CBD for Runners: How Can It Affect Your Running Performance?
Finally the big day is here. The much anticipated day of the marathon you have been practicing for months. Your cool bottom up. The chic tank top was put on. Spanking new Adidas sneakers worn. The laces are neatly tucked.
But hey, there is something missing.
A Much Needed Dose of CBD!
Cannabidiol (CBD) is deemed the craze of the present Runners' Community with a stellar reputation for healing and wellness. Sportsmen from all corners of the world are swearing by its wonder remedy to help cope with any and every ordeal they go through. This ultimately translates to better training, bigger results, and guaranteed victory.
Relief, better comfort, relaxation, appetite control, and speedy recovery are just some of the proven miraculous powers a bottle of CBD oil beholds. In fact, if you were to ask a runner for a perfect tonic to boost their performance, these benefits will be high on the list. This very well explains the surge in popularity and demand for the best CBD products among runners.
So before you decide to pipet the oil in your diet as part of your daily regimen, here are all the essential guidelines you need to get equipped with.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol is one of the 113 phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is the second most prevailing active ingredient constituting up to 40% of the hemp plant's extract. While it is believed to be an essential component of medical marijuana, it is basically derived from the hemp plant — a cousin of marijuana grown specifically for its nutritional support.
Are questions regarding its safety and efficacy bothering your mind? Let us relieve you.
CBD is not just absolutely safe but also beneficial for human use. According to the World Health Organization, "there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” As such, it is legal in most U.S. States. Perhaps, one of the great plus points the substance offers is allowing users to reap all the benefits without the psychoactive or mind-boggling effect typical to THC.
How CBD Works For Runners?
Do you know that our body naturally contains Cannabinoids? These form the key chemical ingredients in the ECS System.
Scientific research has revealed that CBD works inside the human body through its interaction with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). It is a mechanism, or we can say a complex control center of endocannabinoids responsible for maintaining homeostasis, i.e., balance inside the body. One of the most notable impacts comes when CBD binds with anandamide, a homeostatic regulator to bring on an enthralling impact on the mind and body. This elevates mood and combats physical and mental discomfort.
What if we were to tell you that experts deem ECS the magical runner’s high- the most-sought after of states.
CBD acting as a booster to the system to sustain homeostasis pretty much explains the connection. For example, before a race or a competition, a runner naturally feels under pressure. Or perhaps when your body hurts to the last bone due to incessant practice, having CBD is a great idea. It will infuse you with unbelievable superpowers to promote your overall health.
Benefits of CBD For Runners
Medical Cannabis was legalized after the 2018 Farm Bill. Consequently, studies probing the benefits of CBD are limited. However, there is a growing pool of experiences and reports shared by runners of how it helped improve their running performance:
1) Relaxing Your Mind and Body
As a runner, it’s all okay to feel nervous before the game. Fortunately, in light of the latest research, CBD will relax and calm your centers down, invigorates spirits, and lends increased motivation and stamina.
2) Fights Soreness
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are notorious for carrying significant health risks when used for fitness. As such CBD forms an excellent safe and potent substitute for post-run issues without risking your health. For instance, A 2016 study reflected that CBD promises comfort and reduces inflammation without evident side effects.
3) Promotes Rest
There are a couple of studies pointing out how CBD can lull individuals into a deep slumber. Besides, runners will notice a remarkable improvement in the duration and quality of rest to prepare for the day ahead.
4) Easing Stomach Troubles
If GI issues hinder or distract you during performance, then CBD has proven potential to alleviate stomach problems arising after or during your runs due to internal swelling.
5) Speedy Recovery
It is common for runners to fatigue their muscles from excessive running, injuries, or long workouts. A 2016 Study concluded that CBD helps repair sore muscles- getting runners back into the game by reducing the number of flare-ups from old injuries.
Besides, a 2015 Study has pointed out that CBD mitigates muscle and collagen breakdown that can lead to or prolong common running injuries.
6) Energy Boost
Enough studies suggest that CBD acts as a sustained stimulator that helps render a natural, long-lasting energy boost. Hence, runners will feel more confident and motivated to continue running and achieving their goals.
7) Rich In Minerals
You must be well familiar with a whole lot of protein sources. But, do you know hemp seeds are also enriched with proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6, omega-3 and insoluble fiber? Since CBD originates from these seeds, it ultimately bags the benefits that come with such minerals. These include strengthening immunity, preventing skin from aging, wrinkling or loosening, and enhancing cardiovascular health.
Recommended Dosage For Runners
Planning to incorporate CBD into your daily regimen? You will naturally be curious to know the ideal dose for runners.
For newbies, it’s best to start with a small dose of 5 mg and make your way up to a maximum of 15 mg a day. However, it takes a bit of self-experimentation and trial and error to land at the dose that best suits your needs.
CBD Timings For Runners
If you ask what's the best time to have CBD, then there are primarily three timings a runner can have. Either quickly grab a dose before hitting the track, sneak in a capsule or a gummy during running or use it as part of the winding-down routine at the end of an exhausting run. Let's explore each one:
1) Before Running
This is the most widely practiced and preferred way of consumption. Runners love to have the dose before an hour or so and the onset begins after 25 to 50 minutes. This drastically enhances their speed by kicking in their energy levels and relieving all the discomfort. However, one really doesn't have to consume it at the last minute as the effects last for an impressively long time for 5 to 6 hours.
2) During Running
Now you must be questioning yourself what's the point of having it during racing? Well, a lot of athletes swear by the magical effects of having CBD on the track to miraculously improve their performance by several folds. So, they either prefer to chew a gummy, swallow down a capsule or have it sublingually to ensure that they stay ahead of the competition.
3) After Running
This might not even make any sense. Right?
However, having CBD after the run speeds the recovery, mitigates the excruciating discomfort from cramps, soreness or injuries, lends peace of mind and envelopes one in utmost tranquility.
Also, the alertness and added level of concentration greatly helps those who have a part time job or some other activity later in the day.
Our Two Cents: Experiment using CBD during all the above timings to determine which one best suits you and your needs and see how your body responds. Observe which one of them gives the optimum performance and results. That said, never try a new method or supplement on the day of the competition. Instead, experiment on the training days and find your sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
The next time you lace up your shoes, hold on a minute! Quickly swallow down a CBD Capsule or squeeze some oil drops and let your performance outshine.
Runners will notice all their discomfort from hectic practices, injuries, running ailments and fatigue vanishing away without any known adverse reactions. However, these purported benefits are not concretely proved scientifically due to the lack of research on human models.
For excellent results, use it combined with other therapies, such as massage, strength and mobility training, icing, stretching, foam rolling, or targeted physical therapy.