The Caribbean gets blanketed with Saharan dust over the summer. Usually we appreciate it, as it hinders hurricane development.
However, when the air pollution levels get this high my allergies get terrible, and running is impossible
I haven't been able to run since Monday. Tomorrow's forecast looks like I might be able to sneak a run in (If my sinuses clear enough!), but otherwise the next clear window is Monday again. I'm sad to see my graduation run pushed further and further out.
It also means our nice view of neighboring islands gets clouded in haze.
How do I defeat air pollution without signing up at a gym to run on a treadmill?Kinda feels like that would defeat the whole purpose of taking up running Traveling over week 5 showed me that I loose motivation fast if I don't make this a 3 x per week habit!
Written by
WhaleSongC
Graduate
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That’s a tough one. I definitely feel for you. It’s important to prioritise your health and not run if air pollution makes it hard. Which you’re right to be doing.
Getting in runs when you feel well enough you’re already doing. Is it better at different times of day? I’m wondering if you may be able to mix up your routine.
Other than that, maybe look at cross-training to maintain your fitness. That means that your aerobic fitness stays strong even if you can’t get the runs in.
Or maybe the treadmill to fill the gap, as a short-term measure. I can understand that might not be appealing but I know some people do it if the weather is too problematic (like in US winters). That might work until you can get outside running again, knowing that you’re maintaining or improving your fitness while the weather is against you.
I do vinyasa yoga on my off days - but even that I can’t do when the dust is bad - as the yoga studio (and my house) are naturally ventilated, so the dust level is still high inside :(.
The good news is, after a 9 day break, today’s run still felt good!
Gah! Got week 9 run 1 done, and then the sahara dust settled in again It cleared briefly yesterday but I couldn't fit it into the morning schedule and had no one to watch the kids when it was cool enough again in the evening. Today I once again can't see the horizon, and it is due to last until the weekend. Off to the gym to see about signing up
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Traveling over week 5 showed me that I loose motivation fast if I don't make this a 3 x per week habit! 
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