A couple of weeks ago, I came down with a basic cold: runny nose, slightly sore throat… run down but not so much that I wanted to skip my run. As a runner, these in-between or slight illnesses are so much harder navigate than the full blown flu. So I did what I do when making most decisions: I googled it. I think I typed in “running with a cold” or some variation and was rewarded with numerous hits included many forums filled testimonies from hardcore runners claiming they will run though anything – a cold, flu whatever. The forums were making me feel somewhat lame for even considering skipping my run, so I moved on and found several sites documenting the “neck check” rule:
“According to Women’s Running magazine, when in doubt, follow the “neck-up rule.” If your symptoms are most felt from the neck up, such as nasal congestion, headaches, sneezing, or a runny nose, and your energy levels are good, then it’s perfectly fine to do a moderate workout. On the other hand, if your symptoms are below the neck, and include achiness, chest congestion, or nausea, skip the workout. Definitely forgo the sweat session if you have a fever.”
(Resource: www.fitsugar.com: “Too Sick to Exercise? “Neck up Rule”)
At this point, I stopped googling and took a quick assessment. I seemed to fit the neck up rule I told myself. The problem is that I ignored certain words – in particular the word “moderate.” Clearly moderate will vary from person to person but for me a 10-miler at pace on a particular wintery day was not moderate. So while my cold seemed to be sticking with me, I stuck with my regular routine (adding tissues and cough drops to my fuel arsenal). Until I woke up one morning, 4 days after my original symptoms began with new ones – this time neck down symptoms including chest congestion and a fever. Long story short, I worked myself into a sinus infection, chest cold and 3 days of no workouts followed by a week of indoor workouts. Just this week I was able to lace up and get back outside.
As a runner, I don’t like to skip my regular work outs. But by ignoring some sound advice, I ended up forced out of my regular routine for a lot longer than if I’d listened to my original symptoms. Using my 20/20 hindsight, I should’ve cut back on miles, slowed down my pace – moderated my workouts – lesson learned. I am just glad to be back at it!!
