I thought I lost it but it’s back, just a little taste but enough to leave me reflecting on past running joys and longing for more. It sounds like the words of an addict, some would argue they’re in the same league, I’m referring to a runner’s high, the chemical reaction that happens in the brain.
It’s a rare euphoria that happens on or shortly after a run. It’s a mystery to me but when it consumes me I’m on top of the world. I suspect it’s the result of endorphins released by the brain to combat fatigue or pain. A survival mechanism with a primitive past. Something to keep us going when other parts of the brain insist on stopping. Personally it’s an Utopian state that I’m thankful every time it happens.
Research has recently confirmed as reported in the New York Times that endorphins are responsible for the elevated state. The problem was that it would take a spinal tap (something I’ve experienced at a personal level, not fun) to confirm this theory. A test requirement that’s both expensive and not something that most research subjects are willing to volunteer for. The process can be painful and time consuming as it makes the subject immobile for upwards of 24 hours. Recent advances in neuroscience using PET scans combined with recently available chemicals have reveled that the endorphin theory is in fact true. Running long distances results in our system being flooded with endorphins resulting in mood changes, an altered state of euphoria that brings out the addict in the best of us.
Meditation
Running the Spiritual Path by Roger Joslin - A discussion of meditation and distance running.
Combined with the chemicals, there’s also a more spiritual avenues for runners to potentially take to find utopia. The rhythmic movement of running tends to lend itself well to meditation practices. Being in the moment, focusing on one’s breathing and the rhythmic striking of the feet on the ground can bring on a higher level of thinking and perhaps even feeling.
True to any meditation practices the process takes time, training and discipline. Initially the mind loves to wander, thinking about random thoughts or turning itself into knots trying to work through the days problems. Being able to turn this off and focus on the here and now seems to be essential to mediation in general.
After a few minutes of letting the mind wander I’ll make a conscious effort to bring it into focus. I’ll remind myself of focusing on the bodies rhythms. Random thoughts will be put aside for the more immediate events of the run. There’s always lots of distractions available and I don’t support running with your eyes closed in an effort to focus. If the running path is clear, it sometimes helps to focus on the skyline. Most importantly try to calm the mind.
I have to confess that I’ve only been vaguely successful at this process but the rewards have been significant. Combined with the chemical benefits discussed above, life’s problems can be brought into perspective after a long run. It seems that if I can managed to get my mind under control the rest of the world follows. I also seem to be more successful at this process when I run trails. Being surrounded by nature can also be an essential ingredient to feeling calm, focused and relaxed.
Life’s a mystery, perhaps running is a gateway to a process that allows us to enjoy the simpler things in life. Yet one more great reason to run.
Tags: Doctors, meditation, Why I Run?