The sound of pounding footsteps, the rhythmic breath, the exhilarating rush—running is a captivating journey that fuels the mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting to lace up your running shoes, optimising athletic performance and recovery is as important as the workout. While a balanced diet is the cornerstone of an athlete's nutrition plan, harnessing the power of natural ingredients can be a game-changer, providing that extra edge to elevate your running experience.
In recent years, cannabidiol (CDB) has been popping up more and more regularly across popular media. HEMPE natural relief products, for instance, are ingredients of an ever-increasing number of sports recovery products derived from full-spectrum hemp extract and have now hit the ultra-running scene compared to other available supplements.
Evidence has shown positive effects derived from a third of cyclists, triathletes, and runners are or have been cannabinoid users (mostly from 40 years of age are CBD consumers at least three times a week, and exercise 5–7 days per week) per the US National Library of Medicine.
In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the best CBD products for runners and uncover the science-backed benefits that can transform your health goals.
Ready to take your running performance to the next level? Keep reading!!
What is CBD?
A prescription cannabidiol (CBD) product is considered an effective anti-seizure medication.
CBD is a chemical found in marijuana. It doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis plant that produces psychoactive effects.
In addition to oral consumption, CBD can be applied topically through creams, balms, and other products. Topical forms of CBD are effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
Let’s find out how CBD products can improve a runner’s life holistically.
6 Ways CBD Benefits Runners
CBD has gained well-deserved attention in the sports world, nabbing features in major publications worldwide. This means more and more athletes and folks interested in physical fitness, just like yourself, are growing curious about CBD’s potential. Right?
Let’s unfold these benefits now.
#1. Helps with Pain Relief and Management
One can develop pain in various spots, including the knees, Achilles, feet, and muscles while running. And running when hurt can further aggravate your injury.
Current research has shown CBD oil acts as a painkiller and gives anti-inflammatory and protective effects by aiding the body’s ability to self-regulate its internal hormones. Its anti-inflammatory effects – and the associated benefits of improved recovery – are of particular appeal to athletes.
CBD’s natural pain relief is two-fold. Its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective pharmacological properties can reduce joint pain. A CBD-infused lotion or muscle balms/gels can alleviate soreness and aches and limit your prescription drug usage. Our extra strength, ultra-cooling topicals can come in handy for short and long-term pain management.
CBD also helps synthesise endocannabinoids in your body, which activate your body’s cannabinoid receptors. These receptors control your perception of pain and offer joint or knee pain relief.
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#2. Reduces Muscle Inflammation
Inflammation is designed to supply more blood flow to the affected area, and the pain signals that there's something wrong, and you should protect the damaged area.
On the other hand, when the inflammatory response over-reacts or lingers for far too long, the body starts to believe it's under attack and keeps fighting off or protecting itself indefinitely.
There's a generalised idea that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties to suppress the immune system—but some studies found that they may help increase immune function in some conditions.
HEMPE CBD Hot Muscle and Joint Gel works to encourage circulation and give relief. It also penetrates through the limbs and joints as a strong natural anti-inflammatory reducing muscle soreness.
#3. Provides More Focused Energy
Runners can experience bouts of low energy thanks to high stress, poor nutrition, and inadequate sleep. Combined with stress, low energy can cause muscle tension and excessive sweating and impact your coordination.
Using CBD before a run can help in muscle recovery and ease calmness. By activating the chemical receptors, CBD enhances the levels of “happy hormones” like serotonin and dopamine. It also increases the levels of anandamide — the body’s internal cannabis molecules that cause elevated mood and increased energy.
#4. Ensures Faster Recovery
A rest day is just as productive for runners as a good run. Resting boosts your motivation, sharpens your mind, and lets your body recover. A rest day allows your body to deal with the micro-damage to your tissues and prevents overuse injuries.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory and protective effects ensure a faster recovery. CBD can also promote the restoration of physical performance and help limit accumulated fatigue after strenuous exercise.
#5. Reduces Anxiety and Stress Levels
Running can reduce anxiety and depression by increasing blood circulation to your brain. The part of the brain dealing with stress is affected and causes an improved mood.
But there can be instances when the activity meant to reduce anxiety and stress starts contributing to them. While a little anxiety can boost your performance, too much of it can impact your races or regular runs. Anxiety can begin as tension and nervousness, resulting in increased heart rate and sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
CBD has antidepressant properties, which can alter body chemistry by increasing the serotonin levels in your body. Combining CBD products with meditation can help your brain achieve a healthier serotonin balance.
The synthesis lowers your body’s stress and blood pressure levels and helps return you to a relaxed state.
#6. Improves Quality Sleep
Sleep deprivation can hamper your recovery and increase your injury chances. Pain from an injury, inflammation, and/or anxiety before a run can keep you tossing and turning all night.
A good night’s sleep before a run results in not just mental and physical rejuvenation but also helps to reduce anxiety.
Over-the-counter sleeping pills can cause adverse side effects. Instead, include CBD products in your nighttime routine. Proven products like CBD oils can have positive therapeutic effects on sleep-related conditions.
All the benefits of CBD and the natural ingredients discussed so far can help promote more restful sleep. Reduced anxiety and chronic pain and inflammation relief will enhance your sleep quality.
Ways for Athletes to Use CBD
Industrial hemp is available in many different forms. CBD drops come in a variety of flavours and can be taken sublingually, meaning under the tongue. This allows for fast absorption of CBD into your system.
CBD capsules and gummies are ingested, so they take a little longer to work, but the ease of taking them more than makes up for it.
There are topical solutions like CBD creams/Gels for localised relief and even CBD bath bombs for those who like a good soak after a busy in the fields.
When to take your CBD depends on what you’re using it for and its effects on your system, which vary from individual to individual. Some prefer to take it during their morning routine to give them the boost they need, alongside or even in their coffee, for example. Others enjoy a capsule or gummy around lunchtime to decrease the day’s stress levels. And some like it in the evening or before bed, to put them in that wind-down mode and ensure better sleep.
How much CBD to take will vary as well. Serving sizes are influenced by various factors, including metabolism, fitness level, and how consistently you’re using CBD products. If you’re new, starting with a smaller serving size and gradually increasing it is recommended.
The Best CBD Products for Runners
The world of natural supplements holds immense potential for runners seeking to optimise their performance and take their running prowess to the next level.
While nothing can replace the power of a well-balanced diet and disciplined training, carefully chosen supplements can serve as valuable allies in your journey toward peak athletic performance.
Purchasing your CBD products from a trusted manufacturer, however, is vital.
Our company is committed to using fewer resources and creating less waste. We strive to always weigh up the environmental consequences of our actions with the ultimate goal of reducing our carbon footprint. We are committed now, and in the future, to being an entity that represents sustainability wherever possible.
So, lace up those shoes, fuel your body with nature's finest offerings, and let these natural supplements propel you towards your running goals, ensuring you cross every finish line with strength, resilience, and a renewed sense of accomplishment.
Embrace the power of nature, embrace the best version of your runner's self!