Runners experience reduced pain perception due to a phenomenon known as the "runner's high." While you are in this state, not only is your mood elevated, but chemical reactions induced by strenuous exercise act as a natural painkiller. For instance, if you sustain an injury while running, you may not notice significant pain during exercise. The runner's high is typically experienced by long-distance runners.
Benefits
Feelings of euphoria may be heightened after a running session. When you exercise for a significant amount of time, endorphins are released into parts of the brain that affect the mood. During a 2003 study published in "Neuroreport," effects were seen after 50 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. Benefits associated with endurance sports include reduced levels of stress, better mood, anxiety relief and lowered perception of pain symptoms.
Effects
Although it was long believed that endorphins being released during exercise were the cause of the runner's high, the hypothesis was not confirmed until 2008. According to a study appearing in the "Cerebral Cortex" journal, researchers found that the elevated euphoric feeling was related to opioid binding in the brain. The binding occurred in the prefrontal cortices, bilateral insula, parainsular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and temporoparietal regions of the brain. These areas control moods and the processing of emotional states. The opiod binding corresponded with a euphoric feeling reported by runners in the study.
Expert Insight
According to a 2003 study published in the "Neuroreport" journal, elevated levels of endocannabinoid molecules were found in those participating in forms of exercise such as running and cycling. These molecules can produce an analgesic effect on the body, which may cause you to feel a reduce amount of pain during exercise.
Warning
If you suspect you have suffered an injury while running, you should not continue to exercise even if your pain perception is dulled. Running through an injury may worsen the condition. Discontinue your workout and have the injury evaluated before resuming exercise. Consult your doctor for approval before starting a new workout routine.
