Endorphins#Runner.27s high

Runner's High, also called the German runners high, refers to a problem encountered in long-distance running and in individual cases in cycling exhilaration. The athlete experienced, ideally, a pain-free and euphoric state of mind that makes him forget the physical effort and gives him the feeling of being able to "forever" continue.

For long- distance runners this state is individually different and occurs, if at all, only with a load intensity of approximately 80 percent of maximal oxygen uptake and after a loading time of about 60 minutes.

The euphoria is attributed to the usual in intense stress release of endorphins in the brain. Previous studies in runners on extreme long-range, however, showed a hormonal adaptation to the conditions. Studies of rowers ( " Rowers ' high ' ) indicate a social component of hormone secretion.