Running with the cold/flu during winter

faithyang

Hi all,

This may seem quite straight forward but I'd like to know your thoughts and obviously those who have gone through similar experiences.

My throat started acting up on me last night with some discomfort when swallowing and I realised it may be the onset of a flu or a cold coming up due to getting caught in the rain during a one of my running sesh in winter (5-9 degree celcius temp in the morning)

I woke up this morning with a body ache - not severe, just a somewhat noticeable body ache and fatigue, and pain when swallowing like there's a lump in my throat. So it seems like I was coming up with a cold either then or soon.

It was the coldest morning in winter this morning so my hubby told me not to go out for my run because if I ran out in the cold while sort of in this "sick" limbo I'll definitely either fall into a full blown cold or just get more sick. That would be the pits and put me off for another week. The last time I didn't listen to him I ended up not being able to run for 3 weeks and had the worst time making up for it in the gym with ellipticals and cycling because of a foot injury. I hate gyms - felt like a hamster on a wheel.

So I didn't go.

Cue a few hours later and I'm feeling a little better, if not definitely not at a 100%. I know its not a full blown cold yet but my mind is still a little groggy, body a little fatigued - it's noticeable. I don't know if it's fatigue from working out while trying to gain weight here, or its really the onset of a cold.

My question is: Should I go out jogging and continue my running routine tomorrow + add the make up day as well during the week? Or should I take a bit of a cue and just rest up for the rest of the week and get back into the routine next week?

I've got 2 more workouts to go for the week, and of course it's bothering me that I won't be able to finish it off, so I'd like your input.

3dogsrunning

My rule, if it's from the neck up, I go, ie like a stuffy nose, etc. Neck down, I don't.

A little fatigue I might try and see how I feel. If I am legit fatigued, I just rest.

faithyang

3dogsrunning wrote: »

My rule, if it's from the neck up, I go, ie like a stuffy nose, etc. Neck down, I don't.

A little fatigue I might try and see how I feel. If I am legit fatigued, I just rest.

Thanks @3dogsrunning, that is a good rule of thumb!

I'll take a rest for today because I sunburn easily and don't go out running at night for safety's sake (I try not to go to the gyms unless I really have to!).

I'll see how I feel tomorrow morning and if my fatigue is negligible I'll continue my run sesh and make up today's the day after.

Patttience

You sound sick and run down already. Do'nt go and listen to your good husband. He was right before. Running will only add more strain to your immune system.

Also body ache is not a cold. Its more like a flu thing.