New to running

Hi guys,
I've recently taken up running and have been doing pretty well (I think lol). The only problem I have had is a seem to keep catching the cold! I'm taking multivitamins, have changed my diet and I am generally looking after myself much better than before.
Has anyone else has this problem and if so what did you do to stop it happening?
Thanks

Replies

  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    Sounds like coincidence, but I guess it's possible that you are pushing too hard and are a bit rundown. I'd be thinking more about where I'm picking it up...grocery store carts, my friend with a child in daycare etc.
  • bigislandryan
    bigislandryan Posts: 18 Member
    Yes, generally weakened immune system, it sounds like, so make sure you're getting enough sleep at night. Also, could just be coincidence!? Or you could be "purging" old energy that needs to get out of your body, and symptomatically perhaps its similar to a cold, but not. ? Just some thoughts.
  • Paul_Carcone
    Paul_Carcone Posts: 11 Member
    I would tend to agree that it's just coincidence. However, if you are running a lot, do make sure that you're getting enough carbs and that you're properly fuelled for your runs. I do the (occasional) ultramarathon and my performance really suffers if I've not eaten properly - or if I deliberately underfuel myself. Also, perhaps make sure that you've given your body enough recovery fuel (protein and some 'good' carbohydrate) quickly after your run.

    Also, are you stretching to get the lactic and other toxins out of your system? Saunas are also good if you're a gym member (or at least don't let yourself get cold after a run).

    Hydration (both re- and pre-) is also key - but that's a given!

    (I follow all of the above quite rigidly (well...apart from the stretching - that's always a little hurried) and I've not really had a cold for two years - despite having a 5 year old permanently bringing back who-knows-what from school!)
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    Could be coincidence but there are studies that show long distance runners do get sick more often.

    https://runnersconnect.net/running-training-articles/running-and-getting-sick-part-ii/

    FWIW, since I started training again 18 months ago I have not been sick. This could also be coincidence...
    pncarcone wrote: »

    Also, are you stretching to get the lactic and other toxins out of your system? Saunas are also good if you're a gym member (or at least don't let yourself get cold after a run).

    Huh? Explain please.
  • mom3over40
    mom3over40 Posts: 253 Member
    It happened to me when I first started running too. My friends jokingly (in a nice way) said it was because I had less fat in my system to keep me warm :)

    Kidding aside, having more sleep keep me from getting the runny nose again. I think the body just need more rest in the beginning to adjust to the routine. Once I can call myself running regularly, I don't need extra sleep. But I do when I start increasing my mileage progressively again. Hope this helps.