Running with a cold?

[7ermintrude]

I had a nasty chesty cough and cold for 3 days now.it's on it's way out now and i've kept busy because i can't do feeling sorry for myself.. Desperately want to get back out running.Is best to wait for it to clear up completely or can i try a short run just to see how i go??

[Fraz73 Graduate]

If you've had a bit of a chest infection and it's congested that can mess with your breathing but there's nothing to stop you doing a run at a slower pace than normal just to be on the safe side. Or even a short run to get yourself back into the swing of things. Remember, any run is better than no run at all

[SBG356 Graduate]

Use the neck rule - anything above the neck like sore throat, blocked nose then its ok to run; anything below the neck like chest infection then dont run as it can make it worse.

[DeliaItaly Graduate in reply to SBG356]

didn't know that one! I'll try and remember it, cheers delia

[7ermintrude Graduate]

great .. i have both.. sore throat,blocked nose and a really chesty cough... might see how i am Sunday and go out for a trot..thanks all

[Vivwestie Graduate]

Take it easy 7ermintrude - the cold virus attacks the heart, so if you have a chest infection make sure you're fully recovered before putting your heart through stress.

[7ermintrude Graduate in reply to Vivwestie]

been up all night coughing.. so going to give running a miss for a few more days..thanks

[Pearsey]

Sue and vivwestie are right! You can do a lot of harm by trying to run with a chest infection. Wait until it has cleared completely. Meanwhile plenty of fluids, if a high temp paracetamol 4-6hourly, and steam inhalations 4 hourly to loosen the muscus-also will be soothing. Doesn't matter what you add to the water, as it is the steam that does the work. See your GP if coughing up green sputum, as you may need antibiotics if this is a bacterial infection (they do not work for viral infections).

Colette