Winter weather held on here for another week. While it was not brutally cold, we saw snowfall rare to these parts so early in the season. First, here’s how Tokyo Marathon training week 3 went, then I’ll get to that runner’s high:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Run 3 miles
Wednesday: Work all day so nada
Thursday: Run 6 miles in snow
Friday: Yoga/Strength
Saturday: Run 8 trail miles in the snow
Sunday: CrossFit
Running-wise it was a cutback week. My Wednesday spin class remains elusive. I just couldn’t get there again this week with all the work I had on my plate. What I did get though, were a couple of beautiful runs in the snow. Along with those came some serious runner’s highs.
Runner’s High
Do you/have you experienced the runner’s high? I have many years in the past but as I’ve aged and running has become more difficult, I thought my runner’s high days were over. This week I was proven wrong.
I can usually tell in the first half mile whether a run is going to feel good or be a struggle. When I got out on Thursday the snow was just starting to fall. As I crossed the street in the first minutes of my run, I could already sense the goodness ahead of me. I turned onto the trail in my neighborhood. I’m blessed with about a 3 mile loop that goes through both prairie and wooded areas. The snow fell in huge, fluffy flakes, harder and harder as time went on.
It was 30 degrees with no wind, which in my book = perfect running conditions. The snow insulated out any sounds of traffic in the distance, plus I had Khalid’s new EP on my playlist. I think all of those factors, the beauty and solitude of the snowy trails combined with a relaxing sound track set the stage for my runner’s high. For once my heart rate stayed low.
Some of you commented on Facebook how “brutal” those conditions look. 30 degrees with no/minimal wind is relatively warm here for winter running. I actually felt overdressed in the shell I wore, but it was necessary because heavy snowfall starts to feel wet after awhile and wet=cold.
Trails can be challenging from a balance standpoint even when there is no snow. I run these trails all the time, all year round, so my body is used to them and I feel like I know them intimately. I wear a trail shoe, even on roads when it snows. They resist wind and moisture way better than a regular running shoe and the added traction is invaluable. This week I wore my Hoka One One trail shoes and experienced zero slipping in the snow. That’s the thing about fresh snow when it’s 30 degrees: It’s not icy, and it wasn’t really deep enough to become overly wet.
I fell into a euphoric, meditative state. Totally present and in awe of the beauty around me. I paid no attention to my pace whatsoever. I felt like I could go on forever. My Garmin seemed to love these runs too: It increased my VO2max number to one I hadn’t seen in quite a while.
I did a little research on runner’s high. It seems the theory that its the by-product of endorphins has been shot down. Who knew? Here’s what I learned:
- Endorphins are actually too large to cross the blood-brain barrier quickly, which means it is unlikely they’re able to affect the brain changes that occur during a runner’s high.
- Recent research from the University of Heidelberg suggests that endocannabinoids (like those found in marijuana) are released by our bodies during extended, moderate exercise.
- We are most likely to experience a runner’s high when we do continuous, rhythmic exercise at least one hour in duration. Two hours seems to be the optimal duration for runner’s high, although I experienced it far sooner than that.
- Experienced runners are more likely to get a runner’s high than those who are newer to running. Sorry newbies.
- Just because you experience a runner’s high once doesn’t mean you can expect one on the regular. Several factors need to align. In my case, I found the snowfall peaceful and relaxing. The snow on the ground helped me not care about my pace. I was very present because I needed to focus on where to step on the trail. That said I was high as a kite on BOTH of my snowy runs this week so I guess things “aligned” just right for me. I sure wish I could bottle it.
- Experiencing a runner’s high inspires you to keep doing those types of workouts. Maybe getting out for long runs all winter long for Tokyo training won’t seem so daunting anymore. One can hope.
Fun this week..
It’s a short school week due to Thanksgiving. Thing 1 is off on Thursday and Friday however Thing 2 has a short school day on Monday then is off the rest of the week. We’ll celebrate at my BIL’s house, since Hurricane MIL continues to recover from her broken leg, but don’t worry she’s still very much in control.
Be sure to check out my Instagram on Wednesday since I’ll be doing a Great Lakes Gelatin giveaway for What I Ate Wednesday. Stop by and enter to win a canister of Collagen Hydrolysate! Remember GLGRunDefinitely20 saves you 20% at greatlakesgelatin.com.
What’s your take on the runner’s high? What conditions elicit it for you? What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
I love a good runners high! I’ve definitely had them from runs shorter than 2 hours. The snow looks pretty I just can’t believe how much there is this early in the season!
I do love a good runner’s high. As much as I loved the trail run on Saturday, I did not get a runner’s high. In fact, I was really wrecked after running on the snowy trails. The beauty of the surroundings helped to dull the pain, tho. I guess I need to get out there more often!
I really have trouble finding that runner’s high anymore. I love the fresh snow conditions and hope we get some soon. We had a wintery mix which is not good at all for running. Great idea to wear a trail show in the snow I think I will get a pair. Any excuse for another pair of shoes! Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Thats interesting that you can judge a run by the first half mile. I usually think I can but then I usually surprise myself. Truth is, the first half mile of every run seems hard for me but then I settle in and some runs become great! I hope I get to do a snowy run yet this year. Your run looks lovely and I can relate to loving the peacefulness of being out there. I should invest in some trail shoes. Are the Hokas zero drop?
All that science about the runner’s high is interesting, but I don’t want to know that I need to run for at least an hour. I definitely get energized by speed interval workouts too. Maybe it’s some other thing going on. 😉 I think my son and his GF are taking over the kitchen on Thanksgiving. I initially was going to insist on making the pie, but decided I didn’t have to control that either.
I haven’t had a runners high in a few years but boy do I remember the feeling – it’s just amazing! I’m glad that you were able to experience that this week. I had a good run yesterday which reminded me why I love running. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that hewn you’re dealing with crazy weather or injuries.
I love cold weather running and those conditions sound perfect for a run! I agree with you that a run with no wind is always great.
Runners’ high is elusive for me. Sometimes it’s just there and others there’s no chance. I don’t mind it really but love it when it happens. Was talking to a corral buddy (you know, those people you see at races but wouldn’t recognize out of the corral) today — someone asked her if she loved running and she said not really, but felt so accomplished when she finished a run.
Gorgeous snow pics – I’m just not ready for it in November.
Love that runner’s high 🙂 But I like to think of it more of the high afterward that follows you throughout the rest of the day. That feeling of accomplishment, that feeling of being strong..it’s the best and there’s nothing like it.
And I totally agree about a 30 degree snowy day (assuming no slippery spots) Those are the BEST! 🙂
I am most likely to get runner’s high when I am out on the trails. 8 miles in the snow sounds just awesome! Glad you had a good run. I tried to beat the snow on Thursday, and got pelted with sleet for the last 15 minutes of my run when I was hightailing it back to my car! 🙂
I don’t know if I’ve experienced a true runner’s high. But I do have days where runs feel so good that I don’t want to stop. Just like this morning on my low HR run — and not caring about pace. Your trail looks so pretty. I wish I something like that at my disposal. Thanks for linking!
That good ole runner’s high is pretty sweet. It comes (often times) when I least expect it, so it’s especially joyful when it does make an appearance. Like after the finish line of that torturous marathon…as tired as I felt, I had a dopey smile on my face for several days there after. Glad you got two healthy doses of it!!
For me, trail runs are the best way to get a runner’s high. Peace and quiet of nature puts me in such a zen mode.
I have no idea if I had a runner’s high after Vegas, but I got really emotional when I crossed the finish line. It’s great when everything clicks and the run just feels so good.
That’s funny. I had this conversation with my high school friend’s husband. He asked me if I get a runner’s high I said – only when I’m done.
Running always seems hard. Racing always feels hard. But I love how I feel when I’m done..even if it wasn’t a great run.
I’ve running a 5k on Thanksgiving and then gong t my stepson’s for dinner.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve had a runner’s high. Your trail runs look so peaceful! I love a good snowy run!
30 with no wind is great running weather, I agree (even better if there’s sun) — pretty much exactly what I had today. My problem is I always think it’s going to be so cold, so I dilly dally getting out there.
7 of my nearest & deartest come to me on Thanksgiving. Basically it’s all on me & no one really helps much with the clean up either. It’s kind of exhausting but it’s actually easier than dealing with the dogs or boarding them or having to travel.
Have a great Thanksgiving & hopefully you’ll get some more great runs in there!
Running in a snowstorm is so peaceful and serene. Those are my favorite runs! I couldn’t get out for a run during the first snow of the season but there will be plenty more so not to worry!
I love a good Runner’s high! It just feels like everything clicks and Infeel like I could run forever! Sounds like you had a great week!
We had similar temps and no wind and it was great! The running high is always a magical moment. FYI your hoho runs link above has a typo and redirects to nothing.
not sure if I’ve had runner’s high or not. I mean there have been runs where I felt like I could just keep going and going, you know? usually when there’s no specific training I have to do, just when I can go out and run and enjoy. since my neuroma and subsequent operation and further nerve damage I wouldn’t say any run has had a very big “high”. ah well. at least I keep trying, right?
No Thanksgiving here! just a regular old day! hope you have a good one!
Luckily for me I get a runner’s (biker’s and swimmer’s) high all.the.time! Of course every workout isn’t a great one (oh how I wish!) but usually there’s at least one high in there to keep me coming back. Those temps and conditions are absolutely perfect! It’s a winter wonderland!!
Sounds like you had the perfect conditions for a great run! I’ve never run on snowy trails but it looks amazing! I wasn’t a runner when I lived on the East coast but I loved being out when it was snowing or had just snowed. So peaceful.
I think “runner’s high” is our body’s way of keeping us from quitting.