Unfruitful Pursuit of the Runners High

If you've ever been a distance runner, you are familiar with the term 'runner's high.' For me, the runners high kicked in at about mile 7 when suddenly I felt like I could run forever, my legs felt strong and graceful, my lungs were relaxed, and I had an overwhelming feeling of euphoria that made the previous 6 miles worth it. The runners high is caused by a sudden burst of endorphins; released by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, they are received by the opiate-receptors in our brains. Simultaneously the pain receptors in our nerves and spinal cord receive information from the brain to "stop hurting," This analgesic effect blocks the pain in a runners lungs and legs. If you've ever experienced it, you know how amazing it is. For those of you who haven't, it can be compared to an orgasm-literally, scientifically speaking the exact same process occurs. I am quite certain there are other ways to achieve this "high," but I have yet to experience it any other way. Perhaps bike racing? After 10 years of running, an injury sentenced me to a life of low-impact exercise. I've paid money to have someone torture me at "boot camp" for 8 weeks-no runners high. I have subjected myself to 90 minutes of yoga in a steamy hot room-nice but no runners high. I've swam laps until I puked-no runners high. body combat, body pump, kick-boxing, weight-lifting, spinning-no runners high. I have recently tested the running waters, one mile, two miles. . that wasn't so bad. 7 years of seeking a replacement has brought me to this impasse. Sigh!