Should I still wait? Chesty cough for 3 weeks... - Couch to 5K

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Should I still wait? Chesty cough for 3 weeks now.

run_mum_run profile image
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Started Wk4r1 but the following day developed a chesty cough so rested for a few days assuming that it would go away. 3 weeks on I still have it not as bad as the first week but still around. Crazy as it sounds I am missing running and want to get back into it but worried as I have read that you should not run with a chesty cold/cough.

Can anyone offer me some advice?

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run_mum_run
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runningnearbeirut profile image
runningnearbeirutGraduate

I can understand that you're getting frustrated. I'm no expert, but I *think* the main danger is when you have a temperature and flu-like symptoms. I also *think* if it's "just" a chesty cough it's more about how difficult it would be for you to breathe.

Have you tried going for a brisk walk? IF you can do 20 or 30 minutes with no ill effects, then perhaps try a VERY GENTLE week 1 run the next day - with the emphasis on gentle - and no shame in not completing all the runs. If it goes well then you can decide whether you can push yourself more the next time.

If a brisk walk proves to be a challenge, then perhaps try doing intervals switching between slow walking and brisk walking to get your fitness back and your breathing sorted.

run_mum_run profile image
run_mum_run in reply to runningnearbeirut

Thankfully I have no temperature or cold just a chesty cough. I might give the walk a go and see how I get on, thanks.

If the chesty cough has been hanging around for 3 weeks then I would suggest a visit to your GP just to be on the safe side. Best wishes.

caro8642 profile image
caro8642

I have just started 2nd week of antibiotics for cough and chest infection in the last month. I ran through the first week, but did struggle, especially after wards for an hour or so. This time round, I have not even felt like running, my last run being last Saturday - now nearly a week ago! Finding climbing the stairs is puffing me out at the mo, so going to get through this course of tablets and then ease back into week 9.... my final week......slowly to see how I go.

Hope you are feeling better soon and well worth the visit to the GP.

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