Zenaida Arroyo

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Do you run when you’re sick?  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Today is day #291 of my run streak.  I’ve run in cold, freezing, humid, and hot weather.  I’ve run in the snow and in the rain.  What will actually make me NOT run?  It will either be an injury or being sick.  But exactly how sick will I need to be?  Let’s find out.

Let me start by saying that I rarely get sick.  I guess working 12 years with students has paid off.  😀 When I do get sick, I get a cold that lasts 3-4 days and it usually happens 1-2 times a year.  The last time (that I can remember) I got a cold was in January 2020.

To run or not to run?

I’ve worked with several coaches and they’ve told me that if my symptoms are above the neck (sneezing, runny nose, etc) then it is OK to run as long as you feel good.  However, if they’re in or below the neck (sore throat, diarrhea, body aches, chills, etc), then skip the run.  For the former, it should also be a personal choice.  If you want to skip it then go ahead.  Nothing wrong with taking a rest day.  If you do run, keep it easy or run fewer miles than what is on the plan. 

If you have a fever, then you should not run at all.  Running will raise the body’s core temperature and in return could increase the risk of dehydration or delay recovery time.  One or two rest days to bring the fever down is better than days or weeks that you may need to take off if the situation gets worse.

The last time I felt sick enough to skip a run was the day after I received my 2nd vaccine.  I ran in the morning and then used the Peloton bike.  It was later in the morning when I had chills and my whole body ached.  I was working from home (thank goodness!) and somehow made it through the work day.  No way could I run after school and am glad I ran that morning.  See, another reason why I don’t like to procrastinate!  I did feel much better in the evening and ran again the next morning.

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Tips for running in the rain, cold, or hot weather.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Over the past couple of months I’ve been very consistent with my running and have run in many different weather conditions.  Some have been better than others but I’ve managed to stick with it.  

Running in the rain

🌧️ Use Body Glide.  Chafing is the worst.  Make sure to apply it under the arms, inner thighs, or areas where you are more likely to chafe.  I’ve been using Squirrel’s Nut Butter and while I am not too crazy about the scent, my thighs have been very happy.

🌧️ Wear a hat.  Your hair will still get wet but at least it will keep the rain out of your eyes.

🌧️ Jacket is optional.  Running in the rain on a warm/hot day feels wonderful.  No jacket is required.  However, it is different when it is cold and windy.  My favorite one to wear is the Oiselle Reflective Vim Jacket.  It is lightweight and windproof and.

Running in cold weather

🥶 Wear gloves and a hat.  Those two items along with a warm jacket are what makes my runs more comfortable.

🥶 Wear moisture-wicking technical clothes.  These will keep you warm and dry.  I have a couple Oiselle wazzie wool long sleeve tops that I love.  I wear them a couple of times and they still will not smell.  However, after 4-5 times then it is time to wash them (too gross).  

🥶 If it is too cold or too much snow/ice, skip it or run on the treadmill.  This past Winter was just really bad.  It seemed like we had snow everyday for 2 months along with a few very cold days.  I did run on the treadmill once but it was very uncomfortable running with a mask (I was at the gym).  I am doing a run streak so I just made sure to run one mile.  

Running in hot weather

🥵 Wear a hat.  Last Saturday I got a really bad headache after my run.  I didn’t think it was that hot (70s) but it was sunny.  I paid for it dearly because it took me a few hours to recover.

🥵 Hydrate.  During the hot weather we dehydrate more quickly so it is a good idea to carry water to drink along the way.

🥵 Adjust your goals.  The pace might be slower and you may need to walk more.  That is OK.  If you need to stop then stop.  Make sure to listen to your body.

🥵 Start running early.  The earlier the better and if you can start running when it is still dark.  A few years ago I did a few long runs with a friend and we would start at 4am.  Our reward was going out for breakfast afterwards.  

What is your favorite time of year to run?