Although you may hate to miss your daily run, you have to ask yourself: “Should I run with a cold and sore throat?” Read on to find out whether or not it's a good idea to stick to your routine in spite of a cold.
Above the neck or below?
As surprising as it may seem, your neck is the body part that will determine whether it’s a good idea to go for a run or not. Or, rather, it’s not the neck itself, but where your aches and pains are in relation to it. You see, if your symptoms are above the neck—a sore throat, runny nose, or headache—it’s okay to exercise. However, if your discomfort and pain is below the neck—you have some chest congestion and a bad cough—it’s better to abstain.
Listen to your body
Obviously, the neck isn’t the only thing you should be paying attention to. If you’re still asking yourself “Should I run with a cold and sore throat?” it might mean your body just needs some rest. You know better than your neck does if you can manage a run or not. If you only have a sore throat and everything else feels okay, getting up and moving is not likely to worsen your condition. However, if your sore throat is accompanied by a cough, don’t tap the meager strength reserves your body needs to get better. If you’re still not sure, consult a doctor.
Breathe through your nose
Do you often get a sore throat when you run? The nose filters and warms the air before sending it to your lungs; air breathed in through the mouth doesn’t get the same treatment. So if you’re running hard and breathing through your mouth, there is more of a chance that your throat will get irritated by cold air. Just train yourself to breathe through your nose on particularly cold days.
And in winter?
In winter, it’s more probable that you’ll get a sore throat from breathing in cold air. Moreover, a few minutes is usually sufficient for your lungs to burn with the cold air too. But don’t worry; your lungs won’t freeze. Put on a neoprene face mask and breathe air in through the fabric. It may not be the epitome of elegance, but it works.
When in doubt, abstain
So, should I run with a cold and sore throat? Whatever your condition, if you’re feeling energy-depleted from illness, it’s a good sign you should stay at home and rest. Although it’s perfectly safe to run with a sore throat, it’s best to get some advice from a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort or if your exercise regimen is compromised by a chronic cold.
