How can CBD improve my running?
The moment I turned 30, I became anxious about my health. Although I do believe that age is just a number, nature does not always agree. I decided to take up running because it was easy to do… so I thought.
"Now when I’m running, my joints are far less of a distraction."
My joints did not agree with the new strain I was putting on my body. I was really hurting. Some days, hip and knee pain were overwhelming that I had to stop. Muscle soreness was so bad the next day I could barely walk. I stretched, limbered up, did everything I thought was right. But still, I was in a lot of pain. The only solution I found online was that a lot of runners take Advil or Ibuprofen to manage the pain. That sounded awful. I wanted to run so I could get healthy. Not take drugs and still have to run. I began to hate my decision to start in the first place.
So Long Pill Popping
When I spoke to my doctor during a routine checkup, I mentioned the miserable time I was having. He began to school me on inflammation. How everything I was feeling was caused by inflammation. And that runners didn’t just take Advil and Ibuprofen for pain, but more specifically to reduce inflammation which in turn reduces pain. Being the great doctor that he is, rather than recommending a prescription drug, he told me to try CBD.
He also reminded me as a warning, there’s a difference between inflammation and injury. You need to listen to your own body to know the difference. But if you are experiencing soreness, fatigue, and joint pain that comes and goes, the issue is more likely inflammation than anything else.
Not All CBD Is Equal
I was skeptical about CBD at first since every product on the market now has some type of CBD in it for one reason or another. But what I learned was that not all CBD is made the same. One thing to look out for is CBD Isolate, which has been found to do very little if not anything at all. It’s also the type of CBD that most random products put in their formula. Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum CBD is where it’s at. With more of the natural properties in the CBD, the effects are dramatically different in all the best ways possible. And the effect that I was looking for (anti-inflammation) was the one thing most experts agreed on as a known benefit of CBD. My next step was trying some product. Did you know that CBD is super bitter and kind of gross? Because I didn’t. I tried some tinctures and chalky drinks, but I could not force myself to do it regularly.
Then I discovered OFFFIELD. They focus entirely on making the best CBD products possible specifically for working out. Their Enhanced Hydration stick packs were pretty much made for me. Focused on hydration (which everyone needs) and packed with amazing vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, CBD and CBG, it gave me everything I needed for my run and then some. Best part, the flavor is great. Super subtle and not too sweet, unlike most sports drinks. And because of the other great ingredients, the bitterness of the CBD is balanced.
Enjoyment Leads To Improvement
Although I started taking OFFFIELD for inflammation, I found that my overall experience with it was better. My energy improved. My enjoyment for running improved. Now when I’m running, my joints are far less of a distraction. And when I’m waking up in the morning the next day, I feel young again. Because I agree, age is just a number.
A study titled “Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency” emphasizes the critical role of exercise enjoyment in promoting long-term adherence to fitness routines. It found that when individuals engage in exercise that aligns with their preferred intensity, they experience higher levels of enjoyment, leading to stronger exercise habits, more frequent workouts, and a greater intention to continue exercising.
Enjoyment acts as a motivating factor, reinforcing positive feelings and commitment to regular exercise. Tailoring workouts to match individual preferences for intensity can enhance the pleasure of exercise, ultimately fostering better engagement and sustainability in health club settings.
Another study found that cannabis may be a primary motivator for people to exercise more often because it elevates their enjoyment. This is a key factor for OFFFIELD, as we are endurance athletes in every sense of the word. We’re not just focused on getting to the finish line quicker in our next marathon, but also getting to the finish line way slower when it comes to life.
All of our products are formulated to activate your Endocannabinoid System, responsible for regulating mood during exercise. Our High Performance line of products, including Energy Gummies and Sports Drinks specifically focus on enjoyment as a key contributor to overall performance enhancement.
Have you ever heard of a molecule, Anandamide? It's a special chemical in your body known as the “bliss molecule,” that helps you feel happy and relaxed.
When you run or do lots of exercise, sometimes you get a great feeling afterward or during longer duration training. This is called the Runner's High (you may have noticed we’re obsessed with it). Scientists used to think this was only because of endorphins, which are like natural painkillers. But now they know anandamide, a cannabinoid we produce in our body, is also the primary reason for the effects in both mind and body.
Anandamide works by fitting into receptors throughout your body, kind of like a key fitting into a lock. When this happens, it makes you feel good… real good. Funny enough, these receptors are the same ones that react to the chemicals in cannabis, or phyto-cannabinoids. Although similar, Anandamide is created by your own body.
So next time you're out running and start to feel amazing, you can thank anandamide. And if you want to hit it a little earlier, you can try our products designed to mimic our best buddy Anandamide. You don’t have to thank us, but we do accept compliments.
A groundbreaking new study conducted by researchers at Washington State University has revealed several significant health benefits associated with cannabis use, including a reduced risk of anxiety and obesity, as well as enhanced memory function. The findings, published in *Scientific Reports*, offer fresh insights into how CBG may impact mental and physical health.
Key Findings
1. Reduction in Anxiety:
The study found that individuals who had used cannabis within the past month were 31% less likely to experience anxiety compared to non-users. Participants who consumed cannabis recently showed marked resilience to stress, with significantly lower anxiety levels during the trial. These findings suggest that, particularly CBG, may offer a natural and effective means of managing anxiety without the cognitive impairments often associated with traditional treatments [oai_citation:1,Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory - Neuroscience News] [oai_citation:2,CBG found to reduce anxiety and enhance memory in clinical trial]().
2. Lower Risk of Obesity:
Another surprising outcome of the study was the discovery that recent cannabis users were also 31% less likely to be obese. This finding challenges the common stereotype that cannabis use leads to weight gain due to increased appetite or "the munchies." Instead, the study suggests that cannabinoids may influence metabolism, appetite regulation, and energy balance in ways that contribute to a healthier weight profile [oai_citation:3,Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory - Neuroscience News] [oai_citation:4,CBG found to reduce anxiety and enhance memory in clinical trial]
3. Enhanced Memory Function:
In addition to reducing anxiety and obesity risk, the study found that CBG may enhance memory, particularly verbal recall. CBG appeared to improve participants' ability to remember and recall information. This finding could have significant implications for those seeking to manage anxiety without sacrificing cognitive function [oai_citation:5,CBG Shows Promise in Reducing Anxiety Without Intoxication - ScienceBlog.com]
Implications and Future Research:
These findings highlight the potential of cannabinoids like CBG in addressing some of the most pressing health concerns today, including anxiety disorders and obesity. As more people seek natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, the role of cannabis in health and wellness continues to expand. However, while these results are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to explore the long-term impacts of cannabis use on mental and physical health.
Future studies will likely focus on the physiological effects of cannabis, such as its impact on heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, as well as its broader implications for cognitive and metabolic health. Additionally, researchers are keen to investigate how different cannabinoids interact and what combinations might offer the most therapeutic benefits.
For those interested in exploring the details, the full study is available here [oai_citation:6,Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory - Neuroscience News] CBG found to reduce anxiety and enhance memory in clinical trial].
