Long distance running is exhausting, repetitive, and mentally draining. Practices often involve early mornings, sore muscles, and miles of pushing through discomfort. Yet for many runners at PHS, there are moments during a workout or race when the pain suddenly fades into the background and running begins to feel almost effortless, tapping into a mental state where exercise that once felt difficult becomes calming, energizing, and even enjoyable — often referred to as “runner’s high.”
According to the National Library of Medicine, scientists have believed the “runner’s high” was caused mainly by endorphins. These chemicals, released by the body to help reduce pain and create positive feelings, are unable to cross into the brain. Due to this, they realized it could not be the cause. On the other hand, the same study suggests an alternate factor may play a larger role. Specifically, scientists believe endocannabinoids may contribute more directly to the euphoric feelings many runners describe because they can cross into the brain and affect mood, stress, and anxiety. These scientists also believe the phenomenon may explain why many runners feel calmer, mentally refreshed, or less stressed.
Nevertheless, for many runners, the “runner’s high” is difficult to generalize because every athlete experiences it differently. Some describe it as excitement, while others define it as mental clarity or a sudden feeling of confidence during a difficult run.
“It’s just this feel-good feeling,” said PHS track Coach Jennifer Smolyn. “This sense of euphoria or excitement. ... You tend to feel less tired, less fatigued.”
Smolyn explained the experience is difficult to define through only one cause and believes there are multiple contributing factors.
“There’s definitely a [mind-body] connection,” said Smolyn. “Your muscles feel less tired, so stuff is going on in the brain, but [it’s] probably a mix of a bunch of things.”
For Steven Cenci ’26, the captain of the cross country and track and field teams, the “runner’s high” often appears in the middle of a strong race. After the opening miles — when exhaustion normally begins to take over — he described moments where confidence begins to replace doubt.
“Sometimes when you have a really good race, it’s just so exciting to keep going,” said Cenci. “You know you’re gonna do well, and you know you’re gonna be proud of that race when you finish.”
Cenci explained how while training strengthens the body, racing often depends on whether runners can mentally push through discomfort when their bodies begin telling them to stop. He explains how distance running is as much of a mental sport as it is physical.
“Everyone could go for a run, but it’s not something that most people choose to do, because it is very mentally tough to start doing. ... When your mind wants to give up, it’s not because your muscles have to give up,” Cenci said.
Isabella Franceschi ’28, who runs cross country and track, described “runner’s high” as a sudden burst of energy.
“It feels like you can run forever... right when you start out running and you don’t feel tired at all,” Franceschi said.
According to Franceschi, the “runner’s high” happens on days when you feel prepared, such as when you had a good meal or when you’re really hydrated. Although it’s rare, she believes it can heighten performance by minimizing error and heightening confidence to get past comfort zones. She noted the feeling cannot be forced, making it harder to explain to people who have never experienced it.
Head track Coach James Smirk said his own experiences with running changed as he became more experienced with the sport.
“As I became a better runner, I actually went the other way and associated [running] with [discomfort],” Smirk said. “I enjoyed leaning into the difficulty of the task.”
Smirk explained that he does not see “runner’s high” as only a feeling of happiness during exercise. Instead, he believes many runners experience it through focus, purpose, and engagement with the challenge itself.
“I think a lot of those feelings [associated with] ‘runner’s high’ are feeling accomplished and very comfortable with the work being done. ... You’re doing something just fundamentally difficult,” said Smirk. Smirk also described running as something that became an important part of his daily routine over time.
“There was this component to my day where I could just stay within myself,” Smirk said. “ [I] enjoy[ed] the fact that I was doing a thing that I was in charge of and I was in control of.”
Although the “runner’s high” is often talked about among athletes, Smolyn agreed it is not something runners can force. Even experienced runners may only experience it a few times throughout an entire season.
“You’re not gonna achieve that feeling too frequently,” Smolyn said. “Some runners will never experience the ‘runner’s high’ feeling.”
In other words, the runner’s high is an elusive state that is not something atheletes can practice or train because it is tied to the pressure and emotions that are unique to competition. On the other hand, Smirk emphasized how people often expect immediate results from running, even though the benefits can take much longer to develop.
“I think people are like, ‘if I just run for 10 days, I’ll feel better,’” said Smirk. “This might take months or years, but just do it a little bit every day and see where that puts you.”