Running while sick/congested?

SquishyLaughter
SquishyLaughter Posts: 124 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Its almost Wednesday. I run on Wednesdays. However, I am started to get congested. I am not sure whether it is from allergies or from getting sick, or caused by stress.

Can I still run, just maybe only run at 60%?

I am in the middle of a C25K, so with that I'd probably repeat this week next if I can only do 60%.

Or should I just not run at all and start again when the congestion is gone?

Replies

  • haleyjoyy
    haleyjoyy Posts: 10
    You need to listen to your body and make that judgement based on how you feel. I was feeling sick last week but i kept working out and doing my cardio, come Saturday morning I wake up with strep throat, and have been bed ridden since. Its probably a good idea to take it easy because the last thing you want it to make your condition worse. Maybe go on a walk?
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    The general rule of thumb is that any sickness from the neck or above (sinus, ear, throat etc) you are fine to keep working out if you feel up to it. If it is below the neck, like a chest cold, you should probably give it a rest until you're well again.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    It depends on what kind of sick. if you're just a little stuffy, you could try running but keep it slow or even cut down on the length or number of your running intervals, especially if you can't breathe as well.

    When you're actually sick, especially with any kind of infection, it's best to rest. If you must exercise, do something more low key like walking.
  • SquishyLaughter
    SquishyLaughter Posts: 124 Member
    The general rule of thumb is that any sickness from the neck or above (sinus, ear, throat etc) you are fine to keep working out if you feel up to it. If it is below the neck, like a chest cold, you should probably give it a rest until you're well again.

    At the moment it is just a head cold, and thats all I usually get. I get sick a few times a year, but usually not very severely. I'll see how I feel tomorrow and hope that it hasn't dropped below the neck.
  • skippygirlsmom
    skippygirlsmom Posts: 4,433 Member
    I wasn't feeling good a few weeks back, like you mentioned congested. After a couple days of my normal run (usually 3 miles) in the Southern heat I was feeling almost 100% back to normal. I figured I sweat it out. However, I would do what my body is telling me it needs. Mine was saying "I'm okay with this" so I kept going.
  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    As long as it's just your nose, you and your nose can be running together ;) (YAY PUNS) On times like these, I'll bring some tissues with me (I have a waterbottle with a pocket on it). I just got over an extended bout of nose-centric allergies, so I feel your pain. However, if your congestion spreads to a thick cough, I'd recommend a few days' rest.
  • sloseph
    sloseph Posts: 157 Member
    i read a while ago that you're ok as long as it's just a cold and nothing more server, check to see if you have a temperature before you go running, you don't want to be overheating

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