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Every runner knows the moment when everything ‘clicks.’ When your legs lock into a rhythm, the aches float away, and doubts fade, replaced by a feeling of euphoria. 

The runner’s high is known by many names: the flow state, the rush, or even beast mode. Whatever you call it, it’s what allows us to break through barriers: to beat PBs, run that extra kilometer, and push our bodies beyond their limits.

Tapping into the runner’s high can dramatically improve your training. So, here’s how it can be harnessed to take you to the next level.

TALKING SCIENCE

The runner’s high is more than just a feeling. It’s a complex chemical reaction we’ve evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to help survive.

For decades, endorphins have been thought to be responsible for the runner’s high. And that does make sense. Afterall, endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, released after physical activity. But they are only part of the story.

Endocannabinoids are another key bodily chemical that plays a role. When triggered, they flood your system, binding to receptors in the brain that regulate mood, pain, and motivation – creating a sense of euphoria, and reducing exhaustion. They also have the additional effect of suppressing stress, allowing you to maintain focus and composure. In short, evolution has fine-tuned your grey matter to give you energy when it matters.

But is there a way to access the runner’s high whenever you want?

HIGH ON DEMAND
There will always be runs when you just aren’t feeling it. But saying that, there are ways you can maximize your chances of tapping into the zone.

First off, the runner’s high doesn’t kick in instantly. It takes time - usually around 30 to 40 minutes of sustained effort. Give up too soon, and your body simply won’t have time to signal to your brain to release those chemicals. So keep going and push past the initial discomfort. Trust your body to give you what you need.

Pacing matters. Too fast, and you’ll burn out. Too slow, and you won’t trigger the right bodily response. Aim for a steady, challenging pace - something that keeps you working but doesn’t leave you gasping for air.

Music can be great, but sometimes, the best way to tap into the zone is to fully tune into your body. The sound of your breath. The rhythm of your footsteps. The feeling of your heartbeat syncing with your movement. When you focus inward, the world outside fades away, and you become fully immersed in the run.

Be wary of repetition too. If you always run the same route, on the same surface, your mind stays in autopilot. So hit a new trail. Try a new surface. Or even switch up the time of day you train.

BEYOND THE RUN
Runner’s high isn’t just about feeling good in the moment. Its benefits have a lasting impact.

The runner’s high doesn’t just boost your mood - it also lowers stress and anxiety levels. We’ve all experienced the post-run calm that comes after a particularly sweaty run. But that inner peace can radiate throughout our entire day.

But perhaps the most helpful side effect of the runner’s high is the desire to chase it again. Objectively speaking, getting tired and sweaty isn’t always much fun. But it’s that running euphoria that gives you the motivation to keep lacing up your shoes, keep pushing your limits, and keep being your best.

THE WILD WITHIN

The runner’s high isn’t about speed, distance, or performance. It’s about unlocking something deeper. Whoever you are and whatever your fitness level, it’s that feeling of being untamed, of being free, of being you.

So next time you lace up, don’t just run—chase the high. Push through the discomfort. Find your rhythm, and unleash what you are truly capable of.

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