Runner’s high, by definition, is a euphoric feeling experienced by runners that can give the athlete a “second wind” of energy, pushing them to continue. However, the so-called “high” is a feeling many chase, but can’t receive. It’s a natural phenomenon getting many runners hooked on the feeling, but can other sports experience it too? Athletes in soccer, swimming, and other cardiovascularly rigorous sports have mixed opinions on the matter; some runners themselves claiming runners high does not exist. Although the high does exist, many cannot get it or experience it differently than the popular “second wind” narrative. 

In simple terms, a runner’s high is a rush of endorphins mid-exercise. This rush is described as a short lasting drastic feeling, occasionally conjuring an extreme change in emotion, or “euphoria”. It can, however, prevent muscles from feeling pain. This is an extremely rare occurrence mid-run, and most in-shape runners will not experience the sensation due to the body’s ability to adapt. For example, cross country and track runner Ava Stewart said that when she first began to race she experienced runner’s high, but “now that [her] body has gotten more used to running, [she] needs to run more, or run harder in order to feel that.” This is a phenomenon that is proven to be scientifically accurate as well. As a runner’s physical endurance builds, so does their resistance to runner’s high, and exercise intensity must increase to regain the sensation. Although many runners are not able to catch the endorphin-induced high, a similar feeling occurs after a run. Post-run euphoria is a more common feeling, but the feeling is not as prominent as it may be mid-run. After a run is over, a naturally occurring biochemical substance called “endocannabinoids” releases in the body, mimicking the relaxation from cannabis (ergo, runners “high”). Endocannabinoids can make the runner feel calm, soothing anxiety and resulting in an antidepressant effect. Chasing that high, Stewart expressed that to her, running is “like an addiction”. The release of these chemicals can trick the brain into remembering the pain from a run fondly. Stewart said, “I will say, after every 800 I’ve run, I’ve definitely thought ‘oh my god, that was great!’ like, throw me in another one.” It’s certain that the runner’s high has hooked many athletes, whether they know it or not. 

While it’s more likely for runners to catch a “second wind,” many other athletes experience a runner’s high without realizing. There is certainly a reason the sensation has been deemed a runner’s high, as only runners may experience it mid-workout. Emi Skerritt, a forward for Garfield’s Soccer team, has only “had runners high one time, while [she] was running on the treadmill”. She identified it as runner’s high, as it had “seemed like [she] blinked, and was done with [her] workout.” The continuous running movement was the only thing to do it for Skerritt, despite the intermittent yet rigorous running and kicking on the field. Maddy MacGovern-Shih, a six-year swimmer, has had a similar experience, MacGovern-Shih said she’s “never had a runner’s high with swimming, but there’s definitely adrenaline.” This cannot be attributed to a lack of effort and rigor given, MacGovern-Shih remarking that swimming “works out every part of your body.” Despite the inability to receive that high during a race or game, athletes not solely focused on running may still get a “high” after a workout. In fact, any aerobic activity will boost your endorphin and endocannabinoid production. Macgovern-Shih is able to recognize this, she observed, “after practice I feel energized, because I’ve woken up for the day. The endorphins, after meets too, make me able to still do things, I feel like I’ve accomplished something.” Endorphins’ ability to relieve physical stress after a workout is a key factor in runner’s high that can be a less noticeable feeling. The lack of physical pain, mixed with accomplishment and endorphins, are a high that many athletes chase. While it’s the thrill of the run for many, it is the connection between our bodies and minds for all; a feeling found nowhere else, but in the so-called runners high.