Runner's High

In a recent NY Times Health article titled "Yes, Running Can Make You High," researchers in Germany report a relationship between strenuous exercise, endorphin release and the euphoria characteristic of the "Runner's High."

Here is an interesting fact:

"The data showed that, indeed, endorphins were produced during running and were attaching themselves to areas of the brain associated with emotions, in particular the limbic and prefrontal areas. The limbic and prefrontal areas, Dr. Boecker said, are activated when people are involved in romantic love affairs."

Interesting findings. Is the runner's high eliciting the same response that is felt during lovemaking? Or more simply, does the runner's high equal euphoria of love-making?

If so, here is another convincing reason to strap on some running shoes or exercise.

I guess I'll be spending more of my afternoons running now that there is scientific evidence that supports the runner's theory of euphory.