Running Sober vs. High on Marijuana: How Weed Affects Your Workout
As the cultural and legal landscape surrounding cannabis continues to shift, many fitness enthusiasts are exploring its potential role in exercise routines. A growing number of runners are experimenting with cannabis use before workouts, sparking debates about its impact on physical performance. Does it enhance the experience or hinder results? This article delves into the science behind running sober versus running high, examining how cannabis affects endurance, focus, and overall workout performance.
The Basics of Running Sober
Running sober has long been the standard approach for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Without external substances, runners rely on their natural physical and mental capacities to perform. This approach offers several benefits:
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Uninterrupted Focus
When running sober, the mind remains clear, allowing athletes to concentrate fully on their pace, breathing, and surroundings. This mental clarity can be crucial for maintaining proper form and achieving peak performance.
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Enhanced Physical Awareness
Sober running promotes a strong connection between the mind and body. Runners can accurately gauge their exertion levels, recognize signs of fatigue, and adjust their intensity accordingly.
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Consistent Performance
Without the influence of substances, sober runners experience consistent physical responses to training. This consistency makes it easier to track progress, set realistic goals, and develop effective workout plans.
The Basics of Running High
Running high involves consuming cannabis before a workout, typically through smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles. Advocates claim that cannabis can enhance the running experience in various ways:
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Pain Management
Cannabis is known for its analgesic properties, which can help reduce muscle soreness and joint pain. Some runners report that cannabis allows them to push through discomfort and extend their workouts.
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Altered Perception
Cannabis can create a sense of euphoria or relaxation, often referred to as a “runner’s high.” For some, this altered perception makes running feel more enjoyable and less monotonous.
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Improved Creativity and Flow
Cannabis may enhance the brain’s ability to enter a state of flow, where the runner feels deeply immersed in the activity. This can lead to creative thinking and a stronger connection to the running experience.
The Science of Cannabis and Exercise
To understand the effects of cannabis on running, it’s essential to examine its active compounds and how they interact with the body.
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The Role of THC and CBD
Cannabis contains two primary compounds that affect physical and mental states which are:
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THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive component responsible for the “high.” THC alters perception, mood, and coordination.
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CBD (cannabidiol): A non-psychoactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The ratio of THC to CBD in a cannabis product significantly influences its effects on a workout. Products high in THC may impair coordination, while CBD-dominant options can provide relief from pain and inflammation without causing a high.
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Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating mood, pain, and inflammation. Cannabis interacts with this system, potentially enhancing its natural functions. For instance, the endocannabinoids released during exercise are thought to contribute to the “runner’s high.”
Benefits of Running High
Proponents of running high argue that cannabis offers unique benefits that can enhance the workout experience:
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Pain Relief and Recovery
Cannabis’s analgesic properties make it an attractive option for runners dealing with chronic pain or soreness. By reducing discomfort, it allows athletes to train longer and recover faster.
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Enhanced Enjoyment
For some, running high turns a mundane workout into an enjoyable experience. The euphoric effects of THC can make runners feel more motivated and engaged.
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Stress Reduction
Cannabis’s calming effects can help reduce pre-run anxiety, particularly for individuals preparing for races or long-distance runs. This relaxation can improve performance by preventing tension and overexertion.
Should You Try Running High?
If you’re considering running high, it’s essential to approach it with caution. Start with a low dose of cannabis in a safe and familiar environment. Pay attention to how your body responds and avoid using cannabis before races or high-stakes training sessions.
Risks and Drawbacks of Running High
Despite its potential benefits, running high comes with significant risks that runners should consider:
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Impaired Coordination and Reaction Time
THC can impair motor skills and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of injuries or accidents during a run. This is especially dangerous for outdoor runners navigating traffic or uneven terrain.
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Altered Perception of Effort
Cannabis may distort a runner’s perception of effort, leading them to overexert or underestimate their limits. This can result in fatigue, dehydration, or even injury.
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Respiratory Issues
Smoking or vaping cannabis before running can irritate the lungs and reduce oxygen intake, negatively affecting endurance and performance.
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Legal and Ethical Concerns
In regions where cannabis use is prohibited, running high may carry legal consequences. Additionally, athletes competing in regulated events risk disqualification if cannabis use violates anti-doping rules.
Comparing the Two (Running sober vs high)
Performance: Running sober often leads to more predictable performance, as cannabis can either enhance or hinder depending on tolerance and strain.
Safety: While weed may reduce pain, it can impair judgment, making it harder to gauge limits or react to sudden changes in the environment.
Mental State: Some runners find that cannabis helps them relax and overcome pre-run anxiety, while others feel it clouds their mental clarity.
Conclusion
The decision to run sober or high is deeply personal and depends on individual preferences, goals, and circumstances. Running sober offers consistency, clarity, and safety, making it ideal for competitive athletes and those focused on measurable progress. On the other hand, running high can enhance enjoyment, reduce pain, and provide a unique mental experience, making it appealing for recreational runners.
Ultimately, the key is to approach cannabis use thoughtfully and responsibly. Whether you choose to lace up your running shoes sober or high, prioritizing safety and listening to your body will help ensure a rewarding workout experience.
RUNNERS AND MARIJUANA, READ ON...
HOW DOES A RUNNER'S HIGH REALLY WORK? CLICK HERE!
