Should I or shouldn't I?

bigbeff

I am due to be running a half marathon on Sunday but I have been suffering an earache the last couple of days and a sore throat. I think I should withdraw, but I have trained so hard. Am hoping it'll clear up tomorrow. What would you do?

mineownself

I was once told if the illness is above the shoulders - ie: nasal congestion - go ahead and exercise - but if it's below the shoulders - ie: chest congestion, abdominal aka diarrea, cramps - then better to rest.

This was OLD advise and not sure if it still holds true - I don't get sick much.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

jessmastrilli

I would!

juliep1974

I was told the same advice as the poster above. I'd see how you feel and make the decision on race day. I'm also training for a half marathon - I had to withdraw from my first attempt due to a stress fracture 2 weeks before race day - so I know how hard it is to put in all the work and not got to cross the finish line. Drink lots of fluids and sleep as much as you can. Good luck and I hope you feel better.

HollisGrant

I am due to be running a half marathon on Sunday but I have been suffering an earache the last couple of days and a sore throat. I think I should withdraw, but I have trained so hard. Am hoping it'll clear up tomorrow. What would you do?

I would think about infecting other people as well as making myself sicker. Are you running fever? I think they say you are contagious 24 hours after the fever stops.

Last week I had a sore throat that was going into my ears plus I felt wiped out. I stayed home from work, rested, and ate tons of steamed kale (kale is loaded with good things for your body -- and according to the Mayo Clinic, the kale has to be steamed, not boiled, to keep the nutrients). I threw off the sore throat in a day and felt normal in 2 days. Good luck.

9jenn9

Go ahead and run, but couldn't hurt to get to a minute clinic. If you've got an ear infection brewing, some antibiotics asap will help you feel better quickly.