If you’re a non-runner, you’ve heard of runner’s high. If you are a runner, even a mediocre one like me, maybe you’ve experienced runner’s high. I don’t know if what I feel during or after a run could be classified as “runner’s high” but I definitely feel something after many of my runs… maybe it’s just relief that they are done! 
Seriously, in a 2008 NY Times article, researchers tested endurance athletes and found that endorphins were released during intense or endurance exercise. Since I’m a newbie, running 2.5 or 3 miles for me is actually intense exercise.
I don’t know how many endorphins are released, but I can wake up in a foul mood, stall and grumble my way out the door on a running day, but halfway through a lot of the time, I start to feel better. Halfway through, I’m surprised at how quickly I’m getting from point A to point B. Halfway through, when my breathing feels good and my legs are almost working independent of the rest of me, I stop fighting with myself and give in to the motion and my surroundings. Halfway through I start to think, “hey, this is actually fun.”
I don’t know that what I am experiencing is an official “runner’s high.” I’ve read stories of extreme emotion, out of body experiences, euphoria.
I haven’t experienced those, but I haven’t run long distances yet either. All I know, is that after a run or after a race, even if it’s not a great one, I feel better than when I went out.
And sometimes that flood of good feeling comes in the middle, like today, and makes the effort so worthwhile.
Who knows? Maybe it was the new sneakers?
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I have no idea what a runner’s high feels like but I like to think that it’s that point during a run when you have been struggling at the first part and suddenly your legs cooperate, your breathing goes well and running goes easily and smooth. To me that’s a runners high and it doesn’t happen on every run I do but every now and then.
I started getting a “runner’s high” before I was even a runner. I swam and I did cardio in the gym when I first started my weight loss journey. The first time I got a “high” it was awesome! I felt like a million bucks! And now that I actually am a runner, I experience it with most of my runs. It always improves my mood.
You never end a run saying you wish you hadn’t. For me, I am always better after a workout. It is what gets me out the door!
I have felt it and it’s pretty amazing. You feel invincible! Unfortunately my knees are not so fond of running anymore
so I am trying to find a new fitness routine… We’re doing a series on our site called “Get Your Fix” highlighting people like you who have found a fitness routine they actually look forward to! There seems to be some correlation between those good feelings and sucessfully making it part of your routine. 
Personally haven’t found my fav yet, but hopefully will soon!