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Natural High
Martial Arts Training / Physical Exercise
by Rich
Citation:   Rich. "Natural High: An Experience with Martial Arts Training / Physical Exercise (exp61871)". Erowid.org. Jun 16, 2018. erowid.org/exp/61871

 
BODY WEIGHT: 125 lb
I had an interesting experience with my martial arts training when I was a teenager. Specifically, I recall getting the 'runner's high' and that feeling lasted a good 10 minutes.

Basically I was going to a Kajukembo class. This training session involved calisthenics, stretches, forms practice (katas) and some kicking, punching and grappling practice. Nothing too special about it, and it sounds kind of lame to write about but I assure you, I was HIGH as hell and as I was riding my bike home I was very aware of this.

At the time I did not do any drugs to speak of, I had been on some anti-depressant for a little while but then I was off of them. I occasionally took tylenol PM's and these valerian root pills to help me sleep sometime during this era, but I remember very clearly that I had been completely sober that night.
I had been completely sober that night.


I got on my bike and started peddling for home, as usual what the hell else am I gonna do, and I recall what I'd describe as an intense euphoria. I kid you not, I was laughing and talking excitedly on my bike ride home for a little while, just 'cause I was so happy, and then I caught myself.

This 'high' lasted roughly 10-15 minutes, and I tried to hold on to it as long as I could. Cold shower brought something like it back briefly, then I was just tired.

I have exercises before then, and many times since then, and although I have gotten that endorphin rush or the 'runner's high', that moment always stands out in my mind and I don't think I will ever feel that kind of rush again, ever. And I've had some good ones.

This feeling is comparable to the rush I got from skydiving and the onset of dxm, both of which I've experienced before. Well, I did those things years later but it was that good.

I've done a lot of boxing, but maybe I should get back into martial arts....

Exp Year: 1997ExpID: 61871
Gender: Male 
Age at time of experience: Not Given
Published: Jun 16, 2018Views: 1,052
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Endogenous (86) : Retrospective / Summary (11), Glowing Experiences (4), General (1), Small Group (2-9) (17)

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