Usually, I want to die when I run....my chest hurts, my head feels like it will explode, and I cannot breathe. However, today I ran/walked 2 miles...and....miraculously....I did not die and felt pretty good! Also, I have begun to notice the fabulous influx of endorphins when I work out, which, let's face it, feel heavenly when you have a big dose! So while I am NOT in love with running, like turnips, I find i can tolerate it much more now that I have tried it out. PLUS....I am carrying 19 pounds LESS than 3 months ago, which means I am hauling less butt!
So all my dwelling on running and good feelings made me think: what exactly about working out feels so good? Well, it has to do with endorphins, which are chemicals that are able to cross through the gaps between neurons in order to pass along a message from one to the next. There are many different kinds, and much remains to be learned about their different purposes and functions. The thing for you to know about endorphins: their ability to make you feel oh-so-good. When your body is subjected to certain stimuli like sex, food, or pain, your hypothalamus (part of your brain) calls for endorphins, and the cells throughout your body that contain them heed the call. When endorphins lock into special receptor cells (called opioid receptors, because opiates also fit them), they block the transmission of pain signals and also produce a euphoric feeling. So they are kinda like crack without the crack....and we ain't talking butt crack!
But here's the heartbreaking part: researchers have found that light-to-moderate weight training or cardiovascular exercise doesn't produce endorphins, only heavy weights or training that incorporates sprinting or other anaerobic exertion. When your body crosses over from an aerobic state to an anaerobic state, it's suddenly operating without enough oxygen to satisfy the muscles and cells screaming out for it. This is when the "runner's high" occurs. I have experienced this a few times now, but I felt GREAT afterwards, rather than like I would die.
So...now that I have discovered I won't die, maybe someone wants to join me on the track??
Soon to be changed into NOT Miss Mad?
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