Warning: If you start running, you may become “addicted”
Posted January 15th, 2007 at 7:03 PM by Amanda Black
Section: Running & Training, Motivation, Health & Fitness, Exercise
People often look at serious runners with awe and admiration, wondering why they would choose to do such a thing and how a person could get up at five in the morning and go for a run in the freezing cold before the start of a stressful day.
For most runners the answer is simple: they need it, they love it and they just don’t feel “right” if they don’t go for their run. In a lot of ways, running is actually psychologically and physically addictive. The body produces natural endorphins during exercise; the so called “runner’s high” and many people just can’t get enough! Author Pam Hilts explains that these endorphins:
“Are similar to opiates (drug classification that includes morphine, heroin, codeine, etc.) and produce a sense of well being. They also, like their prescription cousins, have a pain relieving effect.”
These endorphins are also motivational; often helping runners to feel energized throughout their day However, it doesn’t stop there. There is also a mentally addictive component of running. Mary, a NCAA Division I cross-country runner at Binghamton University states:
“When I don’t run for an extended period of time I feel sluggish or as if something is missing.”
This is quite common among runner’s, including myself, and can really exasperate already stressful times when we are unable to run. Runners who are forced to take time off because of an injury often report feeling sluggish or even depressed. Although some of this stems from not being able to enjoy a beloved activity, these negative feelings are also fueled by the body’s craving for endorphins.
Aside from extreme cases of exercise bulimia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the addictiveness of running is often completely natural and the “runner’s high” is a natural and positive force for encouraging an active lifestyle. Running can also help to battle mild seasonal depression and serve as a healthy way to relieve stress & anxiety.
Further reading:
- The Runner’s High . . . and Higher
- Opt for an outdoor run to chase away the winter blues
- Keeping sane during injury
- Exercise Bulimia: When it’s gone too far
Research sources and for more information:
- Hilts, Pam. “Why Running Becomes Addictive.” Heath and Fitness. http://www.helium.com/tm/70358
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: active, active lifestyle, addiction, endorphins, energy, exercise bulimia, health and wellness, inspiration, mental, mental health, mood, morning run, motivation, OCD, physical, pump up, runners high
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The Final Sprint
Very interesting article about running. Great explanation of why people run. One thing that would be informative and intersting is how to increase your body’s stamina to run further and faster. One way I have found is a simple water additive described in detail at www.allthebodyneeds.com
January 16th, 2007 at 2:49 pmI can definitely relate to this addiction. On days I don’t run I will not feel right until I do the next day. One of my friends is also an NCAA runner and you can always tell when she is not in season or running on a consistent basis. It’s articles like these more people should read so they understand the broader health benefits and stress relievers than relying on pills for a quick easy solution. Very well written article, look forward for more!
January 17th, 2007 at 11:21 amThis was a very interesting and well written article. I have heard of this effect from running. Are there any other activities that would also do the same thing for those of us that can’t do exercise that negatively impacts the joints, such as running?
January 21st, 2007 at 8:07 pmDear Rosalind,
Thanks for your comment and compliments.
Yes, other forms of exercise will trigger the release of endorphins. If you have joint problems, you may want to give cycling (or riding a stationary bike) a try as it can be easier on your joints because there is virtually no impact.
However, make sure to check with you doctor first to ensure that your joints are healthy enough for your participation in vigorous exercise.
Thanks again and good luck!
Best,
Adam
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January 21st, 2007 at 9:32 pmAdam Jacobs
Editorin-Chief
TheFinalSprint.com
this article made me feel very well since i have been running for 7 years now and most of the things are true.i have only experience a few runners high that made me feel incredible.i felt like no one could touch me and that is what i love and i would incourage may people to run.
February 5th, 2007 at 1:38 pm[…] http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2007/01/warning-if-you-start-running-you-may-become-addicted/ […]
March 16th, 2007 at 7:12 pmAnything if you do it for a long time become a habit, and the habit must be feed.
March 17th, 2007 at 6:12 am