Did you know?
Peanut butter is a great food to fuel up on before a 5K or 10K because of its low GI, high carbohydrate and high protein content.
What to eat before a 5K or 10KMost runners will experience a positive feeling whilst jogging or sprinting, even if this doesn't arise after every single weekly run. To find out more about what's behind a runner's high, here I take a look at the causes, what it feels like, how long it lasts and how to increase yours!
A runner's high is caused by endocannabinoids which create a positive feeling when released by the endocannabinoid system during a run. Chemicals called endorphins are also known to be released whilst running and help to boost mood. Meanwhile, dopamine causes positive emotions when goals relating to running are made and set.
The positive feeling that many people experience during or after a run is known as a 'runner's high'. This phenomenon comes about when a particular molecule is released but is also linked to two chemicals that are produced during the course of a run.
Let's take a look at these chemicals and molecules in a little more detail to find out the causes of a runner's high.
Running can activate the endocannabinoid system, which may have a part to play in causing the elevated feeling during this activity. (1) At this time, molecules known as endocannabinoids are released into the bloodstream and these may be responsible for part of the runner's high.
Endorphins are well-known for their ability to influence mood. These are chemicals produced by the brain in response to exercise. They can induce a positive feeling, but also act as natural painkillers and may reduce symptoms such as stress and anxiety.
Endorphins are also thought to play a part in how often we want to exercise. As it creates a positive feeling, many people continually seek this out and, in doing so, become hooked on regular exercise.
Dopamine has also been linked to the positive feelings associated with running. Dopamine is produced by the brain and then used by the nervous system. It is sometimes called reward-based because you get a boost of dopamine by setting and achieving goals. In doing this, dopamine helps to make us feel happy.
A runner's high can make you feel very energetic, chatty and positive. Most people feel very happy after a run and motivated to keep up the activity.
The positive feelings associated with running can be experienced fairly quickly. A run or jog of around 30 minutes is enough to release endorphins and get you feeling upbeat.
If you regularly do the same running routes in terms of distance and speed, this could be the reason you don't get a runner's high. It may simply be the case that your body has gotten used to doing this activity and so the runner's high isn't so easy to achieve.
If you don't experience a runner's high or the feeling isn't particularly significant, try changing up your running routine. You could do some sprints, intervals or even longer distances to see if it brings back the runner's high. Alternatively, join a running club where you can challenge your body a little bit more than usual.
Runner's high will usually last for a short period after the initial exercise. If you exercise in the evening, for example, the high will usually last until you head to bed. Overnight, all those chemicals begin to settle down and, come morning, you'll be back to your normal self – until your next run, that is!
Looking for help to reduce feelings of fatigue and tiredness? Need help regulating and balancing your pH?
Then look no further than Balance Mineral Drink!
“I am now a regular purchaser of this product; it’s really helped me with fatigue. Pleasant tasting... I now add it to my daily smoothie as part of my routine healthy eating.”
To find local independent stores in your area that sell Balance Mineral Drink, simply type your postcode below.
Peanut butter is a great food to fuel up on before a 5K or 10K because of its low GI, high carbohydrate and high protein content.
What to eat before a 5K or 10KBalance Mineral Drink helps to replace electrolytes and reduce fatigue, making it the perfect post-workout recovery drink!
Learn moreJoin Hetty and Martin in the A.Vogel gardens to improve your flexibility.
View flexibility videosDiscover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!