JJSB's Log, Run Date: 15029 Yes, Running Can Make You High

So, yesterday, I had one more opportunity to run in a T-shirt and running shorts during the winter season in KC.  Even though I didn't get home from work until around 7:15 PM, it was still in the 60's and you just can't waste that.

WHAT A FABULOUS RUN!

It was one of those dark, evening runs during which my body was surging with endorphins.   By the way, that Runner's High thing?  It's REAL.  Here's an article that discusses a study in which they used PET scans on runners before and after a run and it showed that endorphins are definitely being produced during the run and are attaching themselves to the limbic and prefrontal areas of the brain which are associated with emotions.  Here is the link to the article:  Yes, Running Can Make You High

I was particularly struck by this paragraph, "The limbic and prefrontal areas, Dr. Boecker said, are activated when people are involved in romantic love affairs or, he said, "when you hear music that gives you a chill of euphoria, like Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3.". The greater the euphoria the runners reported, the more endorphins in their brain."

This, of course, leads me to the "Song of the Run.  Referring back to the article, it doesn't surprise me at all that, as I ran listening to this song, I experienced the height of the endorphin rush.  I remember when Arcade Fire's release Funeral came out way back in 2005 and this was my favorite song off that album for the longest time.

Neighborhood #2 (Laika):

"Come on, Alex.  You can do it!

Come on, Alex.  There's nothing to it!

If you want something, don't ask for nothing!

If you want nothing, don't ask for something!"

Last Warm January Run