Good morning all! Well first off, just wanted to say I had a wonderful little lunch get together with Chelle of Chelle's Ultimate Challenge yesterday...was lovely to meet you hon!
During the lunch, we ended up talking about running since Chelle recently got back into it and I was trying to get some "hot tips" hehehe.
It occurred to me while we were talking that I really have never experienced the much sought after "runner's high" that so many runner's and athletes in general talk about. Now I've been working out with weights for, gee over twenty years now; and honestly, though I get a good pump and, well if you've read my blog for even only a month you'd know I absolutely loooove my weights-but I can't remember every really getting that sudden surge of energy to go that extra mile. Once I've maxed out, say, on bench press-that's pretty much it...everything else is pretty mediocre for the rest of the workout. And so far in the three or four months that I've been running super consistently, I've yet to feel that sudden surge; it's more like a forced push at the end-especially at the end of my 5k.
So, I'll just keep chugging along, it's bound to appear at some stage right? How about you...do you experience a "runner's high" while running or weight lifting...or any sort of exercise? At what stage does that surge of energy hit you?
Having said all of that, if this is the biggest of my problems in life, life is DAMN GOOD!
Ciao for now!
9 comments:
I don't run long enough distances to get the runners high very often so I'd like to know too. I've experienced it a couple times usually within the 6-10 mile range. After mile 18 the only way I could get a runners high would be with a shot of adrenalin in my heart.
Well, I'm obviously not running long enough distances at all! Now I feel like even more of a slug...lol! I can't even get past 5k (which is only a bloody 3 miles!) ;-0
Hi Raechelle. I'm not a runner, can't even run to my mail box at the end of a short driveway. But I, too, have heard of a runner's high, that it gets easier after the first mile and then easier and easier. Though I'm not claiming these people are telling fibs, I just don't buy it. Running hurts. At least it does for me. Now with walking, yes. Around the third mile, I do space out and hardly know I'm walking. I also get some of my best writing ideas that way as a bonus. But walking is not running. Lifting weights seems like hard work, too. I hope you reach "the zone" in both endeavers some day. Wouldn't that be nice?
For me, the runner's high comes from shorter, faster runs, especially ones where I play with speed. I like the feeling of running fast and barely holding onto control. Good luck and happy running!
I swear the runners high is almost as good as the big O LOL. When training for the half marathon earlier this year I would experience it often on my long runs. It always kicks in well after the first half hour and sometimes not til the first hour is done and dusted. It nearly always kicked in after a long slightly uphill stretch that would be quite challenging but then I'd turn the corner and hit the downhill and I'd just about be in flight. GREAT FEELING. (I really miss it - its a great high).
Magda
PS Long distance is the way to go. Anything under 10kms doesnt work like this for me.
Didn't realize I had so many M's following me...Magda, Margie and Margaret...LOL
I actually think I'm already in the "zone" with my weights...I think I've done it for so long maybe I just don't notice that extra oomph-but I do bench press my own body weight on good days...lol
But that's interesting that Margie you get the "high" from short stuff and Magda and Tom you both mention long hard hauls...hmmmm
very interesting. At this stage, I'd just like to not feel like I got hit by a car at the end of 5k...lol
thanks for the comments!
You are doing great for sticking with it. I used to hate running, but I do have to say that when I'm done with a good run (which can be speed or distance) I do have that hour or two window where I feel really "happy" and optimistic :) You are an athlete at heart, you are going to do great at running!! Keep up the good work.
Right back at ya girl, looking forward to catching up next trip! xo ... I forgot to mention on tues that perhaps you should incorporate a shorter run into your week - say 2-3km. That way you can use it to focus more on speed and get used to running at a faster pace which is what will get you under the magic 30 for your 5km. The shorter run will still be improving your fitness as you will have to push yourself harder to go faster but its not going to feel as grueling as slogging yourself over 5km. That way it will put you in a different headspace as mentally you know it will be over soon and who knows you may just start experiencing that runners high sooner than you think!.... For me, i know my runners high will come if i get into my groove early within my run. It usually comes on after the first 2km if my body is feeling relaxed, my head is clear and i am just feeling FREE x
thanks Abby!
I have actually been running a short distance one day a week-but diong it slow; I should try to maybe do that shorter one a bit faster...thanks Chelle!
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