What happens to the body while running

Running is healthy. This is known to all. But do you know what's happening with our body while running? How the muscles, heart and lungs react when we takes the first step? And what happens to them when you run 10, 20, 30 minutes? What causes the increase in heart rate and breathing? Why does heavy legs appear? And where did the wave of euphoria come from?

First seconds of running

 You are awake and full of strength. Pulse and pressure are normal.Muscles begin to use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a “fuel”. Started to run and felt a surge of energy? Do not be alarmed! This ATP is turninginto another powerful molecule - adenosine diphosphate (ADP).ATP splitting produces a lot of energy. But the supply of ATP in the muscles is enough for only a few seconds of running.To replenish the "fuel reserves" ADF is again converted to ATP. It is these acids that provide you with energy in the first seconds of running. 

First 90 seconds of running

 You feel a little stress. Pulse and pressure are slightly higher than normal.To release more ATP, cells begin to break down glycogen. This is a form of glucose that lives in the muscles.The body also takes glucose directly from the blood (which is why running is good for people with diabetes). The body absorbs more and more glucose, and lactic acid begins to be produced in the muscles, which makes you feel a burning sensation. 

2nd - 9th minutes of running

 You feel the load. The pulse is fast. The pressure is slightly above normal.To further supply muscle energy, oxygen is needed.You begin to breathe more often. The heartbeat accelerates.At this point, fats and carbohydrates begin to break down, calories are burned. The temperature of the body rises. To get rid of overheating, the body directs blood flow to the skin and a blush appears on the cheeks.The perspiration system is also activated.

 10 - 25 minutes of running

 It’s hard for you, you’re getting tired more and more. Breathing and palpitations are very rapid. Pressure is 10-20 units higher than normal.(For experienced runners, the condition remains the same.) The longer you run, the greater the load. The body needs a lot of oxygen to produce ATP. The paradox is that during intense physical exertion, blood flow slows down and, as a result, the flow of oxygen. As a result, the outflow of lactic acid is disrupted, it begins to accumulate in the muscles. With every step you feel growing tired (there is not enough oxygen to produce ATP), the legs "get heavier." The heart beats fast, breathing is frequent, confused.

30th minute of running

 You finish the run. Energy demand is falling. Respiratory rate, pulse, and pressure return to normal.You did it! It was hard - the body still feels painand tension. But the brain has already caused an influx of dopamine - the “hormone of desires.” Dopamine release also increases blood pressure and heart rate.Therefore, at this stage it is important to calm down, restore breathing and pulse. Gradually, these showed returned to normal, but the feeling of satisfaction caused by the dopamine surge, keeps you in euphoria for a long time.