Running While Sick

     My latest struggle (out of many, since I was obviously not made for running) has been your common, everyday cold that I probably picked up from a family member. Most would think it's no biggie, and you're right- it shouldn't be. But I would almost rather get the stomach flu than a cold, and the reason why is strange. As you probably know from my past posts (that is, if you have been reading, and if you have-thanks so much for following me!) I have asthma. This "setback" has different shapes and forms. The lucky ones have gotten it only once in their lifetime during usually some form of bronchitis or other air-way sickness, and others, like me, have it so awful that it is year round, requiring twice a day medications, extra hospital and doctors visits, and notice it daily.
     So with my asthma, you're probably running why I would even run in the first place. You're right- I'm an idiot. And to be honest, I just wanted to prove the doctors wrong. But I'm here now and I'm used to it, so might as well keep on chugging along. (I should get to my point now, right?) With my certain circumstances with asthma and all, catching the tiniest cold is a really big deal for me. Asthma absolutely amplifies everything. I end up hooked to breathing machines and with a fever and throwing up just from coughing so hard! (The only plus, abs of steal!)
     Being in the track season, and not wanting to simply skip practice, I found myself questioning whether I should indeed be running or not, especially for those anaerobic workouts that leave you breathless in the first place. Is it a good idea to even run when you're sick? Here's what I know...
     First off, your immune system is weakened by what your body considers to be difficult training. (Probably how I picked up this cold of mine so quickly and intensely) There's this rule I go by, I must have picked it up somewhere along my running "career" and it's called the neck check. If there is no fever and all of your symptoms are in your head, then you're okay to do just an easy workout. Don't push yourself, maybe stick to some simple aerobic running, like three or four miles!
     If it's more than just in your head and you have a cough, or are sore, have muscle aches, or anything like that (especially a fever!) then please, for your own good, take a day off. I'm no doctor, but I can tell you from experience, allow yourself to heal and rest. There's nothing worse than pushing yourself too hard on a day that your body could not be pushed, and being punished by it for the next week or so.
     Track athletes, I know it's hard to miss practice, especially when your running is also important to others like your coach and team and not just yourself. But for the sake of yourself, please take it easy! If your coach is a good coach, they will understand. (517)