When to train with a common cold, When do you take time off?
1. Symptoms below the neck:
- Chest cold
- Bronchial infection
- Body aches
2. Symptoms above the neck:
- Running nose
- Stuffiness
- Sneezing
If you Answered #2, Symptoms above the neck – you are correct.
According to research from David Neiman, a Ph.D at Appalachian State University, he found that symptoms below the neck require time off, while symptoms above the neck don’t pose a risk to runners continuing their workouts.
Temperature Control
If you’re in doubt whether it’s safe to run or not, take your temperature. If it’s above 99 degrees, skip your run. Your health & safety comes first. (keep in mind, running won’t help your immune system fight the fever). Running with a fever makes the fever and flu-like symptoms worse, which may lead to other complications. When training, your heart pumps a large amount of blood from your muscles to your skin, dissipating the heat your body generates. If you have a fever, your temperature will rise and your heart will be put under greater strain, keeping your temperature from rising. (in some this can produce an irregular heartbeat).
When all Fails ~ Listen to your body and your healthcare provider
There are many races but there’s only one of you. Listen to your body and if something feels “off” take the time to recoup and rest and get checked out by your healthcare provider.
“Heart Pumping
Muscles Burning
Feet Aching
Lungs Screaming for Air
With nothing to Spare
Oh Yeah, we Run for Fun”