Horrible timing!! :(

supersarah14
supersarah14 Posts: 170
edited September 21 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone!

So, I have my first 5k this weekend!! I'm super excited and I'm really looking forward to the experience. However, two days ago my allergies went wild! :noway: Now, I don't feel horrible/sick, but I can't breath and my head has been feeling like it's about to explode. I'm incredibly frustrated!! :mad: I really wanted this to be a fun experience but unless this clears up, I know I'm going to be miserable the entire time.

Do you guys have any tips or advice about running/working out like this? Or is there something I can do the day of the race to help me get through it with a smile on my face? I'm going to the gym tonight and I'm going to use the eliptical (I don't think hopping up and down on the treadmil is going to work...trust me) and I have to do something. It will be interesting...I'm tying to figure out how NOT to gross out everyone in my gym.

Lucky its supposed to rain tomorrow, so hopefully it will clear out the pollen. But I've just worked so hard for this and the idea that it might not be the experience that I was hoping it would be is really getting me down. :cry:

Replies

  • lvfunandfit
    lvfunandfit Posts: 654 Member
    Have you tried taking Claritin?
    Try a hot shower the night before and irrigate your sinuses (netty pot). Drink lots of water... good luck!
  • supersarah14
    supersarah14 Posts: 170
    Actually I tried Claritin today...I didn't help at all. I don't know why. And I've never tried a netty pot. Does it work? They always kinda freaked me out...haha.
  • lilchino4af
    lilchino4af Posts: 1,292 Member
    I know your pain - I'm going through the exact same thing right now with allergies (no 5K tho)! I find that running actually opens up my sinuses and I don't have an issue. It's when I stop and sit down that I plug right up :laugh: I use Zyrtec D for my allergy pill during the day and use a nasal spray at night to help me sleep. If you're worried about not being able to breathe while running, then consider a nasal spray; but take the pill too - it'll help dry you up so your nose doesn't keep running :wink:
  • sheenmarie3
    sheenmarie3 Posts: 38 Member
    I take "generic claritin" and I usually have to take it for several days until I see a difference.
  • girlruns
    girlruns Posts: 344
    I agree with lilchino, running always clears me up. I've never had bad allergies, but I have run with head colds, and it just disappears while I run. Good luck!!
  • melodyg
    melodyg Posts: 1,423 Member
    Oh, no! I am impressed you are working out! Zyrtec or Allegra (but I think you need a prescription for Allegra) always seem to work better than Claritin for me for allergy symptoms (the itchy eyes/ears/throat and hayfever). It sounds like you might be dealing with some sinus issues on top of that. For sinus, I usually do Sudafed. There is also an OTC nasal spray you can use but I can't think of the name of it... maybe check with the pharmacist for one that you can use for the season (that is non habit-forming because many nasal sprays are notorious for causing more problems than they solve).

    Besides those... drink plenty of water and try to get as much rest as you can. I hope it works and you feel better soon!
  • casshole
    casshole Posts: 68 Member
    I dont have allergies, so I guess I cant really understand what its like, but one of my friends have tried some saline nasal spray, even from the dollar store. Good Luck, and if it gets really bad, there will always be other races...you'll blow 'em away! :happy:
  • supersarah14
    supersarah14 Posts: 170
    Thanks guys!

    I hate running on a treadmil but maybe if I'm lucky, fingers crossed, it'll rain! Then the pollen count will be zero and I can still go for a run outside tonight. :happy:

    If not...thank goodness I updated my Ipod!! :wink:
  • gecallo
    gecallo Posts: 135
    Whenever I get stuffy I do a nasal irrigation (salt water flush). It can be messy but it always works for me. Some of the side effects of those over-the-counters are drowsiness and tiredness, not exactly beneficial to a 5k :o]
  • smuehlbauer
    smuehlbauer Posts: 1,041 Member
    Claritin and a breath right strip for the race!
    Good luck!
  • nehtaeh
    nehtaeh Posts: 2,849 Member
    I have a netipot but have yet to use it. It still kinda freaks me out a bit.

    However, I've heard wonderful things about it. Really, I rarely run across anyone who it doesn't help. Its worth a shot, right?

    They say that the first time feels a bit odd but after that a lot of people get hooked.
  • stratdl
    stratdl Posts: 303 Member
    Well, if you do decide to run the 5K, just bring along a hankie or two. I know it might be gross to you, but if your sinuses start to drain, give 'em a good blow and then tuck the hankie somewhere. I know that running seems to inspire my nose to run sometimes, but by the time I'm done, I'm all kinds of cleaned out.

    Good luck in your decision! And your 5K if you run it!!!

    :flowerforyou:
  • gmvanloo
    gmvanloo Posts: 100 Member
    Actually I tried Claritin today...I didn't help at all. I don't know why. And I've never tried a netty pot. Does it work? They always kinda freaked me out...haha.

    I think Zrytec is supposed to work better the Claritan so maybe try that.

    I was scared to death of a Sinus Rinse but it is great. I actually use what they call a Nelimed. Same idea but it's a bottle and you squeeze instead of having to tip year head sideways to tip the pot in. It's really easy and it's not as creepy was it sounds. You can get it at any pharmacy and it's only like $10.

    My allergies have been crazy this week and I've been doing the Nelimed morning and night and I'm much better. Just make sure you do it a few hours before bedtime so you can give it time to do it's thing.

    Also if you heat up the water for about 12-15 seconds it feels a bit better.
  • lvfunandfit
    lvfunandfit Posts: 654 Member
    Actually I tried Claritin today...I didn't help at all. I don't know why. And I've never tried a netty pot. Does it work? They always kinda freaked me out...haha.

    Try zyrtec then.. I prefer allegra but yes, you do need a prescription.

    I was freaked out by irrigating my sinuses too, but it helps get the pollen outta there! =) When I run everything seems to come out. make sure to bring tissue.
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    I cannot sing the praises of the neti pot enough. I have recently turned several people onto it and everyone loves it. It is totally weird at first, I was completely freaked by it. My husband promised it would be ok, so I tried it. I live in central Texas where allergies go crazy in the winter and it made it totally bearable. Plus, it's drug free! That is always a good thing! Good luck with your race! And yes, carry a tissue!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories