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.”

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