Listen to “S02E25: The Racing High” on Spreaker.
There is an altered state of mind (but in a healthy and beneficial way) that anyone who runs achieves. It is called runner’s high. It is not a powerful high like that induced by taking drugs but rather a state of well-being, calmness and absence of anxiety that envelops you after a good run. It has a biochemical explanation that recent research has traced to the formation of endocannabinoids and a somewhat more vague and unconfirmed origin because it has roots in the immemorial past. Basically, it is not clear why by running or doing physical activities that require prolonged exertion and endurance we develop substances that give us physical and mental well-being; one possible explanation is that we learned to do this when we were running around with a club, to run away from vicious animals or to chase and hunt them.
In this installment of Fuorisoglia, however, we stop not only at this type of high but also delve into an increasingly ingrained trend among many runners, especially ultra-trail runners, from overseas: another recent survey has in fact revealed that a surprisingly not small percentage of runners in certain U.S. states use marjuana, in various forms. In some states where it is allowed, nearly a quarter of respondents admitted to taking it before running or afterward to speed recovery and feel less exertion. Some (very few actually) claim to use it even during training. We emphasize that, as far as permitted by the laws of some states, this is still doping, although in this specific case it is difficult to think of them as increasing performance (at most they may give the impression).
We talk about actual doping in the finale, spending more than a few words commenting on Alex Schwazer’s San Remo appearance. But to know what we said it is better to listen no, that then if we tell you there is no more taste ;)
Have you sent your Lovers Mail yet?
In recent weeks we launched the second season of Lovers Mail. Participate and tell your story in our Outlaw podcast-just write it down and send it to info@runlovers.it.
It is so easy and once a month we will collect the best ones and read and comment on them during a special episode. We are not interested in the chronicles of the races but in the flow of thoughts and reflections that accompany us when, one step after another, we run.
What are you waiting for to send it to us?
Listen to us
You can listen to the episode right away using the player below, or you can subscribe using the most common podcast platforms (you can find them all here) and receive notifications whenever a new episode comes out.
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It is perfect listening for any time: while running, traveling, relaxing, stretching, or during a romantic runner’s dinner. ;)
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