Cannabis Athlete Takes 3 Titles in 1 Race
On March 7th, 2020, Christopher Gorney competed in the Trail Trashed Marathon in Las Vegas, NV, hosted by the Triple Dare Running Company. When he crossed the finish line he took 1st Place overall, became a marathon state champion, and set a new course record of 3:51:00. Chris is an athlete who incorporates cannabis into his training and recovery, and he operates his own cannabis positive outdoor adventure company, Mountain High Adventures. We spoke with Chris about his experience and here is what he has to say about his recent accomplishments.
Antonio: “How did it feel to take 1st place, become a state champion, and set a course record all in one race?”
Chris: “It felt great! This was my first win ever in a trail race, so it felt extra good. The state championship was some random thing. The race was sanctioned by a road running organization, so there was an extra award for winning. As for the course record, that was what I was really after. I was stoked to finish in the fastest time ever on that course.”
Antonio: “Was there any specific part of your physical training you feel helped you?”
Chris: “I had been training pretty hard leading up to the race and I had seen myself getting faster. I have been running with a small group on Tuesday mornings and they run pretty fast. I have made an effort to go almost every Tuesday this year, and we normally run 10-11 miles at a good pace. I think having a consistent run each week like that to keep me accountable was great. Of course I was running several times a week in addition to that, but again, consistency is key.”
Antonio: “What was your mindset throughout the race?”
Chris: “I took the lead from the beginning. The start was kind of awkward and I led right from the gun. After a short 1/4 mile climb there was a long sustained downhill. That is my strength. I decided to really bomb the downhill and see if anyone wanted to run hard. They let me go, so I figured I would just keep my foot on the gas the whole time and try to extend my lead.”
Antonio: “Was cannabis part of your training or recovery for the race, and if so, how?”
Chris: “Cannabis is always part of my training and recovery. I am a medical marijuana patient and I use cannabis for other health related issues, but it also helps a ton with training. It delivers tons of focus and pain relief on my longer runs allowing me to train harder and longer. I use CBD to help with my recovery after workouts and long runs. Cannabis also helps me rest and sleep better. I generally smoke some flower before I run, and then again after I finish to help my body jump start into recovery.”
Antonio: “What advice do you have for other trail runners?”
Chris: “If you want to become a good trail runner you have to get used to being outside in the elements. If you let the conditions become an excuse as to why you aren't training enough you will struggle. If you want to become a really strong trail runner then start climbing mountains. The more vertical gain the better. After you do that, running flat and hilly trails will be a piece of cake.”
Check out his video recap here below!