Like many other things, there’s no one right answer that works for everyone when trying to decide if you should run when you have a cold. However, here are a few non-scientific reasons why I generally choose to rest over run.
- Running at a modified intensity level due to not feeling well will most likely not contribute to increasing my fitness level.
- Taking the day off means getting more rest and stressing my body less.
- I’m convinced the duration of my cold decreases when I skip my training runs.
- I don’t want to risk compromising my immune system and ended up with something worse than just a common cold.
On the flip side, the Mayo Clinic says mild to moderate exercise is okay and may even help you feel better.
The question I always ask myself when struggling to make the decision to workout or rest when I have a cold is, “How is this workout going to contribute to my running goals?”
Normally, the answer to that question is simple. The workout I’m able to do with a cold isn’t actually going to contribute to my running goals.
This question should also be applied to almost every workout you do when you’re training for a very specific goal. If a workout doesn’t serve a purpose, then why are you doing it?
I think this is one of those things where you have to decide what is right for you, not what is right for someone else. You also have to listen to your body and mind and give it what it needs the most.
What about you, do you normally stick with your training schedule when you have a cold?
I think this is great! I had a cold last week and I was really struggling. I did this exact thing you are speaking about and asked myself – does it really matter if I get in this workout? If it wasn’t going to specifically help me and it was just “extra miles” then I would choose to take off and just focus on either strength training or rest.
Great minds think alike! 😉
I struggle with this too… It is so hard to stop training! My rule for sickness is I don’t workout period. Since I only get sick for about a week a year, usually some week in December, I take this time as a rest week (or two). It is no fun, but I haven’t really noticed a decrease in fitness. I came up with this plan after I tried to swim through a horrible cold. I was training hard for the hour Postal swim and I refused to take time off. I ended up with Pneumonia and wasn’t allowed to swim for pretty much all of January. Of course I missed the race. Woops. Lesson learned. Now the real question is, how do I stop from wanting to eat everything in the house when I am sick?
That’s been my problem! How I’m I so hungry when I’m not doing anything?
It’s so hard to know when to or not to run when you have a cold! I give myself two miles at a very moderate pace to decide how I’m feeling. I find for me that this distance is a good indicator when feeling under the weather. Feel better soon!
Good idea!
I tend to be more conservative if I’m sick, and will more often than not take a rest day.
I’m totally with you!
I’ve definitely learned the hard way that for me, taking a couple of days off at the onset of anything is the way to go. I nip it in the bud and then continue on my merry way. Otherwise, it progresses to something long and nasty! Glad you are on the mend!