What a Week!!! Can You Run While Sick?
The week started of great, I did 3 miles on Monday, 8 miles on Tuesday (woot!, albeit divided by 2), and another 3 on Wednesday. All was going well, all was going excellent, actually. Then, OMG, the sickness :(
After covering 15 miles in three days and actually feeling good about it, I woke up on Thursday with the worst sore throat of my life (how tragic!). I have been on a three day long hiatus of everything. I feel completely useless, but you know what, my running community has given me back my spirit.
Today, the Waltham Trail Runners, had their annual holiday potluck and almost everyone showed up. I love every single person in that group, so when I couldnt make it the run because I felt sick, everyone asked me how I was, they asked about my training, they wished me well. I mean what a great group of people. Not only are they my running buddies they are my friends. Running keeps giving back!
Now, I have saved myself these past couple of days for my long run tomorrow. I have 16 miles planned. 10 of them at 8am with the L street running club. The plan is, if I'm feeling good, once I get home, Ill go out for 6 more. At least that's the plan. Honestly, I running while sick? I had to do some research.
Thanks to a study published in Runner's World here are my conclusions:
- If you have symptoms below the neck, i.e chest congestion, skip the run
- If you have a fever, i.e 99 degrees Farenheit, skip the run
- If sick, implement the 72 hour rule, dont run for three days, then try it out.
- If you have a flu, even with just symptoms over the neck, try running after your symptoms disappear.
-Always, be safe! Take walking breaks if needed and don't over do it. Health first!
Considering these tips and the fact that my symptoms are neck up, I have taken three days rest and I no longer have a fever I will run tomorrow, but I'll be running smart, and as always listening to my body.
Have you ever run while sick? How did you feel afterwards?
