When I first started cannabis infusing my morning running routines, I had no idea how revolutionary the ritual would become for me and the team at Trip Longer.
Two years into my #trailrunning pursuits, I can whole heartedly say that cannabis infused trail running has allowed me to become a better, stronger, fitter runner by helping me challenge my mindset and push past personal boundaries and mental limitations while exponentially speeding up the time needed to recovery from long runs and challenging climbs.
Fuelling my morning runs with a sativa dominant, cannabis infused tinctured dropped gracefully into my MCT laden Bulletproof-esque coffee helps me shift my reluctant morning perspective from, "I don't think I want to run today" to "See you on the trails" with the slightest of ease.
I've tried many different kinds of edibles, tinctures, flowers and concentrates and I've loved them all for different reasons. I am currently dabbling with the Zelly's Gift strain made into Phoenix Tears. I can't wait to write up a review.
One of my personal favourite tinctures so far has been a Zelly's Gift tincture, suspended in MCT oil, quick, easy and very uplifting, but I haven't found a tincture that allows me to dose a small enough quantity that it doesn't affect the taste of my delicious morning brew. But alas, the day will come.
So, I wanted to use the post to introduce YOU to a few ways you can cannabis infuse your first trail run. But, before we get there. Let's talk basics. Every human is an individual, and thus everyone is affected differently. There is no one way, no right way, no only way, there is only what works for you, so let this be a loose guideline and don't forget to listen to your self (and give your experience value).
Combining cardio and cannabis ain't for everyone, and as Jim McAlpine puts it, "It’s not the plant that holds people back — it’s their lifestyle, and they need to rearrange their priorities." So make sure to walk before you run, both literally and figuratively (warm ups are crucial) but we mean, make sure you're in a place where you feel it's a good idea to physically start running.
My personal trail running career took over three years to build into, from walking around the trails to afternoon hikes to day hikes to overnight hikes to interval jogging for 1 km and walking for 1 km to running 2km then 3km and so on, these things don't happen overnight (and yes, I used cannabis for all of those listed above and had some sober runs too!)
Now, onto the hot tips . . .
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT DAY
If you've never infused your flow states or fitness with cannabis, choose a day where there isn't too much on your to-do list, this will give your mind the reassurance and space it needs to deal with any potential concern or anxiety you might have lingering around before you go and allow you the time needed afterwards to process and sort the experience.
Days away from work, holidays and weekends are usually a good place to start.
- CHOOSE A TRAIL/ROUTE YOU KNOW
It's easier to decipher if trail running with cannabis is beneficial to you if you run something you are already familiar with so that you can compare notes to running it with and also without cannabis. Remember, there is no wrong answer.
Also, running something you are familiar with can help you surrender to the focus and flow that the cannabis can help you harness all while narrows down your chances of getting lost (though that can be fun, too).
- START SLOW & LOW
There's no reason to try to be a high dose hero and eat the whole brownie, smoke the whole joint, fill the whole dropper or rip the biggest dab before you hit the trails.
The idea here is that a LITTLE goes a LONG way. Read: MICRODOSING. This looks different for everyone but we recommend starting as low as a 2.5mg dose of edibles or tinctures, a SINGLE puff off a joint or a method of consumption that you prefer that is the equivalent of this.
As you develop a knack for cannabis infused running you can minx around with strains and consumption methods to see what works for you. As for consumption methods, edibles and tinctures tend to take longer to kick in and the effects on the body last longer, smoking fresh flowers kicks in right smartly and depending on the strain is more of a head high but doesn't last quite as long. Ask yourself what kind of experience you want?
- SKIP THE MUSIC & TUNE IN TO YOU
Music can be a great addition to a trail run if you're in the right surroundings (read: not in bear-ritory) and a good head space, but it can also take away from your present experience and your running rhythm (especially if you're jumping over roots and rocks).
I find it easier and safer to stay tuned into myself and my breathing (which is super duper important) if our ears are open.
- STRETCH & PROCESS AFTERWARDS
Set your phone timer for 15 minutes and find yourself a nice place to stretch. Stretching all warmed up is key and it will help move the lactic acid around. If you feel the need for another puff or two to help hone you into the stretch zone, now is a good time.
The mellow stretch zone allows you to listen to your body and notice how it's feeling and what it's saying and to start processing your experience. Try not to rush this phase or exclude it all together.
Happy Trails & Stay Rad.
Trip Longer