Back then I was pushing my body beyond the limits my brain thought was possible, and each time I broke through those limits it was exhilarating.

Nowadays when I run it is more a calm and meditative experience, however I'm also running within those limits, some quite extensive, that I had set myself in past runs.

Except that one time recently when, on a whim, I set myself a new goal to run all of the large hills in my area in one session. During the attempt my brain was screaming at me to stop, but I kept going and made it. From the moment I knew I could make it I felt the high again, a rush that radiated from my brain through the body and crashed against my extremities. My legs felt like they were flying over the pavement, the world around me became crystal clear, I had a beaming smile plastered on my face and I found myself wondering if I had attained godhood.

I've since come back to earth, but the experience made me realize that I'll need to set some tough challenges to feel that high again.