Benefits of CBD for Runners

CBD Benefits for Runners 

When runners take CBD, they help improve their overall athletic health. CBD benefits for runners include the following:

Helps Recovery

Running is not as easy as it looks, and if you are a runner, you know this to be true. Running can take a toll on your body in many different ways and leave you feeling sore and in pain when you’re done. CBD, however, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce any inflammation that you might develop after your run. This is extremely beneficial if you have an old or newer injury that tends to flare up when you run.

Won't Show Up On a Drug Test

Lots of runners participate in races, marathons, etc. and need to get a drug test before competing. CBD does contain THC (the psychoactive element in marijuana), but not nearly enough to make a drug test turn positive. The legal limit of THC in any CBD product is 0.3%, which is too small to produce any type of effect. If you are overly concerned about THC coming up on a drug test, you can either stop using your CBD products for a few days before the test or choose only broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products. These CBD products do not contain any THC, only full-spectrum CBD does. Additionally, governing bodies including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have removed CBD itself from their lists of prohibited substances. So, even athletes who use CBD frequently to improve performance will not be penalized.

Safe Way to Alleviate Pain

Injuries happen all the time in the running world. Whether someone rolls their ankle, snaps a tendon, or tears a muscle, injuries are part of it all. Countless runners have experienced injuries requiring pain medications as part of the healing process. Unfortunately, the United States is in the midst of a fierce opioid epidemic, which is fueled in part by athletes and others who experience physical injury and are then prescribed medications like oxycodone or hydrocodone. CBD, however, is not habit-forming and can be used to treat pain ranging from mild to severe. Of course, CBD may not be enough to help curb pain resulting from surgery, but it can be utilized in conjunction with other safe pain-relieving medications. Those suffering from acute or chronic pain can use as much CBD as they need to feel relief, too, since it is not possible to overdose on CBD. If an initial dose does not do the trick, you can either take another dose of the same size or increase your dose. Both are safe options.

Improves Muscle Agility

It is common for people to take CBD prior to working out, as doing so helps loosen up their muscles and increase their overall agility. If you are taking a quick run after work or if you are running in a marathon, taking CBD can help increase your overall agility. This is not only helpful for when you are running, but it is also helpful in reducing the soreness you may feel post-run. While any CBD product would help with these symptoms, certain products are specifically designed to help with muscle soreness and pain, namely CBD muscle rubs. These topical creams are applied directly to the affected area and provide relief where they are needed.

Improves Sleep

Any athlete can tell you how important sleep is to recovering from a tough workout and getting ready for any upcoming competitions. Runners are no exception. CBD can reduce anxiety and help people fall asleep and get deeper sleep. By using some CBD oil or taking some CBD gummies at night, run notice that they get better sleep and recover from injury faster. A good night’s sleep could be the difference between first place in a race and lagging behind with the crowd. 

Side effects from CBD are uncommon and minimal, with some people reporting drowsiness or nausea. It’s a safe, natural option for improving your performance and feeling better while doing it. 

Shop CBD for Runners at Neuro XPF

If you are a runner and are interested in including CBD in your lifestyle, be sure to gather all the information you need prior to taking it. You can speak with your primary care physician, your prescribing physician, or even a coach or trainer to learn more about CBD. Be sure to ask if you can use CBD alongside other medications (specifically antidepressants) and what the rules regarding CBD may be if you are running in a race. When you’re ready to give it a shot, try out one of the many CBD product options including CBD oil, gummies, rubs, and sprays.