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How to Use CBD Oil for Runners: Pain Relief, Mood, Athletic Performance

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Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD oil for runners isn’t just a sneaky way to use marijuana (I know you’re wondering about that!), it’s an effective tool for improving recovery which means better training and bigger results.

A few years ago, I started hearing whispers of ultrarunners crushing their uber long trail workouts thanks to the now legal Colorado trade of marijuana. I was intrigued, but not really sure how getting baked at 5AM to run before a full day of work was supposed to go.

Plus let’s be honest, I’m the girl who won’t even take a pain pill after knee surgery because I didn’t like feeling out of control. Marijuana was just not going to be part of my sports nutrition plan.

So I set that potential run enhancer aside and went about my training.

Then the knee injury.

Which lead to A LOT of research and testing all kinds of pain relief methods. I was injecting platelets, trying energy medicine and giving my knee pep talks daily.

Eventually that research lead me right back to what those ultrarunners were sort of tapping in to…CBD, the won’t get you high, but gives you the benefits portion of marijuana. Hey, if you already know you want to try it, jump to the end to find out what product I’m loving.How to Use CBD Oil

What is CBD oil?

Cannabidiol oil is extracted from the hemp plant

In fact, our bodies produce certain cannabinoids already!

CB1 receptors: deal with mood, hunger, coordination and is affected by marijuana
CB2 receptors: deal with the immune system and pain.

CBD appears not to attach to either, but instead to encourage your body to use more of it’s own cannabinoids.hemp

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: They aren’t the same.
Ok this can get confusing, so let’s try to break it down:

  • Both come from the hemp plant
  • Hemp oil is used in shampoos, lotions, etc for its high vitamin content
  • Hemp oil is extracted from large industrial plots cultivated to have low to no traces of CBD or THC
  • Hemp seeds contain no THC
  • Hemp oil is basically like coconut oil, you can cook with it or eat it
  • CBD is extracted from hemp grown specifically to be high in CBD
  • Cannabis is the same plant that creates hemp and marijuana, just different species

Will CBD make you high?

Nope, it’s nothing like that. You’re thinking of THC which is the active component of the leaf.

Now as you’ll see below some products do contain a very small trace amount of THC (.3%) in the pain relief cream because there is some research that you need the full source for maximum benefits. Kind of like not taking vitamin C alone, but rather eating the whole orange.

That minuscule dose will not give you the effect often discussed with edibles or smoking, where you will often find up to 30% THC.

Ever wondered about the athletic application of CBD? Answering all your questions in this guide to CBD Oil #runchat #recovery Click To Tweet

In FACT, the results of CBD work on the same system that produces your very natural runner’s high!

Why is CBD for runners suddenly so popular?

I thought this was a fantastic question because it certainly seems like you heard about it a little and now there are tons of companies popping up. I think there are a few things happening:

  1. Success always encourages others to jump in to a market and it’s currently projected to be over 1 billion by 2020.
  2. Changing regulations are making it easier to sell these products even though CBD isn’t a banned substances.
  3. There are more studies now around it’s usage.
  4. Those changing laws are also making people more comfortable with these products
  5. It’s a non-addictive pain relief option, without some of the issues we know exist with others if taken before workouts

What are the benefits of CBD oil?

Now let’s dive in to the fun stuff, we know what CBD is and how to use it, but why? Why are so many athletes turning to this new tool and does it really work?

One 2016 study in arthritic rats, found that it significantly reduced joint swelling and pain ratings, without the side effects of other drugs! Nice.CBD cream

Of course that’s just one study, but there are many more underway like using CBD to reduce anxiety without the high. Which is actually something that many consistent users often report. Knowing that there’s more work being done, I’m listing here the reported benefits from both brands and those who’ve tried it.

CBD Benefits

  • natural pain relief
  • reduced anxiety
  • improved sleep
  • potential to reduce inflammation of Type 1 diabetes
  • acne reduction
  • promotes heart health
  • promotes bone growth (healing stress fractures!)

How to use CBD oil?

Honestly, once I decided to dive in I was a little confused by the CBD sublingual drops, the creams, the lotions and the salves. What did I need, how much and when!

Let my confusion, which lead to research save you time!

  1. Consistency: This isn’t a use it one day and magically all things are better. You need to use it consistently for you to continue reducing inflammation or improving sleep, which then leads to all kinds of other good benefits.
  2. Sublingual drops (under the tongue) are great for helping to reduce total body inflammation, calming, mood, etc. When taking it sublingual, let it basically absorb in your mouth, don’t just swallow it.
  3. Creams are ideal for localized areas of pain.
  4. Lotions are an alternative to the sublingual drops as you can absorb the CBD through the skin.
Click here to see my exact CBD routine for recovery and what I use.

CBD For shin splints?
Yes, it’s going to help lessen the inflammation and allow your muscles to relax. But then you have to do the work to recover from shin splints!

CBD for Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, it can also help here with lowering inflammation. But again it’s not magic, you have to work on those foot muscles and do the plantar fasciitis exercises to fully resolve it.

When to take CBD Oil for runners?

1. Take it Nightly
Most people will take the sublingual drops a night to help them wind down and have a good night of sleep. We know that quality sleep is one of the key components to good health and workout recovery, so this can help with that while also working on inflammation.

2. Try it Pre-Workout
I started to wonder about pre-workout usage based on the original stories of ultra runners and their edibles. A little self testing and research lead me to find it can be a great option for prior to long runs as a way of getting in to a flow and

Now others might find it makes them too sleepy for a great workout and I wouldn’t use it before a speed session, but worth knowing so you can decide what’s best for you.CBD oil for runners

What do I recommend?

First a few things you need to know if you’re going to ignore my recommendation!

Buyer Beware
A 2017 study showed over 70% of CBD products are over or more commonly underlabled, meaning they don’t contain what you’re paying for! Again that’s why I’m excited to share Resilience CBD with you because they do a lot of testing to ensure product quality.

Additionally, it’s really important to all my fellow Amazon lovers to know what you see on Amazon isn’t CBD. It’s not allowed to be  sold there, which means you’re buying hemp oil.

Look for Studies
The brand I recommend below is very open about all the studies they’ve done and you want this in any brand you choose. Of course I’m trying to save you that hassle by just sharing a great option!

Resilience CBD

Now, having tested out three different varieties of drops, a few different creams and salves over the last year, my ultimate choice is Resilience CBD. And if you’re ready to test it out use code AMANDA20 to get a 20% discount on your first order.

Let me tell you why it’s my personal choice.

Resilience CBD Oil Drops
For all over inflammation fighting, relaxation, taking sublingual drops is ideal. The way to get the most from them is to hold it in your mouth for 60 seconds where it essentially absorbs under your tongue. In the previous brands I tried, I needed to put it in and take a flavored drink to get past the taste, gag.

Not so with Resilience!

Also compared to the others, I noticed an actual difference when taking it. So much so that during a few days of super high stress, I took an extra dose during the day, which I never even pondered with the others.

If you want to ensure you are getting 0 THC (for a work drug test or anything else), opt for the Resilience Isolate, instead of the full spectrum drops.

**Update: I’ve had a number of private messages asking about the 300mg vs the 600mg. That’s just telling you the size of the bottle, it doesn’t change the potency. I’d say the 600mg lasts just over a month if you use 1 dropper full daily

Resilience CBD Sports Cream
Smelling like my 90 year-old grandmothers old nursing home isn’t high on my list of to do’s. BUT most pain relief creams have that odor due to menthol and the first CBD one I tried was intense. Like so intense I wouldn’t use it if I was leaving the house that day and needed to wash any clothing that touched my skin where I’d put it on my knee!

With Resilience Sport Cream, you notice the smell for about 2-3 minutes a max. Meaning it genuinely vanishes unlike some of the others that claim to. Maybe that doesn’t matter to you, but matters to me!!

Again, I also appreciate that they do test to prove exactly how much CBD is in their product. And this cream will last a very long time because you aren’t gooping it on.

As a reminder creams aren’t a cure all, but used in conjunction with all our other injury prevention techniques it helps.

Ordering Tips
Two tips for ordering! One is to use my code AMANDA20 for 20% off and the second is if you’re unsure, pair up with a friend. Here’s what I mean!

Resilience Give and Rise Project is all about reminding us all to come together to push each other to our best. After you’ve used the product for 30 days, they’ll give you the opportunity to give a friend a FREE product! What?!

Yup so why not buddy up, one of you try it first then the other…I mean you’ll both be convinced you need it forever after 30 days, but this feels like an easy way to start!

My Experience with CBD Oil

All right, I’ve told you the basics of why I like these specific products, but I also want to talk about what I noticed from using them consistently.

The products arrived during a particularly stressful period for me and I found after using it for a few nights, I also opted to take a half dose of the drops early in the day and used the cream consistently on my knee.

  1. I had my longest run by 2 miles since my knee injury started in 2016 (I took .5 CBD before the run)
  2. I finished that 15 miles without knee pain
  3. I proceed the rest of that week to continue having not just good runs, but faster and better feeling
  4. We went through the time change and I found myself adjusting more easily
  5. I’d been having some knee pain post shorter runs and that is continuing to diminish again
  6. The skin issues that had suddenly started in my late 30’s are absolutely better

This is just what I found within the first month of using the product, so I’m quite excited to make Resilience CBD a standard part of my training leading up to my next race!!

My only complaint is that now I want travel sizes from them because I know these are must have’s around race day and when traveling! And auto-refill seems like a must!

Have you tried CBD?

Any questions left unanswered?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinishRunning_motivation_thumb

Get more running tips: Pinterest

This post is sponsored by Resilience CBD, but all opinions and testing results are my own.

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Posted by amanda Categories: Holistic Health, injury, recovery

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. R says

    November 18, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    Thanks Amanda. I have not tried CBD yet, but recently went to work for Surterra Wellness. I was completely naive to the health benefits, but have learned a lot. You are the first runner I’ve heard talk about this, so it was very important to me to hear this. Thanks!

    • amanda says

      November 19, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      Thank you!! I was really intrigued by it and have to say I’m a believer now!

  2. Charlene says

    November 18, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    Yu have convinced me to try it. 13 months of PT for an IT Band problem and Labrum
    Repair to right hip in June has hampered all but ended my running. Just now I am able to get out and do some intervals but it’s neen a SLOW process and I’m hoping the cream might help things along.

    • amanda says

      November 19, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      I would really recommend the drops too! I think the combo of the two are what made the biggest change for me with my knee! oh and on the IT band, definitely checkout my lunge matrix post. that strength will help!

  3. Ryan says

    November 19, 2018 at 8:46 am

    Have you taken a drug test after regular use of the full spectrum? I would really be interested in the results, I am subject to random DOT (department of transportation) drug testing.

    • Mike says

      November 19, 2018 at 10:38 am

      Ryan – Resilience has both a full-spectrum version and an isolate version that is 100% THC Free.

    • amanda says

      November 19, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      I’ve had a few people email me asking about this, so thanks for giving us a chance to answer!! Definitely looking for the CBD like the Isolate with no THC.

  4. Ethan says

    November 20, 2018 at 4:08 pm

    I have been using CBD Oil alongside fitness for years and it is hands down the best combination!! not to mention it’s other incredible benefits, I read this incredibly inspiring story and thought I should share with you all https://bit.ly/2PGIQKE

  5. Terri says

    November 20, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    Do you know if it would interact with medications? I’m desperate to find something that works for my knee pain, inflammation, anxiety and to gain better sleep.

    • amanda says

      November 24, 2018 at 10:39 am

      It can interact with heart medications, some drs will prescribe it and others won’t, so I would check!

  6. Ann says

    December 29, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    Amanda, do you recommend starting wth the 300 mg or the 600 mg oil?

    • amanda says

      December 29, 2018 at 3:57 pm

      Hey Ann! So that is just referring to the size of the bottle. The 600 mg is just basically a 30 day supply if used daily.

      • Ann says

        December 30, 2018 at 1:19 pm

        Ok , thanks. 😊

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Hello runners! I’m Amanda Brooks, a certified personal trainer and running coach. I’ve been coaching over a decade and distance running since 2002. My philosophy is that running isn’t about your pace or the distance or your body. It’s about showing up for yourself, loving the process and doing it injury free!

 

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Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

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Amanda Brooks : Run Coach
A NEW PLAN DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING. You might alr A NEW PLAN DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING. You might already know what’s best for you, but aren’t doing it consistently. That’s the only way we really make changes.
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A PLAN can help, but I often don’t think that’s step one to making lasting change.
//
HABITS AND ROUTINES✴️
-Eliminate the need to make decisions.
-Which reduces brain fatigue.
-Which increases your chance of success.
//
TINY HABITS✴️
This is the smallest step you can take towards your goal. Often so small it seems insignificant, but is easy to make it a habit.
🌟
That leads you to another tiny habit, then another and suddenly it’s just your lifestyle.
👆👆👆
When people ask how I easily kept off 35lbs for over 15 years, while enjoying pizza, taking rest days and not obsessing about food.
👇👇👇👇
When people ask how I stay motivated to run year round and rarely race. Tiny habits.
//
Day one isn’t eat perfect or run for an hour.
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Day one IS drink a glass of water when I wake up. Put on my running clothes.
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Day 30 is then more like after I drink my glass of water, I do 5 push ups. After I put on my running clothes, I do a 5 minute warm up.
//
SLOW PROGRESS IS BETTER THAN NO PROGRESS, it builds momentum and is sustainable.
❔❔❔
Have you ever practiced creating tiny habits???
1️⃣ WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR RUNNING THIS YEAR? M 1️⃣ WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR RUNNING THIS YEAR?
Mine... satisfying.
😊
1900 miles blows away previous years.
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(swipe to see...because yes I love tracking.) Unfortunately I’m not positive what it was 2001-2007 because I wrote it on calendars.
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SATISFYING
🥰I needed the long miles early on to process my business being thrown for a loop. Bye bye book tour and partnerships.
😊I needed it after that to get away from the news and pretend I wasn’t spending all day alone. Then as my business shifted again to keep ideas flowing.
🌲I loved the time outside to think, get lost in a comedy podcast or audiobook. Otherwise I’m at home working!
🤩Without a single race, I still checked a big goal off my list of running an ultra distance (solo was very interesting!).
//
I’ve seen some posts that make it seem like we’re wrong for talking about what we achieved this year.
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It was a HARD FCKIN year for everyone, but guess what lots of years are. And not every year is great even without a pandemic.
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For all the lows this year, I also worked my ass off to make some really good things happen. And I’m extra proud of that.
//
So let’s hear your word for fitness in 2020??
⬇️
Hard, easy, strong, powerful, consistent, cleansing, relaxing, nature, grace, grit, grind, triumph, building...
HAIR EMOJI POLL!!! Seriously hair...it’s a lot r HAIR EMOJI POLL!!! Seriously hair...it’s a lot right?! Figuring out what to do with it, color it don’t color it, keep it healthy, breakage from ponytails, long, short. And yet a good hair day😃 🔥 🌟
//
POLL:
🥰Love your hair
🤪Frustrated with your hair
1️⃣Natural curls
2️⃣Stick straight
👇👇👇
Curly friends: share your favorite tips!!
Long hair friends: what helps you keep it healthy?
👆👆👆
//
At 7 I could sit in my hair it was so long.
At 10 we started perms.
At 16 I had a full mane of hair I loved.
At 20 I learned I have naturally curly hair 😂after years of perms as a kid.
At 25 I was going blonde blonde blonde.
At 29 I began losing hair and it got so brittle I had to chop it off, due to the hormone issues.😭
At 35 my hair started to recover (as did my body), but never like that mane I loved as a teen.
At 39 I got my first curly haircut! I’m still figuring it out, but was amazed at how it looked.
//
I don’t wear much make up, but I do admit to really caring about my hair and it was a tough time when it felt so unhealthy.
//
I’m still struggling to figure out this new curly style 😂but keep hearing from other curly girls ya just gotta stick it out. So we’ll see.
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#curlygirlmethod #hairtalk
ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO RUN? Why don’t you just ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO RUN? Why don’t you just enjoy a day off? Don’t you feel guilty about the time apart?
//
Yes.
It makes me happy.
No, if I’m happy our time together is better.
👇👇👇
MY VIEW IS THIS...
❌If you aren’t working out because of food guilt
❌If you aren’t missing big moments because you must workout
✅If you enjoy it and it improves your day
✅THEN GO FORTH and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for improving your mental and physical health.
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❓Do you have guilt or get guilted about workouts for n holidays?❓
//
This has been my lifestyle so long that our families just know to expect that I’m gonna sweat. And of course, I’m lucky David wants this lifestyle too.
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BUTTTTT I remember those first trips to David’s family, where it really threw them for a loop. They still find it weird, but I sneak out before everyone gets up or have gotten them to do family things like the rec center.
//
My best advice when asked has always been to try and calmly explain why it matters to you and then just go. They get over it or used to it.
🎁 🎄🕎
TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE PIZZA MY HEART 😂a reminder TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE PIZZA MY HEART 😂a reminder this holiday season that we all need to be loved differently...and pizza transcends all.
//
🍕Do you have a favorite local pizza place?🍕🍕
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Yes, I knead to know for when we can travel again.
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Here we fell in love in love with @saucyspizza and I wouldn’t be sad if I got it as a gift 😆
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#pizzamemes #eatlocal #denvercolorado #ilovepizza #lovememes #pizzagram #digiorno #papajohns #foodisfuel #longrun #womenwhoeat #carbsarelife
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