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I woke up this morning with some sort of sickness…
- A slight headache
- A “sore” throat (it didn’t hurt at all, but it felt off)
- A general icky feeling
I haven’t been sick in about four years, so this concerned me a little bit. I mean, who likes getting sick?
That brings me to the question…
Should I exercise (or run) when I’m sick?
Based on experience, I’ve found that mild to moderate exercise is usually OK if you have a cold, but not a fever.
Running with a fever is a big no no.
I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work! Actually, exercise may even help you feel better by temporarily relieving nasal congestion and getting the blood flowing to your muscles to relieve stiffness.
I use these rules as a guideline when it comes to running (or any other exercise) and illness:
- Mild to moderate exercise if your signs and symptoms are “above the neck” (such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or sore throat). If your symptoms don’t improve, cut the workout short or back off on the intensity. Keywords are “mild to moderate” (I wouldn’t recommend doing a crazy hard workout or long run).
- Cancel or postpone your workout if your signs and symptoms are “below the neck” (such as chest congestion, coughing, or an upset stomach). If you have a fever, get back in bed and
drink some Kombuchaeat some soup
- If you choose to exercise when you’re sick, listen to your body. If your signs and symptoms get worse with exercise, stop and take some time off. Sometimes pushing through an illness will just make it last longer.
What are your rules about exercising when feeling under the weather?
I’m also going to drink an extra Kombucha today. I swear that this stuff cures every little cold that I’ve ever had.
That’s probably why I haven’t been sick in four years!
Strengthen my immune system please!
Since my symptoms were “above the neck” this morning, I headed out for a run. Nothing fast or long, but enough to feel the endorphins.
I’m actually feeling quite a bit better this afternoon. I definitely still feel a little bit off (although not as bad), but I think it’s a good sign that 10 miles didn’t make it worse.
Kombucha, heal me.
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I had my first half-marathon on Sunday, and last Tuesday I was diagnosed with bronchitis. I finished, but as obvious as it sounds, I really suggest not trying to run a half-marathon with bronchitis. (If you have to, Mucinex’s maximum strength expectorant will make it possible, if not pleasant.)
seriously I rely on kombucha for everything too its amazing! feel better
Kombucha is a wonder cure, for sure. I think running is too
First, I love how you say your workout wasn’t long or far but it was still 10 miles at a 8 min pace. Just goes to show how relative long and far are! I never work out when I’m sick. I take it as a pass to lay on the couch. I really haven’t been sick in a long while though.
Oh no! Feel better!! This is the first I’ve heard of this Kombucha drink…hm may need to track it down.
Did you get your computer re-formatted? Hopefully all went well!
Jayme @ Runner-n-Spice recently posted..Rihanna you rock
I still need to do that…
you should make your own kombucha! its pretty easy. i have a 5 gallon oak barrel brewing away at the moment
it was getting to be an expensive daily addiction !
Kombucha is the best!
When I’m not feeling well I usually skip a workout, or I start out and if I feel awful I quit. No big deal. I’d rather skip one workout than injure myself and skip tons of workouts.
Holly @ The Runny Egg recently posted..Friday Date Night
Kombucha is magic! Whenever I start to feel sick I load up on extra kombucha and Green Monsters. Hope you’re feeling better!
And the Nobel prize in medicine goes to…
ME!
When I was battling some hard-core allergies (stuffy nose, sore throat, congestion etc.) the other week running definitely helped clear me up! Sure, that doesn’t have much to do with a cold…but similar concept. Although, without going into detail, I will say the nasal situation got pretty gross halfway through… :X
If I wake up feeling gross and have a headache, though, forget it. Tried that. Won’t be trying it again.
Hope you feel better! (…and I always make sure to grab a kombucha when I’m feeling something coming on, too!)
Jess@HealthyExposures recently posted..Without a Doubt…
Feel better soon! I find that sweating does help me when I’m not feeling well. In moderation, of course. I’ll do a very easy run or just hop on the elliptical for 30 mins to work some of it out.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Butternut Rosemary Hummus
I usually try to do whatever I’d normally do, and just stop if I feel my symptoms getting worse. Most of the time though, getting up and moving around will make me feel better!
Hope it turns into absolutely nothing… gotta keep your no-sickness streak going!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope recently posted..Welcome!
Just found your blog and love it!
I’m a runner too, and I just completed my first marathon! So it’s great to meet you…
As for kombucha, yes! Takes me foreeeeva to drink, but I love it…especially the grape stuff!
Thanks! Your welcome back any time
Uh oh. Hope that kombucha works it’s healing magic! I once ran with a coldish type thing and forgot to take some kleenex with me. Yeah. That was a miserable one. Feel better!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted.. WIAW… round… err… five
What type/flavor of Kombucha do you like the most? I think I had Botanic No. 9 is it tasted mostly of vineager so I wasn’t a fan
The Healthy Engineer recently posted..Why I haven’t been able to sleep lately…
Trilogy, citrus, and gingerade are my favs!
i may or may not workout when i’m sick…really depends. even if i have just a cold but am feeling exhausted, i’ll do a lighter workout or skip that day.
emily recently posted..a confession
I take that same advice: above the neck – run carefully, below the neck – stay put.
The cold’s that I have gotten never really get that bad because I make sure to take it easy.
Alaina recently posted..Oh Happy Days!
I’ve never tried kombucha but always wanted to. I love this post, btw!
Allison @ Allison’s Delicious Life recently posted..How To- Plan Meals
Thank you!
you are my hero.
wish i could have your motivation!!!!!!
Tropical Eats recently posted..The Fleet Week Diaries
I find light exercise actually makes me feel better when I’m a little under the weather… but if I’m feeling really sick (like you said, anything below the neck), I’ll give it a miss. Hope you’re feeling better today!
Christine @ Burning It Off recently posted..Pasta e Fagioli- The Ultimate Peasant Food