Running is a great way to remain in shape, alleviate stress, and push your physical and mental boundaries. But it can also be tough on the body, leading to sore muscles, inflammation, and occasional injuries. That’s where CBD comes in. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound that’s been gaining popularity among athletes, including runners, for its potential to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 CBD products that can help runners enhance their performance and speed up recovery.
Why Are Runners Turning To CBD?
Before we dive into the top CBD products for runners, let’s understand why this natural compound is creating a buzz in the running community. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in controlling a number of biological processes like pain, inflammation, sleep, and mood, is affected by CBD. By influencing the ECS, CBD can potentially offer several benefits for runners:
- Pain Relief: CBD may help manage the muscle soreness and joint pain that often follow a long run.
- Reduce Inflammation: CBD has anti-inflammatory effects that can help with healing and damage avoidance.
- Better Sleep: Restorative sleep is crucial for the performance and healing of muscles. By treating problems like pain and anxiety, CBD can help runners enhance the quality of sleep.
- Alleviate Anxiety: Many runners experience pre-race jitters. CBD can help reduce such anxiety, promoting a calm, focused state of mind.
Choosing The Right CBD Product For Runners
When selecting a CBD product, runners should consider factors like the type of CBD (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate), the method of consumption, and the product’s quality and third-party testing. Additionally, it’s crucial to begin with a low dose and raise it gradually until you discover the correct dosage for you.
Now, let’s explore the top 5 CBD products that can help runners enhance their performance and recovery:
CBD oil/tincture is one of the most popular forms of CBD due to its versatility and ease of use. CBD tinctures show a rapid response and are effective after a run to relieve fatigue and soothe sore muscles. Moreover, you can use it before your race to reduce anxiety.
The best part is that you can add CBD oil/tinctures to food or beverages for rapid absorption, taken sublingually (under the tongue), ingested, or administered directly to painful muscles. Healthy Vibez CBD Full-Spectrum CBD tincture is my personal favorite as it offers a wide range of benefits and is THC-free, along with being high quality and potent.
CBD capsules might be an excellent choice for individuals who want to consume the substance in a more comfortable way. They offer a convenient, discreet, and easy-to-dose option.
You could prefer CBD capsules when you want to stay consistent with your CBD intake for an overall improved running performance.
Topicals may be administered directly to the skin and are best used to target particular sore spots. Examples of topicals include lotions, balms, massage oils, and gels. Healthy Vibez CBD offers a range of recovery and relaxing CBD topical products, including CBD cooling balm, CBD body lotion, CBD massage oil, CBD body butter, CBD warm balm, etc.
When consuming CBD on the go, CBD gummies or energy bars might be a delightful and practical option. Also, for individuals who do not like the flavor of CBD as a whole, CBD gummies are one of the most delicious ways to consume CBD.
Healthy Vibez CBD offers very delicious CBD gummies with both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD to meet your CBD needs along with satisfying your sweet tooth.
These types of CBD products are very helpful in relieving inflammation or pain after long runs. Also, these have a very soothing effect to improve your overall performance in the match. Healthy Vibez CBD offers a vast range of CBD for pain relief products, so you can select the one that best suits your needs.
How To Incorporate CBD Into Your Running Routine?
Incorporating CBD into your running routine can be as simple or as tailored as you want it to be. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pre-Run: Taking CBD before a run can help prepare your body for physical exertion. A dose of CBD oil or a CBD-infused energy bar can provide potential anti-inflammatory benefits and help manage pre-run anxiety.
- During the Run: While most runners prefer not to consume anything substantial during a run, a CBD-infused energy gel could be a handy option for long-distance runners needing a mid-run boost.
- Post-Run: After a run is when CBD can truly shine. A CBD capsule, topical cream, or even a relaxing soak with a CBD bath bomb can aid recovery and help soothe tired muscles.
Consistency is important when using CBD. Keep in mind that regular usage may keep your body’s level of CBD steady and perhaps enhance its benefits.
Understanding CBD Dosage For Runners
While most runners benefit from 50mg of CBD per day (or 0.7mg/kg), others could need 100mg or more.
This dosage can give a general idea but mind that finding the proper CBD dose can take some trial and error because it varies depending on your body weight, metabolism, the intensity of your symptoms, and the particular product you’re taking.
Here’s how you can consume multiple types of CBD products correctly if you are a runner.
CBD Oil/Tinctures: Start with 1-2 droppers per day. Place the drops under your tongue, hold for 60-90 seconds, and then swallow. Monitor your body’s response and gradually increase the dose if needed.
CBD Capsules: Capsules typically come in doses ranging from 50-100mg of CBD. Start with one capsule per day and adjust as needed. Because capsules must pass through your digestive system, they may take longer to take effect but can provide longer-lasting relief.
CBD Topicals: The dosage for topicals like creams and balms can vary widely depending on the product and the area of application. Start with a small amount, rub it gently on the affected area, and wait to see how your body responds before applying more.
CBD Edibles (like Gummies): Edibles often come in doses of 25-50 mg of CBD per piece. Start with one piece per day and adjust as needed. Like capsules, edibles must pass through your digestive system, so they may take longer to take effect but can provide longer-lasting relief.
Generally speaking, starting with a low dose is recommended and raising it gradually until you discover the level that works best for you.
Always pay attention to your body and change the dose as necessary.
The Importance Of Quality And Third-Party Testing In CBD Products
The CBD market is booming, but it’s also largely unregulated, which means product quality can vary significantly. To assure safety and efficacy, high-quality CBD products are essential for runners.
Choose items that are pesticide- and heavy-metal-free, organic, and non-GMO. Another important thing to think about is independent testing. This indicates that a third-party laboratory has examined the product to confirm its cannabis content and look for any impurities.
Potential Side Effects of CBD For Runners
Although CBD is often handled well, it can have certain negative effects, especially at high dosages. These could consist of dry mouth, weariness, diarrhea, changes in appetite or weight, etc. Once your body adjusts to CBD, the majority of these adverse effects are minor and fade away on their own. However, it’s advised to reduce your dose or stop taking CBD and speak with a healthcare provider if you notice any negative side effects.
CBD and Drug Interactions: What Runners Should Know
Although CBD is generally safe to take, it can interact with some drugs and might change how they work. This is so because the liver’s enzymes that metabolize many popular medications also do the same with CBD. Before beginning CBD therapy, it’s critical to seek medical advice from a qualified practitioner if you’re currently taking any drugs, notably blood thinners or cardiac medications.
Conclusion
Running is a physically demanding activity that can take a toll on the body. But with the potential pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and sleep-improving benefits of CBD, runners can add a powerful tool to their recovery routine. There are CBD products available to help your running adventure, whether you want the rapid absorption of CBD oil, the focused relief of topicals, or the enjoyment of a CBD bath bomb.
FAQs About CBD Products For Runners
Can CBD Improve My Running Performance?
Yes, CBD can improve running performance due to its potential benefits like pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and anxiety reduction can contribute to better overall performance. Remember, CBD is not a substitute for a balanced diet, proper training, and adequate rest.
How Should I Take CBD For Running?
The method of CBD consumption depends on your personal preference and needs. If you’re looking for quick relief, CBD oil or tinctures taken sublingually can be effective. For sustained release, consider CBD capsules or edibles. For targeted relief, like for a sore knee or ankle, a CBD topical might be best.
Can I Use CBD During a Race?
While CBD is removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list, it’s essential to ensure your product doesn’t contain THC, which remains prohibited. Always select CBD products that have undergone independent testing.
Will CBD Make Me Feel High During My Run?
No, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. Therefore it won’t give you the feeling of “high.” THC, another substance in cannabis, is the psychoactive component.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using CBD For Running?
The negative side effects of CBD are typically well tolerated. However, some people may get tired, have diarrhea, lose weight or change their appetite. Always start with a modest dose and pay attention to how your body reacts.
