what do those endorphins feel like?

[Dangerscouse]

I think there are two parts to this.

Firstly, the feeling of elation one sometimes experiences when undertaking aerobic activity - an exercise 'high', if you will. In my experience, this is somewhat rare. Also, I think you're unlikely to experience it unless you have a relatively high level of conditioning and expertise in that particular activity. The feeling engendered is one of indestructibility, like you have unlimited power. Your level of performance bears no relation to your level of perceived exertion. I experienced this phenomenon as a runner - the so called called 'runner's high' - and as a cyclist. But sadly, not very often. Most training feels like graft, not a quasi-spiritual experience. However, when it happens it's quite wonderful. I have some good days on the erg, but have never experienced a 'high' - I simply don't do enough of it for there to be a realistic likelihood of it happening.

Secondly, there's that tremendous feeling one experiences post exercise - a much more common phenomenon. I always feel 'cleansed' after aerobic exercise - like I've had a shower on the inside. I also feel incredibly relaxed, content and comfortable within myself. Frankly, for me the overall feeling is similar to a post-sex glow.

Great answer

[hikeplusrow]

I'd also add that the exercise 'highs' I've personally experienced have always occurred during continuous workouts, never intervals. Further the highs tend to 'come on' at around AT level.

[MPx]

My take on this is for me its predominantly a mental thing. I've no idea how internal chemicals are affecting that. Essentially I set targets for all of my workouts. The hard workouts always result in a strong feeling of satisfaction if I achieve target. The SS stuff doesn't directly produce that feeling, but can indirectly as often I find them a grind, but sometimes I glide through them with little apparent effort which also makes me feel good. The cumulative effect of some hard sessions completed on target and SS achieved with some ease leads to increased confidence and often a peak in performance for say a ranking distance or competition piece which feels very special indeed. Then something happens where something doesn't feel so easy or I can't sustain a hard target and the whole thing goes into a negative spiral for a while. I go through several (maybe 3) of these cycles every year and am sort of resigned to it - the pity of it is that the periods of regular highs are typically much shorter than the periods without...

[Dangerscouse]

Then something happens where something doesn't feel so easy or I can't sustain a hard target and the whole thing goes into a negative spiral for a while. I go through several (maybe 3) of these cycles every year and am sort of resigned to it - the pity of it is that the periods of regular highs are typically much shorter than the periods without...

Those cycles are all too common for me, and I assume, everyone else.

[Gustel]

I think that they are cannabinoids and not endorphins.

https://theconversation.com/the-runners ... cbd-170796

I can feel them already after 30 min light exercise (running or rowing).

[Sakly]

Then something happens where something doesn't feel so easy or I can't sustain a hard target and the whole thing goes into a negative spiral for a while. I go through several (maybe 3) of these cycles every year and am sort of resigned to it - the pity of it is that the periods of regular highs are typically much shorter than the periods without...

Those cycles are all too common for me, and I assume, everyone else.

+1!