CBD for Runners: What You Need to Know

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years and now it’s being touted as the latest wonder supplement that can benefit all sorts of people. There are some runners out there who have claimed they have seen benefits to their running after taking CBD but does it really work?

For those wondering if CBD could be beneficial to them while running we’ve compiled a list of what you need to know about this new craze before trying it out.

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. While CBD can come in many forms, like oils or edibles, it’s most commonly found as an oil that you take orally. 

Before we dive into the research on this topic let’s cover what exactly CBD is and how it differs from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is one of more than 100 compounds found in marijuana plants. It was first discovered by scientists at Imperial College London back in 1964.

If ingested, THC makes people feel “high” or “stoned” and causes a range of other effects. CBD doesn’t produce these feelings, which is why it has become increasingly popular as a supplement because you will not experience any negative side effects.

CBD’s benefits have been well-studied by scientists around the world but if you are considering using this compound for running there may be some caveats to consider before diving in.

To understand whether CBD can improve your performance we need to know how it interacts with our bodies first so let’s take a look at what happens when people use CBD for running:

Can I Take CBD Before Running?

Research suggests that taking CBD prior to exercise does impact athletic performance. In one study where participants were given CBD or a placebo before completing a cycling time trial, the group that took CBD completed the trial significantly slower than those who didn’t.

While this study is concerning for runners, it’s important to note that this was only one test and further research is needed. In another study where mice were given either CBD or a placebo before running on a treadmill scientists found that while the CBD-treated mice ran for longer distances, they also experienced more muscle damage.

What does this mean for you as a runner? If you are considering taking CBD prior to running it’s best to do so in lower doses and see how your body reacts. You may also want to experiment with different types of exercise and observe how your body responds.

Why runners should use CBD

There are some runners out there who have claimed they have seen benefits to their running after taking CBD but does it really work?

Scientists around the world believe that CBD has a lot of potential as an athletic supplement and those scientists include those at the World Anti-Doping Agency. This organization, which is responsible for drug testing athletes across all sports, recently announced plans to conduct more research into using CBD as a performance enhancer. The first step in this process was giving clearance to use CBD oil during the competition (if you can’t tell we had quite a bit about WADA). Even though THC remains on the banned substances list, cannabis plants with low levels of THC were reclassified by WADA making them fair game for elite athletes.

Future research is needed to understand exactly how CBD works in people but there are some theories about why it could be beneficial for runners. One theory suggests that CBD can reduce pain and inflammation, which would make a lot of sense given its use as a pain reliever. There has also been evidence presented suggesting that this compound can actually improve performance by reducing anxiety.

The science on CBD is still relatively new so we need more studies conducted before making any strong claims about whether or not it’s healthy for athletes. If you do choose to try out this supplement while running keep an eye out for potential side effects because researchers have found links between taking high doses of this substance and liver damage. With the right dosage, however, scientists believe CBD could be a great addition to any runner’s arsenal.

How to use it 

If you are interested in trying out CBD for running it’s best to start with a lower dose and see how your body reacts. You may also want to experiment with different types of exercise and observe how your body responds.

Remember that CBD oil is not the same as hemp seed oil – while both oils come from cannabis plants they have different effects on the body. Hemp seed oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but does not contain any cannabinoids like CBD. If you are looking for an anti-inflammatory effect then using hemp seed oil would be a better choice, but if you want to take advantage of CBD’s medicinal properties then you need to use the right product.

If you are looking for a pre-workout supplement that can help improve your performance and reduce pain, try combining the following:

Hemp seed oil – 1000 mg (helps with inflammation) Caffeine – 200mg (improves focus and energy levels) Curcumin – 500 mg (reduces muscle soreness after exercise) Ginger extract – 100mg (relieves joint pains associated with running).

This combination is great for runners who experience chronic aches and pains as well as those who want an extra boost during their workout. If you aren’t seeing any improvements at this dosage it may be to up your intake of CBD oil. Remember to start small and increase gradually as your body may not tolerate large doses of this cannabinoid.

If you’re looking for a post-workout supplement, try mixing the following:

Hemp seed oil – 1000 mg (helps with inflammation) Tart cherry juice – 16 oz ( speeds up muscle recovery) Creatine monohydrate – 3000 mg (builds lean muscle mass) BCAA supplements – 5000 mg (prevents muscle soreness).

This combination will help your muscles recover faster after a tough run while also helping to reduce any inflammation that might have built up. If you are struggling with significant pain or discomfort after running, consider adding CBD oil to this mix. Start with a low dose and work your way up as needed.

There are also a few other things you can do to improve your running performance with CBD oil:

• Try out different types of CBD products and find the one that works best for you. There are many different forms of this supplement so it’s important to experiment until you find the right one. Some people prefer to take capsules while others might like to use a topical cream or vape oil.
• Make sure you are well hydrated before and after running. This will help reduce inflammation and keep your muscles functioning properly.
• Consider using a CBD-infused sports drink like Runners High. This product was designed specifically for athletes and contains both CBD and THC which can help improve performance and speed up muscle recovery.

Side effects of using CBD for runners

CBD is a natural supplement and does not have any major side effects when used in low doses. However, some people may experience mild side effects like diarrhea, changes in appetite, or mood swings. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, stop using CBD and consult a healthcare professional.

Additionally, if you are taking medication or other supplements it’s important to speak with your doctor before using CBD. This cannabinoid can interact with other drugs and supplements so it’s best to be safe and get clearance from a medical professional before starting any new treatments.

Overall, CBD is a safe and effective supplement that can provide many benefits for runners. When used in combination with other supplements and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, it can help reduce pain, inflammation and improve your running performance.

Benefits of using CBD for runners 

CBD has become a popular supplement for people who want to improve their athletic performance and reduce pain.

There are many different brands of CBD products on the market but they all contain similar ingredients like hemp oil, caffeine, and other natural extracts such as turmeric or ginger root. Some of the most common uses include:

• Reducing inflammation in joints
• Relieving muscle soreness after exercise
• Boosting energy during workouts
• Increase lean muscle mass (when used with creatine)
• Improve focus and concentration (with small doses of caffeine)
• Prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatment or sickness from pregnancy.

So, is CBD good for runners? The answer is a resounding yes – as long as you use it in the right way and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. When combined with other supplements and used correctly, CBD can help reduce pain, inflammation and improve your running performance. Give it a try today!