I’m not a runner, but in the spirit of marathon season I tried CBD-fueled runs—here’s what happened

February 11, 2020 at 10:30AM by CWC

I won’t lie to you, I’m that person who peeks out from under my blankets to look out the window at passing runners, wondering why on earth they chose to leave their warm homes to go for a run outside.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy exercising. I’ve played soccer my whole life, and I take part in group workout classes regularly. But setting out on the open pavement just to run? Doesn’t exactly strike my fancy.

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But, after spending a recent afternoon getting lost in an internet wormhole of inspirational running stories related to the upcoming Los Angeles Marathon, I somehow found myself lacing up my sneakers and jogging down to the path near my apartment. (If you’re ever lacking in workout motivation, I highly recommend this tactic, because clearly it worked on me.)

One unpleasant element of running I was quickly reminded of by my sore calves and tight hamstrings? The importance of recovery. Determined not to let soreness get in the way of my new workout of choice (the inspo was real, y’all), I decided to dabble in a new trend I’d been hearing about: Topical CBD for running.

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I’m no stranger to CBD skin care, but for more intel on its connection to workout recovery, I asked Kerrigan Behrens—co-founder and co-CEO at Sagely Naturals—for her take on how to use CBD to keep my muscles happy after pounding the pavement for several miles.

“Recovery is imperative for runners, regardless of their level, [because] allowing your body proper recovery time helps eliminate injuries, burnout, and overall exhaustion,” Behrens says. “CBD is a powerful plant-based ally that helps keep your body in balance so you can perform at your optimal level.”

Now, I don’t expect myself to go run a marathon any time soon, but since my previous attempts at getting into a running rhythm have definitely ended in burnout and exhaustion, I decided to give the CBD approach a try. So I slathered on Sagely Naturals Relief & Recovery Cream and Spray, and with that, I was off.

Keep scrolling to find out how I used CBD for running, and see if I became an official convert.

How I prepped

Like I mentioned earlier, I play soccer, and during a game you run an average of five to seven miles. Having just signed up for a new league, this self-imposed running challenge came at a great time to help build up my endurance. However, my knees have been bothering me lately, so I gave them extra attention with Sagely Naturals Relief & Recovery Spray prior to my running sessions.

Spritzing it on pre-run was an intentional recommendation from Behrens, as the ingredients in the spray (hemp-derived broad spectrum CBD grown in the United States and peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils) work together to provide a cooling sensation that’s designed to warm up your body (or in my case, my wonky knee) before getting your sweat on.

“For a lot of people, it can take a few minutes—or even a few miles!—to really feel like their body is warmed up and ready to perform,” Behrens says. “Our Relief & Recovery Cream and Spray provide an instant cooling sensation that helps rejuvenate your body and helps you reach that warmed-up sweet spot much faster.”

How I recovered

At the end of my next few runs, my knees felt so much better than they normally would after jogging in the freezing cold, which I attributed to the recovery spray. However, my quads and ankles were still feeling achy from the frigid air and the sudden bursts of movement. That’s when my (second) ultimate recovery tool entered the scene: Sagely Naturals Relief & Recovery Cream.

The cream is applied like a moisturizer, so post-run I rubbed it onto my sore spots, and quickly became a firm believer that everyone should get on board with post-workout mini massages (it felt that good). Not only did it fill my nostrils with a delightful peppermint scent, but it also left a refreshing sensation from quads to toes—making me feel like I was beginning the recovery process on demand.

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Like the spray, the cream contains hemp-derived CBD and peppermint oil, but the differentiating ingredient is the soothing argan oil (hence the massage-like element). “Argan oil is rich in vitamins that help moisturize your skin, which is especially wonderful in the dry winter months,” Behrens adds. Confirmed: Using CBD for running has helped convert me into a person who chooses to run.

Sponsored by Sagely Naturals

Top photo: MIHAJLO CKOVRIC/Stocksy

Author Alex Taylor | Well and Good
Selected by CWC