ALL THE ENDORPHINS

Did you know that your body produces its own class of opioid-like hormones, that cause opioid-like responses in the body, including decreased perception of pain and increased euphoria? They're called endorphins, and are described as "feel good" hormones, often associated with being released during/after exercise.

(Opioids drugs include morphine, heroin, vicodin, percocets, oxycontin, and Tylenol with codeine, and are all some derivative of the sticky white stuff from poppy plants. In fact, "endorphin" comes from the terms "endogenous morphine." I know, right?)

Observe.

Notice the parts of the molecules that have the same chemical composition and structure, allowing them to bind to your brain cells the same way, which therefore causes them to produce the same effects. This means several things;

a. You can train your body to run longer, because the longer you run, the more... anaesthetic... you naturally produce.
b. Longer running can cause more happiness.
c. You can start to see why running is addictive...

Granted on some days, running is hard. You may start to get a headache, your stomach bothers you, you're tired, and just can't find a groove. BUT some days the stars are aligned and somewhere around mile 3, something magical happens. Your joints loosen, your stride opens up, your legs are strong and the cars move out of your way and your run is so amazing that you become a FORCE for the rest of the day and your coworkers may start to sing "I like to move it move it" and suggest you download an app that tells you to jump over a pencil 10 times:

This happened to me on Friday. I was able to run before school and was just about jumping out of my skin for the rest of the day, so much so that I went for a second run after school. (Marathon training and running twice a day are indeed a post for another day.)

What do you do that makes you feel awesome??

ps This reminds me of a high school friend who used to say, "Drug free, high on life! Spread the word!"

pps I secretly want to open a cafe along a rail trail called "Endorphins" and we will serve beer and ice cream. And maybe donuts. <3

I love running. 18 miles yesterday which went very well and I was super happy with my time. It was an out-and-back run that involved a fair number of hills from miles 6-12. Plus running over the 93 overpass is always fun...

However I was so tired after, that when Zoe fell asleep on our way to a party, I pulled into a parking lot and also took a nap. #momWin :D

HAPPY RUNNING HIGHS!