📕| “The flow-experience while running is likely due to the exercise-induced transient hypofrontality. At these times, we forget ourselves, the passing of time, our self-criticism, even our sense of pain decreases. This is why it is possible to run faster on a long-distance than we ever thought we could when in a state of flow. We are hardly aware of what is going on around us in such a state, like when doing a half-marathon or a full marathon. That’s why running “doesn’t hurt as much” or rather we do not feel it. Any runner feels the flow in these situations: it’s like the world around you has ceased to exist, you hardly perceive your surroundings, your sense of time is gone. This phenomenon is based on the fact that when we are engaged in heavy physical activity, our motor functions (those responsible for movement) take up much of our brain capacity and so our brain is largely focused on carrying out the movements properly. Due to the brain’s finite capacity for metabolism, it compensates for the increased activity by decreasing the function of other areas that are not in use at the moment. Meaning the blood supply is redistributed due to the physical activity as the cerebral cortex responsible for movement requires more energy. This happens throughout the entirety of the body: the muscles need the most oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, so this is sent to the muscles that are doing the heightened activity. So running can cause exercised induced transient hypofrontality, but it is important to note that now it is a hypothesis. “

Believe, Live, Run: A story about having faith
by Bertalan Thuróczy