Endorphins-how far before your “feel good” kicks in?

[night cycler]

I’ve been using the Velo cycle computer today for the first time. I’d not been out very long, and was going just a little more than steady, mainly to not hinder any traffic on the narrow bits and roundabouts/traffic lights etc. I became aware of the feel good, which is always nice. I glanced down at the Velo and it was reading about 5 miles.

I’m just curious as to how far (or long in terms of time travelled) it is for others before the chemicals kick in.
I suppose it will vary of course depending on how fast you are going. As they say, the best in life is free.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

These days it takes me at least 10 miles to properly warm up, by which time I'm already knackered!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Like the "runners high" I find these feel good factors very elusive. When running I only ever get it if I've pushed myself into the red, and then not every time, when cycling only if I've ridden 100km or more at a decent lick and it ain't guaranteed then either.

 

[slowmotion]

However far it is to the end of the ride, even if it's just five miles.

 

[snorri]

I know just what you mean, but find the feel good factor can kick in at any time (or not) after a few miles.
I'm more aware of the opposite sensation at the beginning when I feel I might not be able to cover any distance that day but always manage to pedal through it and the bad feeling fades before I'm two miles out from home.
I don't do fast at any time!

 

[Mrs M]

For the first 20 mins or so of any ride I feel like turning back.
Gets better and after a wee while "it" kicks in .
Sometimes feel so good I overdo it and have jelly legs on way home but always get there.

 

[Saluki]

Sometimes it's about 5 miles before the 'woohoo' gets a hold, sometimes a couple of hundred yards. The couple of hundred yard times are generally when I've not ridden for a few days.

 

[Moodyman]

Usually after combating the first decent hill and often when near the end of a ride knowing it's nearly finished and I still have lots left in the tank.

 

[Dave 123]

The other week I did about 25 miles and it never appeared once, some days it's good from the off.

 

[Karlt]

What is this Endorphin "feel good" rush of which you speak? I've heard of it but never experienced it. When it hurts, it hurts, and the only compensation is achievement.

 

[Globalti]

Almost from the first turn of the pedals; I love riding my bike so much. The trouble is that we live at the foot of a small hill whichever direction we set off and then a much bigger hill when we come home, because we live in a dip at the top of a hill.

 

[raleighnut]

What is this Endorphin "feel good" rush of which you speak? I've heard of it but never experienced it. When it hurts, it hurts, and the only compensation is achievement.

Plus the sight of a pub in the distance.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Ten miles or so seems about right for me if it's an unremarkable ride - or much less if the scenery's great, or if I'm riding with a good friend. Mountain biking it's the first downhill (though that's probably more adrenaline than endorphins!).

 

[night cycler]

For me it is a feeling of immense contentment, very relaxed & tranquil, where for that period of time everything feels right. An all round feeling of wellbeing. This usually lasts for the remainder of the day.

One theory behind this feeling of “euphoria” is the additional flow of oxygen to the brain. I do think that the experience is relevant to how we are feeling to start with, which fits with what Globalti states, “almost from the first turn of the pedals- I love riding my bike so much”. It’s a bit like alcohol in that it tends to enhance the mood we are in to start with.

 

[night cycler]

What is this Endorphin "feel good" rush of which you speak? I've heard of it but never experienced it. When it hurts, it hurts, and the only compensation is achievement.

For me it is a feeling of immense contentment, very relaxed & tranquil, where for that period of time everything feels right. An all round feeling of wellbeing. This usually lasts for the remainder of the day.

One theory behind this feeling of “euphoria” is the additional flow of oxygen to the brain. I do think that the experience is relevant to how we are feeling to start with, which fits with what Globalti states, “almost from the first turn of the pedals- I love riding my bike so much”. It’s a bit like alcohol in that it tends to enhance the mood we are in to start with.