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What Exactly is a Runner’s High? (Spoiler: It’s Not Endorphins)
Cardio | September 16, 2026
If you're a runner, you already know the feeling. You climb down from the treadmill, panting for breath as your heart rate starts returning to normal. That's when it hits you. Some people describe it as a burst of energy, while others say it's a calming sensation or even a state of euphoria. Whatever it is for you, it's clear that something is happening in the brain and body after a run.
So, what exactly is going on?
The science behind this phenomenon is much more interesting and surprising than you might expect. We believe it's important to understand these things, as expanding your knowledge of your body leads to a better workout. With that, let's unpack this intriguing process together.
"Isn't It Just Endorphins?"
First up, let's start with what it's not. You've probably heard that a runner's high is caused by a rush of endorphins that flood into the bloodstream after exercise. As is often the case with these things, the truth is slightly more complicated (but much more interesting). In fact, there are multiple processes working together, which explains why it can manifest in different ways for different people. While it's true that aerobic exercise has been shown to increase endorphin levels, it's also true that endorphins don't play a very direct role in affecting our mood. This is because the brain has a tightly regulated barrier against substances in the blood stream.
However, endorphins definitely do contribute to the high. They act as a natural painkiller, reducing physical stress and discomfort in parts of the body. The alleviation of these physical stressors can, in turn, indirectly affect our mood.
A more important process to look at is the release of a little-known neurotransmitter called anandamide (uh-NAN-duh-myde). The release of anandamide is associated with decreased anxiety and a feeling of calm. Sound familiar? Unlike endorphins, anandamide can cross the brain barrier and have a more direct effect on our brain chemistry.
The Other "Feel-Good" Chemicals
Aerobic exercise will also increase your levels of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. You've probably heard of serotonin as a neurotransmitter that boosts your mood. It's an interesting chemical that affects a wide range of bodily processes, including your digestive system, appetite, blood clotting and bowel function. It even plays a key role in expelling the contents of your insides when you vomit. While its relationship with our mood is a little more complicated, low levels of serotonin is sometimes linked to depression, anxiety disorders, sleep problems and mood swings.
Dopamine is another hormone that's largely misunderstood in online circles. It's not necessarily the "feel-good" chemical that some people think it is. Instead, it plays a part in feelings of motivation and reward that inform our brain which actions are "good", and which are "bad". This is an oversimplified way of saying that dopamine regulates behaviour. It's our brain's way of figuring out the best course of action for our survival.
Lastly, noradrenaline is a "fight-or-flight" chemical that can increase focus and wakefulness. This is probably why some runners report a feeling of increased energy and alertness after exercise.
As you can see, there's quite a cocktail of hormonal and chemical processes all working in tandem to create a special kind of high.
Beyond Chemistry
It's easy to point to a random neurotransmitter in the body and claim it's the "runner's high" chemical. While it's true there are several chemical processes that work together to affect your mood, there's also a more grounded psychological element.
What's often overlooked is the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a run. This is the glib satisfaction you feel with the knowledge that you took time out of your day to do something difficult.
We also can't underestimate the somewhat placebo effect produced by expecting the runner's high. Simply the knowledge that the high is coming is enough to elevate your mood. This all creates one big feedback loop that keeps you coming back for more.
Larger Shifts in Your Body and Mind
The great thing about a runner's high is that it compounds over time. It's not like a drug that requires increasingly larger doses to get the same high. It naturally accumulates and increases the more regularly you exercise.
This is because of all the other external factors that come into play with a consistent fitness routine, including sleep quality, emotional processing, reduced inflammation and lower stress levels. These things play a huge role in your overall mood levels throughout your day. With everything in check, the runner's high is amplified and felt more intensely. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.
Treadmill or Outside?
Now we're all on the same page about how great running is for your mental health, the question remains: is a treadmill better than running outside?
This is a very individual question and will depend on many different things. Home treadmills provide convenience, safety, accessibility and more entertainment options while you run. Running outside gives you the fresh air, potentially nicer scenery and more variety. Treadmills do have an upfront cost but there are plenty of budget options out there.
If you need any help deciding on a good treadmill to chase after your next high, don't hesitate to reach to our team and we'll be happy to help you out.
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