Observations placeholder
Russell the Dude
Identifier
003062
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
The following is from the following Internet site
http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2005/01/understanding-runners-high.html
This blog contained interviews, research, original fiction, new product ideas, and all things trail running….
Exercise of this nature can be addictive because it is based on endorphins - opioids. Furthermore, in order to get the runner’s high, you will find you need to do more and more running because the body adjusts its tolerance levels and its receptor numbers. The following observation is wonderful at demonstrating that the seriously unfit who exercise infrequently are possibly more likely to get a high than those who do it regularly ….
A description of the experience
“Russell” January 2008
I'm 18 and a dude.
A few weeks ago I woke up at 6 in the morning and couldn't sleep, so I decided to run, something I would NEVER consider doing usually. When I'd think of running I'd think of those horrid PE days and all the pain running came with. But I decided to give it try. I ran only about 1.5 miles, but it was a hard run. Keep in mind I was/still am in very bad shape when it comes to this kinda thing!
By the last third of the mile and when I got home, I couldn't believe how good I felt. It wasn't just a "I feel gratified I did something hard" feeling, this was a very concrete, real experience, which both physical and phyco/spiritual attributes.
The two biggest things I felt were euphoria/happyness/bliss, and also extreme sedation, both on a mental and physical level.
I felt so content/relaxed I couldn't believe it. The euphoria was bliss; unexplainable. I don't want to use the word "happy" because in my mind that also relates a certain tone of active excitement. I would say Peace is more like it.
I also couldn't believe how sedated I felt. It was if I was really really tired, but the "tiredness" felt absolutely wonderful, without the added downside of needing/wanting to sleep. The "sleepyness" felt wonderful, but when I say sleepy I don't mean to suggest I wasn't alert. The complete opposite really. I felt incredibly alert and simply optimistic and "smiley" about everything. This lasted all morning and gently faded out throughout the day.
Most people experience "runners high" at around mile 8. I think I felt it so early because my body was not used to physical activity, and the chemicals that include this high were released due to a very weak/low threshold. I am assuming the more I run, the longer it will take to reach the high.
[he is absolutely right]