphin rush after my run!
Thanks for linking up!
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I never get endorphins from strength training. I’d probably do more of it if I did!
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