Help me! 🤧 : I need sage advice from my VRBs... - Bridge to 10K

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Help me! 🤧

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10
73 Replies

I need sage advice from my VRBs. I’m not happy to admit it but ..... I think I’m going down with a cold. I don’t want a cold. I want to run. A tickly throat and a few aches and pains, that’s all.

But tomorrow is Butt Cheek Squeezing Thursday. I’ve been looking forward to it all week. 😩

I’ve also agreed to a bit of PR tourism this weekend with a friend’s daughter. A lovely flat course and I’m looking to squeeze my butt then too and maybe even get a PB.

But this cold. Nooooo. B*gger off, you’re not wanted.

Tell me VRBs, would you ignore it and run tomorrow, or rest up ready for PR on Saturday? So far this week I’ve done a 7k and an illicit 3.76k in the woods (naughty running on consecutive days, but I couldn’t help myself.) 😈

I so wanted to do my intervals tomorrow. 🤧😩🤧

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cheekychipmunks
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73 Replies
Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10

😷🤒, I would see how you feel tomorrow, A head cold shouldn't impact on your butt!

You may increase the range of your notorious snot rockets🚀 ( I will not forget those). Try a short run, if you aren't coughing you should manage that.

Get well soon.🤗

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

I always think of you when I propel one of those Jell! And yes I still do them, albeit I check to make sure the coast is clear first! 😅

I definitely have a tickly throat and the beginnings of a pathetic cough. I’ll reevaluate in the morning and if it’s worse I’ll squeeze my butt cheeks around the house instead. 👍 🤧

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Seems sensible, be kind to yourself and have a well earned rest💐🤗

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

Thanks, I’ll be good to myself, promise. 😀

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl

On a practical note, Boots first defence has helped me ward off colds in the past, if I use it quick enough, and regularly for a couple of days. As to intervals, if it was me I would save myself for the weekend, but I'm a well known wuss 😁

You're made of sterner stuff, so some ibuprofen might see you through. If the first defence doesn't work, then the cold will arrive whatever you do tomorrow 🤔 so maybe go for it if you feel up to it.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl

Thanks for the recommendation GoG. All I have in the house at the moment is Lemsip, so I’m sipping a mug of that now.

Hopefully it’ll clear off. Darned colds, I don’t have time for them at the best of times, but now I’m a runner ....... argggh! 😩😩

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl

First Defence is amazing stuff! I recommend it to everyone & regularly snort it in winter as I work with small, snotty people aged 3-11!!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl in reply to Slinkymalinki

Ha, I also used to work with the small snotty ones slinky, which is when I first tried first defence. I really didn't expect it to work! Hope it does the trick for you again this winter, that's one aspect of the job I really don't miss! 😷

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10

If it’s not on the chest I’d run... if it is I’d be under the duvet with a big mug of tea.

Hope you’re 100% soon.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore

Thanks UNM. I definitely have a tickly cough developing, but I’m hoping my mug of Lemsip will stave it off. Otherwise a duvet day it’ll be I think. Boooo. 👎

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Didn’t we used to love duvet days?? 😂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore

Yes, BR (before running) ....... 😩😩

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate10

Cheeky the words “you’re cruising for a bruising” come to mind. Killjoy, I know but you’ve got away with running consecutive days shhhh! Rest up for Saturday you can still practise squeezing your butt round home. 🙂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to lexi6

I know I know Lexi, I’m indirectly paying the price for sneaking in a cheeky trot through the woods. How could I not? Gorgeous weather yesterday, trail shoes ...... 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

I’ll be sensible tomorrow and do what’s right. I don’t want to miss parkrun that’s for sure. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Trail shoes and lovely weather - no contest really, had to be done. Looking forward to your parkrun report. 😀

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to lexi6

Yes, maybe I can utilise squeezed butt cheeks to run a PB at a flat parkrun! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007

Oh no 🤧 you never know if you drink loads of fluids and have an early night it might not be too bad tomorrow🤞 I would probably plod around if it was me as long as it’s just a cold and not chesty with coughing and spluttering 😷 I hope you are feeling better by the morning!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Bridget007

Aww thanks Bridget. Yes maybe a compromise might be in order. Forego butt squeezing intervals and see how a no tech pootle feels while I walk my dog. You’re right, if I have an early night I might even nip the sucker in the bud. 👊

SANDI_runs profile image
SANDI_runsGraduate10

I started with the same "feeling a little grotty" head cold yesterday. I was determined I was getting out to do a 6k run last night despite the start of the lurgy and pushed myself out to do it.

6k done, slower than a sloth, but I was chuffed I did it.

Head cold developed further today, feeling even more grotty - I was planning a short run tomorrow and a return to park run on Saturday, so will just have to see how I feel. Don't want to over do it and end up feeling really rough as that will affect my runs next week.

I'm "listening" to my body and will run if I feel up to it and will rest if I need to. There will be another time to do your intervals and another opportunity to park run.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to SANDI_runs

Oh sorry you’re feeling rough too Sandi. 👎 I hope you’re over the worst of it and you can run this weekend. 🤞

That’s my issue too, I don’t want to end up feeling worse and impede next week’s runs. Plus I’m off on hols on the 4th, so I definitely want to be 100% by then. 🏖

I think I’ll take the dog out tomorrow dressed conveniently in running gear (me, not dog!) and see what happens. I might go tech free and have a gentle meander around the trails and save my intervals for next week. I’d love to make parkrun as I’ve agreed to be a tourist with my friend’s daughter, and it’s one we wouldn’t normally go to. But I’ll be sensible. 😀🏃‍♀️

...people are going to be able to spot a bridge2 10K forum runner a mile off now aren’t they?! We’re all going to be running around with our butts tightly clenched 😂

I’d probably run... but definitely don’t listen to me, I’m completely irresponsible ...On that note high fives for your illicit run in the woods! 🙌 😆 🌳 🏃‍♀️🌲

I hope you’re feeling better very soon cheekster 🙂⚡️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to

I know, it’s a hoot! I was hoping to squeeze during all the sprints of JogRunSprint tomorrow, but if I’m being forced to wait until next week I’ll need to utilise my butt squeezing technique at the end of parkrun instead. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to try it! 😅

This cold had better leg it. It’s not welcome! 🤧🤧

in reply to cheekychipmunks

Indeed, jog on cold! 🤧

I can confirm, I saw some positive results from this squeezing technique earlier this evening on my interval runs 👍

SANDI_runs profile image
SANDI_runsGraduate10 in reply to

I feel like I've missed out on something here! What's all this butt squeezing about?

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to SANDI_runs

It was a tip that Bluebirdrunner used to great effect, and it’s caught on! Apparently it turns snails into virtual gazelles! 👍

in reply to SANDI_runs

This was the link that BBR posted Sandi as a bit of background behind all the clenching:

runnersworld.com/advanced/a...

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl in reply to

😬 = clenched 🤣🤣🤣

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl

😬 I love that emoji anyway, now I love it even more! 😬😬😬😬😬

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10

See how you feel in the morning, but personally I’d rest. (I’m good at resting).

Regarding butt cheek squeezing I use my virtual medal 🏅 and imagine I’m clenching that ☺️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate

Hahaha that’s a good idea Baddie, clenching your bling! 🏅😅

Yes, I’ll see how I feel tomorrow, but I’m determined to be sensible. Selfishly though - as I don’t want to miss out on any more runs! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10

Hi Cheeky, I am sorry you are needing lemsip and do hope that you are already feeling better. Here are some flowers 🌸🌺🌼 for you. This 'I couldn't help myself' running on consecutive days I found of note. I am never quite convinced that I have properly 'got into running' but oh!! You certainly have! Great to read it. I haven't read that much on the engaging glutes topic, I am wondering whether engaging our glutes is meant to be something we always do. Does it become natural one day? More research needed! I have been giving it a go whenever I remember and as BBR said it does feel like engaging an extra high gear! 😊 Get well soon, happy running and happy holiday too and I really hope that you are able to take part in your Parkrun tourism with your friend's daughter.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying

Thank you for my lovely 💐 🌷 🌹 over61. ❤️ Lemsip always seems to do the trick for me, and I’m feeling better than earlier this evening. Fingers crossed for the morning, and I definitely want to do parkrun.

I was intrigued by BBR’s clenching technique and have been dying to try it out. It’s whether I can coordinate sprinting and clenching at the same time? 😳 Sounds like you have it nailed! 👏👏

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Definitely not nailed! It is a conscious effort and easy to forget as I enjoy listening to Desert Island Discs podcasts and take in the lovely scenery. glad to read that you are feeling better. 😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying

I’ve decided to give intervals a miss (and thus butt clenching) as my tickle is still there and it feels a bit lower down this morning. I’ll walk the dog and have a little pressure free trot around instead. Oh well. 🤧

Next week I’ll be squeezing! 🏃‍♀️😀🏃‍♀️

Ah Cheeky, hope you get plenty of rest this evening & a good sleep! Fingers crossed you feel better tomorrow 🤞 Don’t push to get out if you’re not feeling top tho... the squeezing will still be there on Saturday 💛

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to

Thanks Star, you’re right, I can squeeze at PR instead if tomorrow doesn’t work out (but I’m hoping it does 🤞)

I don’t have time for pesky colds when there are runs to be had! 🤧👎😅

Beanjo profile image
Beanjo

Cheeky I would definitely recommend the First Defence if it’s not too late. I swear by it. Other than that, you just need to listen to your body. If in doubt save yourself until Saturday and enjoy that run 😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Beanjo

Thanks Beanjo, I don’t have any First Defence in the house, just Lemsip, so I’m hoping that’ll do the trick for now. I promise to be sensible though, and if in doubt I’ll forego tomorrow and run on Saturday instead. 😀🏃‍♀️

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduate10

Having spent the last few weeks doing intervals I would definitely give them a miss tomorrow! That might just be me though as I'm bored with them!

But see how you feel tomorrow - your throat may turn out to be ok. And did you know (QI fact coming up), vitamin D is the best defence against getting colds, so getting out running is good for us in yet another way 🏃‍♀️🤧

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Tartancat

Haha ordinarily I would be happy to give intervals a miss TC, but I was so looking forward to trying out some butt squeezes as everyone else seems to be swearing by them!

So I’m playing it by ear for tomorrow and prioritising parkrun. I might try a no tech pootle if I’m not up for intervals. I can still get some vitamin D whatever speed I’m going. 👍

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Maybe just a few little butt squeezes then!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Tartancat

Got to be tried! 😅😅

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Unfortunately for me a tickly throat was the first sign of a cold which settled on my chest just over a week ago! I did parkrun on Saturday (but probably shouldn't have) and haven't really felt better until today when I managed 5k but gave a final hill a miss. Hope yours doesn't follow that pattern!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to JonathanP

Oh no Jonathan, I’m sorry yours has taken a while to go. Hopefully you’ll be 100% again very soon. 🤞

I’m going to be sensible as a) I want to run on Saturday and b) I’m off on hols on the 4th and don’t want to jeopardise that. Darned colds. 👎🤧😩

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Very wise Cheeky

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to JonathanP

I’m going to do the right thing and forego intervals today Jonathan, based on what you said. The tickle has settled a bit lower, and whereas I don’t feel unwell, I can’t imagine that running full pelt will do me any good. So a little jogette whilst out dog walking will have to suffice, and PR on Saturday. 👍

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10

Oh no, sorry you’re feeling under the weather Cheeky. I read somewhere that above the throat is fine to run, but below isn’t! If in doubt prioritise parkrun and give tomorrow a miss. Hope you feel better soon x

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Sandie1961

Thank you Sandie. 👍 It’s lurking right in my throat at the moment, so hard to tell which way it’s headed. But yes, I’m going to prioritise Saturday and leave intervals until next week if I must. Boo. 👎😅

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Very sensible 😃

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate

Above the neck.. run ( as long as your nose ain't blocked...) below the neck... don't run.

The runs wait.. always.. and you are precious:) xx

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Sensible advice as ever OF. My nose isn’t blocked at all, but my throat is tickly so I’m not sure where it’ll settle. But yes I’ll be careful and prioritise Saturday if necessary. 😀🏃‍♀️

Runsome profile image
RunsomeGraduate10

Why not have a rest, you have done plenty already. Especially if you don’t want to spoil your Saturday parkrun tourism. Have a good run Saturday 😀😤

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Runsome

Thanks Runsome, I’ve decided to forego intervals today. ☹️ The tickle has settled a bit lower and I don’t want to jeopardise PR and next week’s runs. So I’ll pop my trail shoes on later and jog around a bit while dog walking.

You’re right, I’ve already run plenty this week. Being pig-headed isn’t going to benefit me at all!

Snuffy_T profile image
Snuffy_TGraduate10

defo don't run with a fever

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Snuffy_T

I don’t appear to have a fever Snuffy, but nonetheless I’ve decided to forego intervals today as the tickle has settled a bit lower. Boo. Still, I’m hoping being sensible today will enable me to do PR as planned on Saturday. 🤞

Snuffy_T profile image
Snuffy_TGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Yes rest up, your body will thank you for it later .

I am meant to be doing the Brighton HM on Sunday, but I was struck down with the lurgy on Sat. Lucky I'm not working this week so I've been able to rest up. I've read up everything on running whilst ill .....! I've had a nasty cough, but last night I slept easy , no coughing......just maybe I may still be able to run on Sunday? Im going to try a little 15 minute run on Friday. 100% wouldn't try to do the HM if I could defer the race , but basically I can kiss goodbye to my entrance fee if I don't race ☹

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Snuffy_T

Gosh Snuffy that’s a big run to miss - a bit more than my little intervals one today. I feel for you, and I totally understand you wanting to give it a go. I hope your little run tomorrow can give you the answer. Let us know how it goes! 🤞🤞🤞

Snuffy_T profile image
Snuffy_TGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Yeah will do !

Wimborne profile image
Wimborne

Cheeky. So much great advice given already. Really hope you shake this off quickly and you feel better soon.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Wimborne

Thanks so much Wimborne. 😀 I’ve decided to be sensible today and give intervals a miss. The tickle has settled a bit lower and I don’t want to take any chances. I’ll still pop the trail shoes on and have a tiny jog whilst out dog walking, but I’m hoping I’ll be all systems go for PR on Saturday. 😀🤞🏃‍♀️

Agelesslass profile image
AgelesslassGraduate10

I’d rest up for Saturday cheeky 🥰

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Agelesslass

Thank you Ageless, that’s what I’ve decided to do. The tickle has settled a bit lower and I don’t want to push my luck. Annoying, but intervals will wait! 🤧🏃‍♀️

Agelesslass profile image
AgelesslassGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Very sensible.

Boxcar profile image
BoxcarGraduate10

Hope it clears up for Saturday. If you’re snotty by then I can recommend Sudafed. I did not want to miss a 10k recently & came down with a cold. It wasn’t too bad & wasn’t on my chest. 2 paracetamol, a squirt of Sudafed up each nostril & a hanky with olbas oil on it did the trick. 👍

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Boxcar

Thanks Boxcar, I’m not snotty at the moment, but the tickle has settled a bit lower on my chest this morning. I’m taking it easy today and hoping it’s gone by Saturday. Inconvenient colds! 🤧

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10

Hi. Hope the cold is contained. I agree with grumpyoldgirl about First Defense - it really can stop a cold developing if you take it in the first few days of a sniffle/tickle. Sudafed is a wonderful drug for sinus pain too - that and 2 paracetamol & I feel like a new woman!! Hope you get to do your parkrun tourism 🙂 x

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki

Thanks Slinky, I’ve decided to forego intervals today and maybe attempt a tiny gentle trot around while I’m walking the dog. I’ll then head to Boots for some First Defence. Too many recommendations on here to ignore! I hope I’m in time to stem it. 😀😀

JanB76 profile image
JanB76

Oh no cheeky! I feel your pain, really I do!! I was out of running action for 10 days at the start of the year with this winter bug, which I seemed to have got over but seems to have come back this week with a vengeance. Monday’s 7k run got postponed till Tuesday. Tuesdays to Wednesday and then again today which guess what? That run didn’t happen either!! Sorry, gross-alert, but how is it possible for one person to contain so much phlegm!! One minute I can’t breathe and then the next I’m coughing up actual chunks of my insides, lol (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the picture) 😷🤧.

Let’s hope these winter bugs do one soon and I might need to sneak in a few extra runs to get me back on track. Hope you get back on top of it too Cheeky

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to JanB76

Aww thanks so much Jan. I’m sorry you were out of action for so long, and that you’re fully recovered now? Us runners don’t need these pesky colds do we? 😠

I’m hoping mine doesn’t turn into much - I’m only a tiny bit snotty and it’s mostly a tickly throat and a pathetic little cough. I’m off to get some First Defence now, hoping to nip the sucker in the bud!

Happy running to you Jan. You’ll soon be back on track. I’m parkrunning on Saturday, cold or no cold. There, that’s told it! 🤧😅🏃‍♀️

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10

Hi Cheeky, I think you have made a good decision. You have already banked quite a few runs this week, and we all know running requires effort!

Best to rest, maybe drink hot lemon with honey drinks and see where you are for Parkrun on Saturday...

Looking forward to hearing how you get on though...😉

I don't run if I'm feeling under the weather. 😊xxx

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Aww thanks BBR. I took my dog out earlier and did a few tiny sprints and had a general jog around, less than 2k. I don’t feel too bad, but I’ll take it super easy tomorrow and aim for PR. I don’t want to miss my tourism opportunity! 😀🏃‍♀️

Crawlhome profile image
CrawlhomeGraduate10

Sounds like the right decision cheeky, there's some nasty viruses going around. Fingers crossed you'll be ok for parkrun and hope you're feeling better soon.

I'm running a bit less the last two weeks due to the dreaded night shifts, but have discovered a run beforehand when I can make a huge difference to energy levels.

Then.. first race on Sunday!!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Crawlhome

Thanks CH. I took my dog out earlier and did some half hearted mini sprints and a bit of jogging around (total distance run less than 2k), then called it a day. I dosed up on First Defence and will keep everything crossed that I’ll be ok for PR. I intend to be! I don’t feel any worse than yesterday, so 🤞🤞

Oooo first race on Sunday - how very exciting. I hope you’ll treat us to a full report and a pic of your bling! Good luck! 🏃‍♀️🏅 🏃‍♀️

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