Comments on: Finding a Runner’s High in Maine

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:52:37 +0000

In reply to newbodi.es bryan. Awesome, thanks for sharing Bryan!

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:40:22 +0000

In reply to Greg Emerson. Thanks Greg, great story!

By: lynn j

lynn j — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 18:01:04 +0000

Way to go, Pete. Each run advances you forward whether you realize it or not.

By: Greg Emerson

Greg Emerson — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:45:48 +0000

A nagging calf injury has made training for the MDI half a struggle, so it was refreshing to read this recent post. The run this reminded me of occurred in 1983 when I was 24. I had run the Maine Coast Marathon in mid-May and had taken on my first and only triathlon in early July. My training partners were gearing up for the Paul Bunyan Marathon in Bangor, Maine for a week after my triathlon . Because I had done the training with them, I decided to enter also. Right from the start I knew it was going to be a rough outing. Although the marathon started at 6:30am, it was 88 degrees and was supposed to hit in the mid 90’s by the end of the race. Sure enough, my legs felt like lead and I quickly told my friends that I would not be with them today. Carol, a spouse, was riding a bike in support and she was trying to ride back and forth between us in encouragement, but after a while the gap was widening and she stayed with them. I figured I would try to hang on unit we reached the U of Maine campus in Orono (UMO) which was the 18 mile mark and the finish line also. (There was an 8 mile loop after the campus). I tried a strategy that I call “laddering” where I would focus on the next runner in front of me and try to catch them, run a few strides at their pace with them and then refocus on the next runner. In concentrating on laddering for 12 miles I finally reached Orono and realized that I had a a feeling of strength and euphoria and I decided to finish the marathon properly. I felt like I was riding on top of my legs and that I was flying like an elite! I was passing people like I was in a mile race. I spied ahead of me the Carol on her bike and she was shocked to see me because I pretty much told her I planned on dropping out. She rode beside me and reported that my friends were about a mile ahead. She checked her watch and told me that I was running a 6:15 per mile pace! For perspective realize that I used to run 10K’s at a 7:00 minute pace on my best days. I passed my friends at mile 25 and finish in 3 hours and 15 minutes. I ran right into the (UMO) field house locker room and under a stream of cold water where I stayed for 20 minutes. I still can’t explain what happened that day, but it was a gift from somewhere that even today, as a 55 year old I try to visualize during a tough run and it usually works to propel me 31 years ago and before I know it I am a mile down the trail. Thanks for activating this memory in your story.

By: newbodi.es bryan

newbodi.es bryan — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 09:51:35 +0000

Love this post, Pete. First to read about a great run you had and how it pulled you out of that slogging start. Second to know that even experienced runners with a passion for it don’t have perfect runs and that runner’s high on every run.

I’ve been running to work as much as I can (great way to get a good run in while not taking more time from my life). I find that I end feeling very sure of myself, good about what I’m doing, and clear-minded and charged for the day. I’ve never done drugs, so I can’t say if that’s a true high, but it feels great, sets me up for a good start to the day, and is definitely a feeling I long for on days I don’t run. The cool thing is that I get it even when my runs aren’t great (past couple have been slower and more labored feeling).

One distinct time I felt it coming out while running, pushing me faster and longer was the first time I broke 5 miles. I was running along the Thames in London (fantastic place to run), and just got this building feeling of being able to go for ever. Each stride felt better, faster, more energizing. Fantastic. I did 6.1 that day, and 7 the next. If not for some massive blisters that developed at the end of that 7 miler and having to get to Heathrow for my flight home, I would have kept going.

By: Christian N.

Christian N. — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 07:31:11 +0000

Hi,

I really know what you mean.

I also had this high, running through the rain, even screaming like I was a neanderthal :) Maybe its while the weather/nature is touching your body..and in this moment you’re feeling like its just you and the nature. No one else is crossing your way..and shirtless..yes ..I love it. I don’t care at such moments.

Regards from Germany

By: Harold

Harold — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:53:05 +0000

Had to be because you crossed that northern border into Vacationland ;-)

I find that I tend to find that elusive runner’s high when it is raining lightly and on a hillier course, Never seem to bottle for that next race though ;-)

You will get your schedule back and be smiling about all the things you did this summer and suddenly realize it wasn’t the routine that made things interesting, it was the lack of a routine and spending time with the ones you love.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 19:31:05 +0000

Yeah Pete,
I agree they are rare and unpredictable. But I’ve noticed over 30+ years of running, two are what you toched on also! #1. Pretty well always in a build up phase, never when I’m over trained and needing rest. #2. Pretty well always on a cool day, and many times in light rain! I wonder if it is the negitive ions or there is slightly more o2 in the air, or both? I think that track in Helsinki? Finland is always fast-sea level, raining, cool-or used to be. Hum? Anyone else? :)

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 18:48:55 +0000

I find that my running highs happen when I’m able to block out distractions (work, errands, appointments, etc.) and really listen to my breathing and feel my feet strike the road.

Doesn’t happen all the time but it’s kind of like lightening in a bottle when I do. Still hard to say what triggers a runner’s high but definitely happens when I least expect it – always a bonus.

The best part is if I catch a runner’s high in the morning and can carry it all day – makes for great productivity!