The Runner’s High is REAL

This isn’t what I had planned to write about when I sat down at my keyboard today.  My coworkers have been really great this week as I have tried to keep a lid on it.  But I just can’t help it.

My name is Karen, and I’m an Endorphin Junkie.

I suspect that those who deny that there is such a thing as a Runner’s High just have yet to experience it.  There is some science to support its existence, but me, I don’t need proof.

When I ran Around the Bay on Sunday, I just ran.  I looked at my watch several times and tried to adjust my pace, but it didn’t work.  I didn’t count the kilometres – but I read the quotes on the markers.  I didn’t do the math in my head to see how far I had left.  I looked at the sights, breathed in the smells, listened to the sounds, and felt my feet hitting the ground.  I powered up the uphills and tore down the downhills with reckless abandon.  I marveled at how strong I felt so late into the race.  I just ran.

When I entered Copps Coliseum, I didn’t see the clock – I even forgot to look up and see myself on the giant screen.  I didn’t try to pick off the runners ahead of me, I didn’t even really hear the crowd.  It was just me and the finish line.  And when I crossed it, my hair follicles and my teeth tingled.  My breath caught in my throat and my eyes itched with that brief tickle of tears welling before disappearing just as quickly.  I was euphoric.  Now, it is Wednesday night and I am still jazzed.

The naysayers may say that I was just beaming with the pride of accomplishment.  They might say that I am experiencing the joy of a job well done.  Heck, I don’t really know what they’d say.  But I’m not really fussed about it, to be honest.

I know the Runner’s High is real, because I’m living it – that’s all the proof I need!