DFW running club part 4!! ALL ARE WELCOME!!

beer_tins

I'll throw this question out there: when is it OK to start running again after a cold/flu?

When all of your symptoms are completely cleared?

Or is it OK to do some slow runs before then?

Personally, I always err on the side of caution and stick to walking until everything has cleared up completely.

beer_tins

pinkhayley789 wrote: »

yes, have just been running that bit further on one of my three runs of the week.

thank you for the words of encouragement cus even though I managed to finish the longer run yesterday, upon completion the words "never again" did pop into my head!

i know i can do it because last yr I ran 10k race but now I really dont know how I did it at all. sometimes i just think im not supposed to be a runner and that I should try and do something else instead!

i will stick with your plan and see where i end up!!
xxx

It does get easier. You've got to stick with it for several months at least. But I'm sure you will see improvements! Keep at it, I'm sure you'll thank yourself for it.

tirlittan

Good question. I'd like to know the answer as well. I have a bit of a runny nose, not too bad, but been doing my runs still. Today it's gotten bit worse and I'm supposed to do my 4mile run, is this advisable or should I just go and walk it instead?

becky_rtw

I always run if its in the head, but I wont run if I have laboured breathing (as I do now), I'll usually run on the last day of my cold but as BT says only slow runs - no speedwork until you are totally recovered.

Its a personal thing but if I'm out of breath walking then all running is going to do is push it deeper so I dont see any point, if I'm sniffling then I'll go because it usually helps clear it out

beer_tins

In my case I think the virus has gone, but I've still got phlegm etc. sitting in my lungs (too much detail?!). I know running too soon can cause a virus to be pushed deeper into your lungs and cause some (possibly permanent) damage. But if the virus has gone (and how do I know?) maybe a run is good in helping you clear everything out a bit. But I'm no doctor...

becky_rtw

I would wait BT - I know your itching to get out but you can damage your lungs and permently reduce your lung capacity buy running too soon if its been chesty!

tirlittan

No excuses for me tonight then as I'm only sniffling slightly...:rolleyes:

tirlittan

Is there anywhere you can test your lung capacity? I'd really like to know what mine is, just for fun. Sometimes I feel it's not very good..:(

becky_rtw

You can do the airflow meter thing at the docs, but I think thats if they suspect you of having asthma - you know what though - running makes it better so keep at it and your lung capacity will increase (well VO2 max will anyway)

beer_tins

becky_rtw wrote: »

I would wait BT - I know your itching to get out but you can damage your lungs and permently reduce your lung capacity buy running too soon if its been chesty!

Cool, just wanted it confirmed by somebody else. More walking and twiddling thumbs for me.