Exercising with a cold

[Vickyloo]

Hey, I'm looking for some advice.

I have had 2 rest days in a row now and had planned on cycling 15 miles tomorrow and 15 miles again on Saturday (the round trip to work and back). My issue is, I feel like I'm coming down with a cold - not a proper cold yet mind, just a tickly throat, feeling sluggish and tired and so on. I'm fighting with myself as to whether I should suck it up and cycle anyway (I'm certainly capable and I do want to) or whether to get the bus to work? Will doing the cycling make me feel better or worse? I really want to cycle but I don't want to risk putting myself out of action for even longer.

What do you think? What would you do in my situation?

Thanks in advance

[andygates]

Take it easy and it won't impact your immune system; ride hard and it will. I'd ride, at a comfy pace.

[EnygmaEve]

I usually take zinc and vitamin C supps when I feel a cold coming on. Sometimes it seems to work, sometimes it's just my time to get sick though.

[Corbab]

I read this in regards to running, but it applies to cycling as well—anything "head-related" (i.e. cough, sore throat, sinus congestion) can be worked through without any harm. Anything "chest-related" ('fluttering' in lungs, pain when breathing) is a signal to hold off.

As far as the cold goes, hit it with some vitamin C or tinctures of olive leaf and goldenseal (ask at WF or a health food store) and it'll be gone in no time.

[Tola Seng]

Why not keep your training but just go at a less intense pace/distance? That way you'll get the best of both worlds...

[Vickyloo]

Thanks for the advice guys. I feel worse this morning. I've decided to get the bus to work and then if I'm feeling up to it this evening, go for a gentle ride.

[lemongranita]

Hope you feel better by the evening!

[Lizifer]

I read this in regards to running, but it applies to cycling as well—anything "head-related" (i.e. cough, sore throat, sinus congestion) can be worked through without any harm. Anything "chest-related" ('fluttering' in lungs, pain when breathing) is a signal to hold off.

As far as the cold goes, hit it with some vitamin C or tinctures of olive leaf and goldenseal (ask at WF or a health food store) and it'll be gone in no time.

I second this - I've found when I work out with a head cold, I seem to get over it faster; as an added bonus, PLUS the endorphins and whatnot help me feel less ooky. Added bonus - if I work out hard enough to sweat, I get an inadvertent neti when I snort the sweat! *laugh*