CBD is everywhere! Athletes all over the World are discovering the benefits of this natural remedy and runners in particular are taking advantage of the relief CBD offers. We’ve highlighted some of the main ways CBD is helping both competitive and amateur runners and racers.
First, a word about “Runner’s High”…
I still remember the very first time I felt the “Runner’s High”. It was in the early 1990s, so a long time ago, but I still remember the feeling of euphoria sweeping over me as I cooled down. I had only been running regularly for a few months and had never heard of the phenomenon and, therefore, didn’t understand why I was feeling so stress-free and why my post-run pain seemed inconsequential.
The more exercise became a part of my daily routine, the more I learned about the science behind runner’s high. At the time, many believed that endorphins released during and after physical activity were the cause. But evidence is mounting that runner’s high may actually be caused by endocannabinoids.
Before we look at the science, don’t confuse “endocannabinoids” and”cannabinoids”. Endocannabinoids are made naturally by the body. Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, are chemically very similar to the naturally occurring endocannabinoids but are the product of the cannabis plant. Endocannabinoids help our minds and bodies stay in physiological balance and, like their cannabinoid cousins, modulate our mood, pain, and anxiety levels. But until recently, no one had any proof they could also Lead to a “high” during and after exercise.
In 2015, German researchers conducted a study to determine if runner’s high stemmed from endorphins or 
endocannabinoids. During the trials mice were made to run on wheels for extended periods of time. As expected, the rodents all exhibited lower levels of stress and higher tolerance to pain. But when the scientists blocked their production of endocannabinoids (specifically anandamide, the so-called “bliss molecule”), their calm and tolerance ended. The scientists concluded from this study that, although exercise boosts endorphins, it’s actually the endocannabinoids that produce the feeling of euphoria.
How CBD can help runners
1. CBD REDUCES INFLAMMATION
CBD has been shown to greatly and consistently reduce inflammation — a common problem for runners and other athletes. Many are discovering the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD rather than continuing to rely on 
traditional pharmaceutical alternatives.
Because of the repetitive nature of their choice of workout, runners are constantly making micro-tears in their muscles. Preclinical and clinical studies have helped us understand the therapeutic potential of CBD for diseases associated with oxidative stress which can result in tissue damage. Because of the many various delivery methods, CBD products can be taken orally or topically as a treatment for any type of inflammation the user is experiencing as a result of these injuries.
2. CBD IS A SAFE WAY TO REDUCE PAIN
Many runners treat exercise-related pain by regular ibuprofen dosing. Daily use of this over the counter remedy may lead to kidney damage. CBD, on the other hand, can be used daily without fear of damaging the kidneys and offers a safe, natural and proven alternative. A 2016 study showed CBD helped decrease pain from arthritis, a common complaint of runners and competitive racers.
3. CBD IS NON-PSYCHOACTIVE
Marijuana is the female version of the cannabis plant and its main defining characteristic is that it produces an abundance of THC, which is the psychoactive element that makes people feel “high” after using it. Hemp, on the other hand, has very low concentrations of THC and, instead, is packed with tons of cannabidiol, or CBD. This male version of the cannabis plant doesn’t have the capacity to make the user feel “high”. In fact, just to be sure no THC is mistakenly ingested by CBD users, the federal government has determined that all industrial hemp must test for 0.3% THC or less.
Purelix Wellness goes an extra step and uses only broad spectrum CBD in our products. Broad spectrum, compared to “full spectrum”, has all traces of THC removed so you can enjoy the benefits of CBD without exposing yourself to THC. It’s important to mention that some CBD users experience certain changes but that is expected with any new treatment, especially when the medication is effective and the body is adjusting to its effects, but rest assured that quality CBD products are non-psychoactive.
4. CBD CAN HELP REDUCE PRE-RACE ANXIETY
Anxiety can take many forms and, as most runner’s know, pre-race anxiety can have a negative impact on a racer’s final times. Environmental stress or general anxiety are two of the main reasons many people take CBD. Pre-race jitters can take a toll even on the most even-tempered and calm individuals. Adding CBD to a daily routine helps in the moment but also, over time, users usually feel an overall decrease in stress and apprehension. Indeed, many people who suffer from anxiety use CBD in addition to prescribed anxiety and/or depression prescription medications!
5. CBD CAN INCREASE ENDURANCE
Recent studies have proven that CBD increases brain adenosine levels And therefore may increase the user’s endurance. CBD is also known to improve vascular function, producing a more regular and efficient blood supply, therefore discouraging the buildup of lactic acid.
6. CBD TOPICALS CAN PROVIDE ANALGESIC EFFECTS
Salves and creams bypass the kidneys and can easily be worked into your daily routine. Many higher-end brands offer topicals that include additional natural elements such as eucalyptus and menthol for an even more relaxing CBD experience. Topicals may take a bit longer to hit the system but generally provide very long-lasting effects.
Our CBD Sports Cream is formulated to support healthy muscles and offer relief for tired, stiff bodies. Massage it in before, during or after a workout to experience relief throughout your day. With 400mg of Premium CBD, menthol and camphor, our 4oz pump container is a new essential for any wellness routine. Vegan and THC-free!.
Things runners should know before using CBD
1. IT’S STILL THE EARLY DAYS
While there have been promising studies done on the benefits of CBD, because of the legal quagmire surrounding the supplement, research is still in its infancy. Things like optimal dosage and even delivery (cream versus pill, for example) are still being looked at, and while you can expect to see a lot more research published in coming years, the science around it is thin.
It’s safe to say that the present state of regulation in the CBD industry is a gray area. While the FDA will certainly spend the time and effort necessary to study CBD, for now the public must rely on word of mouth and industry leaders for information and advice. Like all responsible and trusted CBD brands, Purelix Wellness carefully follows the FDA guidelines concerning the marketing of CBD products and is committed to staying “ahead of the curve” when it comes to manufacturing processes, transparent lab testing and quality, CBD-rich formulas and products. As for the future, the FDA has stated that they “will continue to update the public as it learns more about CBD.
2. CBD WON’T HEAL A RUNNER’S INJURY
Just like relying upon ibuprofen before and after every run is a bad thing, taking CBD to relieve pain pre- or post-run shouldn’t be considered a total cure. CBD Is wonderful but it isn’t a cure for a runner’s knee or a sprain. You’re still going to have to take a break from running to actually heal injuries and masking chronic pain with any type of pain reliever is a recipe for long-term, exercise-ending disaster.
3. IF YOU ARE DRUG TESTED, BE SURE TO USE THC-FREE PRODUCTS
Choosing a form of CBD should be a personal decision based upon lifestyle and chemical makeup. Some people, whether it be for professional or personal reasons, are uncomfortable using products that contain THC. They still, however, want to experience all of the perks offered by a phytocannabinoid-rich oil. THC-free broad spectrum products are, for
many, the smartest and most effective option. Here at Purelix Wellness our products are created using an extraction process perfected over time with a focus on providing the public the finest THC-free CBD in the marketplace.
4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE CHOOSING A CBD BRAND
Since CBD has only been considered “mainstream” for the past two years most shoppers don’t really know how to choose a safe and effective CBD brand. In addition, because there aren’t any definitive and long-standing laws surrounding the manufacturing and marketing of CBD, there are numerous manufacturers in the marketplace that are selling ineffective, unsafe products. Obviously we think Purelix Wellness offers the best but we also recognize that there are many other brands that follow the same high standards. Don’t trust CBD products that you find for sale in gas stations. You’ll probably pay less but you may also end up dosing yourself with added chemicals and other unknown substances or just ingest something with little to no CBD content.
And make sure you choose a brand that can prove quality and exhibits complete transparency in their manufacturing practices. An informed CBD consumer will soon learn that the best brands offer premium CBD sourced from reputable farms and extracted using the best technology.
CBD can, and does, change lives and those of us who are dedicated to helping our customers get the most from our products are more than willing to share our practices and processes with the World.
