THE CULPRIT OF THE RUNNER'S HIGH

What's With the Runner's High?

Have you ever heard of the phenomena called the “runner’s high” before? This altered state of consciousness is often experienced by endurance athletes, which is why it gets the name of “runner’s high.” It’s been described by runners as the sensation of euphoria, the reduced ability to feel pain, and diminished anxiety and depressive thoughts (one of many reasons why exercise is incredible for mental health).

Exercise releases endorphins, which is often given the praise for the runner’s high, however, endorphin molecules are too large to pass the barrier that separates the periphery from the central nervous system (called the blood-brain barrier). Since it cannot pass through the barrier and get to the brain, it can’t elicit many mood-enhancing effects. Thus, there must be another group of molecules that elicits these mood-enhancing effects after exercise…

Enter: endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system to alter mood by binding to cannabinoid receptors; thus, increasing feelings of calmness and reducing anxiety. These molecules and their receptors are collectively termed the endocannabinoid system. The system was discovered when researchers were investigating the mechanism by which the cannabis plant has an effect on your brain - so yes, it was named after the plant! “Endo,” meaning “produced within the body” + “cannabinoid,” which is the primary psychoactive in cannabis = “self-made cannabis.”

Endocannabinoids have been demonstrated to increase in the body after moderate-intensity exercise (i.e., running), and elicit pain-reducing (analgesic) effects. Although this is a relatively new area of research, we do know that, in mice models, those who have reduced cannabinoid receptors in their brain, and consequently can’t bind as much endocannabinoid molecules, are less likely to continue exercising. Those who have an increased number of receptors are much more likely to continue moving even when there’s no food reward for them after… As such, endocannabinoids may also be responsible for the urge to exercise or go for a run. If the “high” you get from exercising pleases you, then why would you not do it more frequently?

If you’re not a runner, we still have good news for you! This “high” can be triggered by persevering through your workout. We do acknowledge that it’s hard to get into your workout, however, that feeling of joy once it’s completed is both from being finished with your workout AND from the release of these magic molecules we know now as endocannabinoids! You just have to work out at a moderate intensity and you can take advantage of the amazing benefits!

Moderate intensity: