Cold/flu/lurgy before marathon - Impact on performance?

[Lordi]

So my first marathon is Sun 9th Sept and yes, as feared I've only gone and picked up a cold/flu bug (will have to see which over next few days). I've been cold-free since last winter so this is a pain and really bad timing! Have any of you suffered with colds/flu ahead of a marathon? I know all the training is in the bank so resting all week will not be too much of a dent in performance. But does anyone have any tips? Vit C, rest, healthy food, etc of course! When would old hands not take an infection into a marathon? Fever will be gone in a day or so but is it an issue to run if still convalesing? I won't be breaking any world records pace-wise so won't be pushing it in any way. Plan to jog the race just to set my first ever pb.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I think you'll be fine, don't worry!

I have had this happen more than once, it's annoying, and it can impact a little on performance, but with a week to go, and with your sensible plan and expectations you should be OK.

Rest as much as you can, take painkillers if they help you rest. I like curry for colds, but not in the last couple of days before the race!

Body scan yourself, and if you don't feel well enough on the day (or on the day of travelling) don't run the race - it's not worth having a horrible day for the sake of the race fee. If you are unlucky enough to develop a chest or sinus infection then you definitely should not run. It'll be disappointing, but there will be other chances.

But if you feel ok then go for it! Good luck!!! xxx

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

I agree that you'll probably be fine with a full week to recover ahead of the race. I've a cold come on a day before and on the race day itself. I still ran and it didn't seem to affect my performance too much but it probably didn't do me any good. Zinc can help shorten the duration of colds but rest and lots of fluid is probably the best remedy.

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I have nothing much constructive to add, but I had a cold all last week so do share your frustration and sniffling! Luckily I'm tapering too so know my lurgy will be gone by the time I have to do proper running. But in case it lingers for you, menthol Otrivine to clear congestion and allow me to breathe freely and sucking lockets to suppress the resulting cough got me through my last horrid cold when running! Would recommend both for race day if you don't feel 100% yet.

[misswobble Marathon]

I’ve had a hacking cough on race day which worried me no end beforehand. Needn’t have worried as it seemed running eased it Must open our airways or something

It depends how you feel on the day. if you feel ok but have a snotty nose just take plenty of hankies 🙂🤧

[benwill Marathon]

Your be fine take a rest all week. I would maybe do a short run at marathon pace in the week. 1.to keep your legs turning 2.give you a bit of confidence that you are ok.

[Lordi Marathon]

Thanks for all the good advice folks. Looks like it is just going to be a heavy cold at this stage. I'll have a short run later in the week to check things out.

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon]

Take Day Nurse. Have to ask for it over the counter at a pharmacy. So much better than Lemsip Beechams Max Ultra blah blah blah.

Hope it doesn't contain any banned substances.