Should Runners Take CBD? 3 Ways it Can Help

Are you looking to set a new personal best? CBD (cannabidiol) might be your answer. Even if you’re simply finding running tough and you want to enjoy it a bit more, CBD could help.

With plenty of top athletes taking CBD, you might be considering giving it a try too. But is CBD worth it for runners?

Here are three ways in which CBD can help you run better … and enjoy it more.

#1: Faster Muscle Recovery

CBD is an anti-inflammatory, so many runners use it to help reduce muscle soreness after a run. This is particularly useful if you tend to feel stiff and uncomfortable for a long time after running — particularly if that’s putting you off running.

The effects of CBD capsules can last between 6-8 hours. It can take up to an hour to feel their effects, though. This means that it’s best to take your capsule around 1 – 2 hours before your run. That way, it should help you through the run itself and improve muscle soreness immediately afterwards.

You can take 2 doses of CBD each day, so you may want to take an extra dose near to bedtime too.

#2: Better and More Restful Sleep

Many runners find that CBD helps them to sleep better. If you find that your running is dramatically affected by how well (or not!) you’ve slept, then taking CBD regularly could be a great way to improve the quality of your rest.

If you’re taking CBD to help you sleep, you may find that you need a higher dose than you would for treating other issues, such as anxiety. However, it’s a good idea to start with a low dose and gradually increase it which is what I did with Koi CBD Balm.

#3: Reduced Pre-Race Nerves

CBD can be effective in reducing anxiety, making it a great option if you tend to suffer from pre-race nerves. Going into a race with a calm, clear mind can be a huge help with the mental demands of racing against other runners.

If you suffer from anxiety, you may want to take CBD on a regular basis. If you just have some pre-race jitters, then you might simply want to take it the day before your race to help you sleep, and during the day to help you feel calm and collected.

Is CBD Safe to Take?

As a runner, you’re probably very conscious about what you put into your body. Maybe you eat plenty of foods to boost your endurance, for instance.

You might be wondering whether CBD is truly safe and whether it will cause any issues. While many studies have shown that it’s well-tolerated in humans, even at high doses, it’s important to know that CBD can have side effects such as sleepiness and diarrhoea. This is why medical professionals will recommend starting with a low dose that you gradually increase so that you can stop if you have any side effects.

It’s also important to buy flawless CBD from a reputable source. A local specialist health store, or an online health store, is usually the best option. Avoid buying on Amazon, as you’re unlikely to get a product that actually contains CBD (Amazon bans the sale of CBD products).

CBD could give you the edge you need for your next run, so if you’ve never tried it before, why not give it a go?