What to do?

[pollyp1]

Desperate to run but still have a mild cough. Equally desperate not to make things worse as I'm going back to work soon (after 4.5 years, eek). How gone is gone, when it comes to a cough and running??

[Jonesycat Graduate10]

The rule of thumb as regards running and colds etc. seems to be that anything above the neck is okay to run with, anything below is not. As you still have a cough (below the neck) I'd definitely err on the side of caution, especially with your imminent return to work which will probably be stressful enough without worrying about anything else. Be kind to yourself!

[pollyp1 Graduate10 in reply to Jonesycat]

Thank you! That was the conclusion I've come to, as well. I'm going for a brisk walk in a bit and see how that feels and I'll take it from there. In feeling annoyed that I couldn't run I forgot about anything else!

[runningnearbeirut Graduate10]

I've just got back from my first run of the year - had such good intentions then went down with a lurgy on 2nd January and am only just about fit enough to run. I realise you have other stresses and considerations, but in terms of checking if my lingering cough was "gone" enough, I did some brisk walking around and checked that didn't bring on any coughing.

[pollyp1 Graduate10 in reply to runningnearbeirut]

Thank you! Did a brisk walk around my running route and took my cough (and a coughing friend) with me! The stresses are why I want to run... - but brisk walking will have to do it for a while. Glad you're feeling better, I know i'll get there soon enough.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I had an annoying cough/cold thing just after Christmas and I didn't run for about two weeks. Although the cough was gone I had zero energy and the first couple of runs back were hard so I guess these cough things take more out of us than we realise. You could try a gentle walk/run and see how you feel. Your body will tell you what to do.

[pollyp1 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you! I might try a walk / run on Thursday - I hadn't thought of that! I tend to be pretty much all or nothing at the moment... Glad you're feeling better.

[Irish-John Graduate10]

As someone who can still feel trouble with each breath some days while running, I cannot imagine it would be enjoyable on any level if I was coughing while running! Hope you are fully recovered soon Polly.

[pollyp1 Graduate10 in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you, kind Sir! Went for a brisk walk in the end (decided to be sensible - after all, it's advice I keep dishing out! Also, I am a very fair weather runner!). One fab Indian Head massage later I can feel recovery on the horizon - apparently it lasts about 3 weeks and I am 13 days in. C'est la vie!

[Irish-John Graduate10 in reply to pollyp1]