Curious about the benefits of CBD for runners?
Then you have come to the right place.
Here’s the truth.
CBD oil isn’t just another sneaky way to use marijuana. In fact, the stuff is an effective tool for enhancing recovery and improving performance. That’s why it has gathered a lot of steam over the last few years.
What’s more?
You may have noticed that CBD has been infused and added to almost everything from toothpicks to bath bombs and coffee.
So it is worth it? That’s where this article comes in handy.
In this post, I’ll explain some of the mechanisms behind CBD oil, and that includes:
- What is CBD oil
- How does CBD work
- The benefits of CBD for runners
- How to start using it as a part of your training
- And so much more
Keep on reading for the answers.
What Is CBD Oil
CBD or Cannabidiol oil is one of more than 100 compounds derived from cannabis but don’t let that scare you off – using the stuff won’t make you high. Found specifically in the stalk and seeds of the cannabis plant, CBD is a natural concentrate that packs in less than 0.3 percent THC, or the psychoactive element in cannabis..
It’s also a compound has been praised for its healing powers without getting you high. . This, in turn, makes CBD oil helpful among athletes and people from all walks of life.
The Human Body And CBD
Don’t let the fact that CBD is extracted from cannabis scare you off.
Here’s the plot twist.
Your body produces some cannabinoids already.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of a complex control nerve center that regulates many of the key bodily processes, including metabolism, appetite, stress, sleep, and immune function.
It’s, in essence, a system that manages your body’s homeostasis.
The endocannabinoid system impacts your body’s responses to inflammation, pain, stress, mood, sleep, and metabolism.
Here’s how it works.
By interacting with the receptors within the ECS (CB1 and CB2), CBD oil can influence your brain’s and body’s response to a number of things. This, in turn, is believed to help in soothing different symptoms associated with fatigue, anxiety, and stress.
For this reason, some research has pointed out that CB may support your body in keeping a balanced, healthy state which is key for a successful and quick recovery.
Will CBD Oil Make You High
If the reason you’re interested in CBD oil boils down to getting “high,” you’ll be disappointed. A lot of people assume that CBD triggers the same effects as marijuana since both naturally occur in the same plant.
But, That’s not the whole story. CBD alone is a non-intoxicating drug that won’t cause a high.
What’s more?
CBC can also be extracted from the hemp plant, which has no psychoactive effects. That’s why only hemp-derived CBD is available legally in many states. For instance, Pennsylvania Cannabis laws allow CBD oil products as long as they meet certain parameters. By law, these products pack in no more than 0.3 percent THC, which isn’t enough to trigger any psychoactive symptoms.
But overall, though CBD won’t make you high, it does alter consciousness in some way. So you may experience less pain and feel mellow and at ease.
Additional resource – Learn more about CBN here.
Will CBD Show Up During A Drug Test
In most cases, CBD alone shouldn’t trigger any drug test.
However, some Cannabidiol oil products may contain some trace amounts of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the intoxicating ingredient shown on drug tests.
To err on the side of caution, if you’re about to get drug tested, consider avoiding CBD products altogether.
If you want to avoid THC, use broad-spectrum products or isolate varieties. These, by definition, should be THC-free.
The benefits For Runners – The Research
Although you can find a lot of anecdotal evidence on the internet regarding the many benefits, CBD oils offer, most scientific proof suggests that it may help reduce inflammation and pain. For this reason, CBD oil is a great option for any post-run soreness or pain.
Of course, don’t take my word for it. Research that looked into arthritis rates reported that it drastically reduced joint swelling and pain markers, missing the side effect of drugs.
Let’s check some of the acclaimed benefits.
One example is a 2016 research on arthritis raters that reported that it drastically reduced joint swelling and pain, minus the side effect of other drugs. Of course, this is just one study, but I’ve found plenty of other research papers that reached similar conclusions.
These include:
Despite the many promising benefits, research is still scarce due to the legal challenges surrounding the supplement. As a result, even vital factors such as delivery and optimal dosage are still being assessed.
But overall, my hopes are still up, and I’m pretty confident we will see a lot more research conducted on the subject. So it’s just a matter of time.
Ways To Consume CBD
CBD oils come in many forms, some of which you can blend in smoothies or drop onto your tongue. In fact, thanks to the rise in popularity, CBD oils have been added to virtually everything, from carb drinks, protein shake, gummies, chewing gums, and even chocolates.
But is there an efficient way to take in CBD OIL?
As far as I can, most experts recommend taking CBD oil with a meal, possibly one high in unsaturated fats—think cheese and nuts. This is believed that it allows for better first-fast metabolism, the speed at which your body can absorb the active elements in CBD oil.
Additional resource – Sore quads after running
Does CBD Help Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee is often caused by inflamed tissues around the patella—or the kneecap.
Since CBD acts like a natural pain reliever, it may target specific issues to help you speed up recovery and return to training. Using it regularly helps soothe your aching muscles during a hard run and assists in a swift return to full fitness and peak performance.
Just keep in mind that CBD isn’t the answer to all of your knee pain prayers. Instead, consider a temporary relief measure, as any serious injuries will need to be looked at by a doctor.
Remember that running is a high-impact sport that takes a toll on your muscles and joints. That’s why you’re better off managing your training load wisely and getting the right help from a certified physician in cases of chronic pain.
I cannot stress that enough.
CBD for Shin Splints
Again, the answer is yes, as it can help reduce inflammation and allow your muscles to relax.
The same can be said about other overuse running injuries such as plantar fasciitis, ITBS, etc.
Additional resource – Running shoes for plantar fasciitis
Tips For Using CBD Oils For Runners
Here are a few guidelines to help you get the most out of CBD.
Enjoy
Consistency
For CBD to take effect, you’ll need to use it regularly. It’s not an overnight thing to be used only once; magically, all things improve.
Just like anything else, results take time, and outcomes may vary from one person to the other.
Sublingual Drops
Taking under the tongue is a fantastic way of helping soothe total body inflammation, bring pain relief, ease the mood, and so much more.
Just make sure when you’re doing sublingual drops to let the oil get absorbed in your mouth instead of swallowing it.
Try Creams
Dealing with a specific area of pain? Then consider trying CBD creams, as they work well for localized areas of pain.
Lotions are also a great alternative to sublingual drops since the oil can be absorbed through the skin, too.
When it To take
As far as I can tell, there’s no universal answer as it depends on the individual and how they react to CBD oil. It’s a trial and error thing. No way around that.
For some folks, CBD oils may cause alertness. Thus, they prefer to have it first thing in the morning or during the afternoon to ward off the post-lunch energy crash.
Whereas others report feeling a calming and relaxing effect, therefore, prefer to have it at night or closer to bedtime.
But overall…
Most experts recommend taking CBD at night as it works well, helping you relax and sleep well.
As you already know, sleep is vital to good health and exercise recovery, so this can help with that while also soothing any inflammation or pain you might be dealing with at the moment.
Check The Law
Although the use of CBD has zero to few health risks, the stuff is still illegal in some areas of the U.S. (and around the world)since it’s derived from cannabis.
Do your due diligence.
Additional resource – Common running injuries
Not a Magical Pill
Contrary to some CBD product ads, the stuff is no magic pill.
Just like it’s bad to rely heavily on pharmaceuticals to manage everyday pain, turning to CBD to soothe pain shouldn’t be considered a cure.
Sure, it may help soothe some pain, but it won’t cure a stress fracture or an ankle sprain.
As a runner, you’ll have to scale back your training—or stop altogether—to recover from an injury. Trying to drown chronic pain in CBD oil is a recipe for disaster. And you don’t want that.
Check With The Source
Like any other over-the-counter medicine, pay attention to what and where you buy your CBD. Avoid products you find for sale in gas stations or places like that.
Instead, choose an athletic-friendly, high-quality one that delivers a pure product so you can prevent accidentally dosing yourself with harmful chemicals.
Conclusion – Is CBD Good For Runners
CBD can be a great option for runners thanks to its pain-soothing effects.
Soothing inflammation can also be a fantastic way for a runner to improve recovery post-workout.
And since it’s all-natural, you won’t have to worry about it negatively impacting your body as many synthetic anti-inflammatories can.