W7R2: Air Pollution. What's the solution 😣

[Jazzyjeff11]

Oh man. The weather is changing and fast. I kitted myself out with new leggings and a winter running jacket. I thought I was prepared. In the past week or so, the air quality in South Korea has worsened. It looks almost foggy outside. You have to see it to believe it. As the sun was setting, the air looked deceptively good. I ran, but I really felt it in my lungs. Almost like I was trying to catch my breath from deep down in my stomach (that sounds weird, but that's how it felt). I finished, but it was so rough.

I really want to finish on schedule and keep up the pace, especially now that I am so close to week 9. Gyms are expensive and you usually have to foot the cost of a year upfront, but I am only here until February. Should I try and get used to running in this horrible air? Should I ditch my routine and only run when the air is good?

Sorry for the long post. Any and all suggestions welcome!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Maybe a buff over your nose and mouth, may keep some of the pollution out and also means warmer air into the lungs.

Can you get day passes for gyms there? They work out cheaper here if only visiting occasionally.

Good luck and keep on running.

[Jazzyjeff11 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

As always, thank you for your thoughtful response! I will check out both options for sure 😊

[IgaT Graduate]

I was also thinking about daily gym pases or hourly ones. It is hard with bad air. Maybe buy an anti-dust mask? I believe they are more popular in Far East than in UK, but I may be totally wrong.

Good luck and looking forward for your decision and next post.

[Jazzyjeff11 Graduate in reply to IgaT]

I wore a mask in China last year but I find them uncomfortable because of all excess moisture they produce on your face. I will definitely check out the gym option though. Thanks so much and good luck with your run today 😊😊😊. Sending good vibes your way x

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Jazzyjeff11]

Thank you

Regarding face mask, I don't have much experience. Is there only 1 type? Sometimes I see cyclists in them, so I thought they are quite good.

[Jazzyjeff11 Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Generally there is only type to help protect from pollution but to be honest, I've never looked at ones designed for exercise, since I've never exercised before 😆. I'll have a good look. Thanks for your help!

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

I have the same problem with air pollution here in Bahrain and will not run outside unless the air pollution rating is below 100 which it has been for the first time since I returned in September. I use aqicn.org to get real-time pollution data. It’s the gym only for me sadly most of the year.

[Jazzyjeff11 Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Wow! It is so crazy that it's only been under 100 once! I'll download some apps to help me track it more closely. Thank for you sharing your experience

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

🤔 is it worse at different times of day/night?

It's tough for us in the UK to really get it as even London is not THAT bad but I remember when I lived in Barcelona the paper would post daily polution details and on bad days my skin would itch and come out in hives.

I'd try for indoor but do avoid at worst times, I know you want to finish but not at the cost of your lungs 👎😕

[Jazzyjeff11 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I'm not sure. It certainly looks worse in the mornings but I haven't been tracking it closely. Will start now! The effect it can have on your whole body is scary. Thanks for your response. I'm going to research indoor alternatives 😊

[Gran4z Graduate]

Quite a dilemma - you’ve got some good advice here. I’m sure it’s frustrating being so near the end but your over all health and well being is important. You will get there, might just have to take a bit longer...and in many ways C25k is just the start of your running life, week 9 isn’t the end 🙂...you will want more I assure you, so hang on in and go with the flow. Happy running, when you can 😎.