A runner/scholar pursues the
causes of the "runner's high"
"Life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is not only a familiar phrase
attributed to Thomas Jefferson, it also represents the core of what
runners experience on a daily basis. Running totally engages your
senses, liberates your mind and brings a smile to your face. Precisely
why this happens is not totally understood. For one local runner, the
subject is compelling enough to turn it into a career pursuit. Antonian
High School and Trinity University graduate Jacqui Crissey will return
to academia this fall at the University of Texas at Austin to study
Exercise Physiology.
"The beneficial
effect of running on mental health is of particular interest to me ... my
hope is to investigate and begin to describe the complex variety of
physiological processes behind the psychological benefits of exercise.
The idea that positive mental health is linked to the physical
condition of the body is one that truly captivates me," says Crissey.
So what causes this positive change in mood from running and other
forms of exercise? Many researchers believe that endorphins are
responsible. Endorphins are a group of opiate proteins with
pain-relieving properties that a runner/ endurance athlete produces
after a certain distance. But endorphins may be limited only to
providing pain relief. There may be other chemicals involved that bring
about the euphoric feelings associated with the "runner's high." This
euphoria can be linked to feelings of pure happiness, elation, unity
with nature, endless peacefulness and/or inner harmony. Often people
claim to have atypical thought patterns, diminished awareness of one's
surroundings and an enlightened sense of identity. Interestingly, the
emotional states associated with the "runner's high" are often also
made by those who describe drug or trance states.
Crissey recently came across a new study, conducted at the Georgia
Institute of Technology and the University of California, Irvine, which
caught her attention. This study by Arne Dietrich, an assistant
professor of psychology, suggests that a class of chemicals known as
cannabinoids may be the trigger of the "runner's high." Dietrich's
research team found very high levels of a naturally occurring
cannabinoid called anandamide (anandamide produces effects similar to
those of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana) in runners and
cyclists, who exercised at moderate levels for an extended period.
Crissey says, "The findings in Dietrich's study have implications for
some of the psychological effects that accompany exercise. This type of
research, which explores the physiology associated with
exercise-induced changes in mental status, is one which intrigues me,
and is one that I would like to investigate further in Austin." Crissey
plans to pursue a master's degree and subsequently a doctorate in
Exercise Physiology at UT.
Chances are, none of this would have been likely if Crissey hadn't been
an athlete. Crissey competed in League Soccer, Cross Country and Track
while at Antonion and played Intramural Soccer at Trinity. After
graduating from Trinity in 2004, with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Biology, she began working full time at a research institute. Still,
she found that she was still quite strongly drawn to athletics, and she
wanted to stay active and physically fit.
In 2005, a fellow Antonion graduate, Adam Stoobandt, who is a
multisport athlete, encouraged Crissey to enter a triathlon. She
completed her first triathlon, "The Rookie," in 2005, and she competed
in several more later that year, finishing in the top 10 of her
20-to-24 year-old age group for the South-Midwest Region. Building on
this momentum, and for off-season training, Crissey joined Team in
Training and set her sights on the Austin Freescale Marathon.
"The marathon is on every runner's 'To Do' list. I joined Team in
Training because it is for a good cause (as well as because of a
personal connection; my grandfather suffers from cancer). I liked the
idea of training in a team environment with professional coaching. I
experienced everything you might expect during the training, such as
miscellaneous aches and pains; however, in the end, I completed the
training and I ran 'sub-four hours' (3:56) for my first marathon. I can
be proud of that," says Crissey.
Did Crissey experience a runner's high during her training or during
the grueling 26 miles of the Marathon? "At the 20-mile mark, I zoned
out. It was so cold during the race, and everyone was just moving to
stay warm. Whatever I managed to think about during the last six miles
helped me to get to the finish line without seriously bonking," she
says.
When Crissey moves to Austin, she plans on keeping up with her exercise
routine. After all, what better way is there to study the effects of
running and endurance sports then by experiencing them firsthand? In
life and in running, there will be highs and lows. Rest assured that,
while in Austin, Crissey will attempt to remain as high as possible.
After all, it is a part of her research.
Paul Baltutis is the manager of Soler's Sports in Alamo Heights. He is a certified marathon coach with Team in Training. He can be contacted at sage_run03@yahoo.com.
