Using CBD for Running Recovery

Alan Cruz|January 30, 2025

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or simply enjoy a morning jog, running can be tough on the body. From muscle fatigue to oxidative stress, the repetitive impact takes its toll.

For many people, CBD and running recovery have become synonymous. Athletes and runners alike are turning to CBD products as a natural way to support muscle relief and repair to keep them on their feet.

In this article, we’ll explore how CBD might benefit runners and share product recommendations to help keep you on your A-game.

What Happens to the Body During and After a Run?

During a run, your muscles contract repetitively, which can lead to micro-tears in the muscle fibers. While this is essential for building strength, it also causes muscle fatigue and soreness. At the same time, your body deals with inflammation and oxidative stress from physical exertion.

After a run, the recovery process begins. This includes repairing muscle fibers, replenishing energy stores, rehydrating, and managing physical stress. Stretching, refueling with proper nutrition, and staying hydrated is crucial for recovery, but many athletes are now adding CBD to their routine for extra support.

How CBD Works with the Body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is your body’s internal balance manager, working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. It helps maintain homeostasis (balance) in key systems that regulate sleep, mood, hunger, pain perception, and the immune response.

This system relies on a network of receptors throughout your brain, muscles, and immune system. When your body needs to adjust (for example, reduce inflammation or ease tight muscles), the ECS steps in to help.

CBD supports the ECS by interacting with its receptors, essentially giving your body’s balance system a gentle nudge. This interaction encourages the production of compounds that help regulate key processes, promoting a sense of harmony within your body.

While CBD doesn’t directly “fix” issues, it enhances your body’s ability to respond to challenges like muscle tension, inflammation, and stress, making it a valuable tool for overall wellness and recovery.

For runners, CBD can play a role in supporting your natural recovery process, helping with post-run fatigue, soreness, and overall recovery so you’re ready to hit the ground running again.

Benefits of CBD for Runners

Along with muscle recovery, CBD may also help reduce post-run anxiety and improve sleep quality, two crucial factors for overall athletic performance and recovery. Studies confirm CBD’s potential to promote relaxation and enhance recovery by improving sleep quality, essential for muscle repair [1].

Here are a few other benefits of CBD and running:

Perception of Muscle Tension: After a run, muscle tightness can leave you feeling stiff and uncomfortable. CBD may help alleviate the sensation of tension, making your recovery more comfortable.
Immune Support: Long runs and intense training can temporarily suppress the immune system, leaving runners more vulnerable to fatigue. CBD helps support balance in the ECS, which plays a key role in immune function, promoting overall wellness.
Stress Support: While running is an amazing stress reliever, it can trigger a stress response in the body. CBD can help calm your mind and reduce post-run restlessness so you can stay focused and relaxed.

Check out what runners are saying about VIIA’s CBD products

By incorporating CBD into your post-run recovery routine, you can support your body’s natural healing process, helping you bounce back stronger and faster.

How to Use CBD for Running Recovery

CBD can be a useful tool in your running recovery routine. Here are some tips on how to incorporate it for maximum benefit:

Post-Run: Take CBD after your run to help your muscles relax and ease any tension.
Before Bed: CBD can support better sleep and recovery. Taking a CBD product before bed may help reduce post-run restlessness, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep.
Daily Routine: Adding CBD to your daily wellness routine can help with ongoing stress management, immune support, and muscle recovery, even on non-running days.

Experimenting is critical to understanding what works best for you and your recovery.

VIIA’s Top Products For Post-Running Recovery

Not sure which CBD post-workout product is best for your lifestyle? Here are some of VIIA’s top CBD products for recovery and relief:

THC-Free – Revive Relief CBD Gummies: A THC-free option ideal for daily wellness, these gummies support recovery, promote relaxation, and keep you feeling balanced throughout your day without any psychoactive effects.
THC-Free – Flowstate Focus Gummies: A unique blend of CBG and CBD designed to boost focus and enhance recovery, perfect for when you need mental clarity along with physical relief.
Microdose & Medium Dose – Cloud 9 Relief Gummies: Perfect for post-run relaxation, these gummies combine THC and CBD to promote muscle relief and relaxation. Choose from 2mg, 5mg, and 10mg of THC per gummy, depending on your tolerance level and preference.
High-THC – Euphoria Hybrid Gummies: Formulated with 50mg of THC to help you ease your body and mind. Enjoy a relaxing, high-potency experience.
High-THC – Day Drift Hybrid Gummies: For the seasoned cannabis user, these potent gummies contain 100mg THC–the ultimate way to relax after an intense run.

Incorporating CBD into your routine could make all the difference in how you recover and feel after your runs.

Are CBD Products Legal and Safe for Runners?

Absolutely. Hemp-derived CBD products are federally legal, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. VIIA’s products are crafted with athletes in mind. Each batch is rigorously tested to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.

If you’re new to the world of cannabis, it’s important to start slow and go slow to understand how you react to different product types. For your own safety, it’s important to know the differences between THC and CBD and how long different cannabinoids last in your system.

Closing Thoughts: Why Runners Should Consider CBD

CBD for runners is a growing trend. Whether you’re managing post-run tension, seeking immune support, or just need to unwind, CBD offers a natural and effective way to enhance your recovery.

VIIA’s athlete-friendly products are an excellent place to start. From CBD gummies and topicals to drops, there’s something for every runner looking to recover smarter and feel their best.

Ready to upgrade your recovery routine? Shop VIIA’s Relief Collection and discover the difference CBD can make for your running journey.

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Resources:

J. A. McCartney, C. M. Stojanovich, and J. L. Ashton, "Cannabinoid use for the treatment of sports injuries: A review," J. Sports Sci. Med., vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 717-725, Dec. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8369499/. [Accessed: 22-Dec-2024].