Triathletes compete in an endurance sport that is both physically and mentally challenging. We regularly deal with injuries, lack of sleep, muscle soreness, fatigue and pre-race anxiety. All of these factors are likely to, and often do, impact how well we train and compete. CBD is increasingly being used as a tool to aid faster recovery from such ailments as well as for supporting general health and well-being.
Studies have shown that CBD can indeed reduce inflammation, pain and muscle soreness. It is also helpful for promoting restful sleep and improving mood and focus, all of which are hugely beneficial to staying injury-free, supporting effective training, and leading to better race day results.
Lack of sleep may result in decreased performance and increased risk of injury and illness. Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, typically peak in the morning and decrease throughout the day, but it’s been shown that people struggling to sleep may have high cortisol levels at night. There are many studies now focused on the effects CBD has on sleep. Research indicates that cortisol levels decrease when taking CBD oil, suggesting that CBD can act as a sedative and promote a relaxed state.
CBD may also aid in post-workout recovery. Muscle fibres can get damaged during intense training and the body tries to repair the damage, which in turn can lead to stiffness and muscle soreness. CBD is known to have potent antioxidant activity and can be a viable option to treat the inflammation in the body that is commonly seen post-workout.
CBD has also been shown to have a positive effect on mental alertness. In the past, many triathletes have relied on energy drinks, gels or caffeine to boost alertness and energy levels. The main ingredient being caffeine, which, when taken in excess, can have negative effects on the body such as anxiety, dehydration and headaches. The advantage of using CBD over caffeine alternatives for energy restoration, is that CBD has no known side effects or withdrawal symptoms.