Riding through the Common Cold

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chappers1983

Senior Member
So it seems I've caught another cold - or at least the beginnings of one. Wouldn't be so much of an issue, other than I had a big weekend of cycling planned (2 sportives) and the weather is looking good so don't want to be missing out.

I'm taking an over-the-counter remedy and some echinacea tablets, but what other tips do people have to lessen the impact and try and keep myself in decent enough shape for the weekend? Plenty of rest and fluids? Mild activity? Increase protein levels or any other nutrients? Or just harden the **** up and power through?

Any advice would be appreciated as I'd hate to die on my arse on either ride let alone the first one!
 

PK99

Legendary Member
Location
SW19
So it seems I've caught another cold - or at least the beginnings of one. Wouldn't be so much of an issue, other than I had a big weekend of cycling planned (2 sportives) and the weather is looking good so don't want to be missing out.

I'm taking an over-the-counter remedy and some echinacea tablets, but what other tips do people have to lessen the impact and try and keep myself in decent enough shape for the weekend? Plenty of rest and fluids? Mild activity? Increase protein levels or any other nutrients? Or just harden the **** up and power through?

Any advice would be appreciated as I'd hate to die on my arse on either ride let alone the first one!

Commonly quoted rule of thumb is "Above the neck, ride. Below the neck rest"

eg
"A neck check is a way to determine your level of activity during a respiratory illness," adds Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of respiratory care at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. "If your symptoms are above the neck, including a sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, and tearing eyes, then it's OK to exercise," he says. "If your symptoms are below the neck, such as coughing, body aches, fever, and fatigue, then it's time to hang up the running shoes until these symptoms subside."
 

mjr

Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
I eat my way through sugar-free cherry methol Tunes and Fisherman's Friend mints when I've a bunged-up head, or Zubes if I've a sort throat, as well as try to make sure I drink slightly more than usual. Spicy food also nice. As long as my balance isn't affected, I'd keep riding gently. I can't offer too many tips on doing two sportives back-to-back in that condition, as I'd probably not ride more than I needed to for transport.
 

Hacienda71

Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
Tyrozets for a sore throat and plenty of vitamin C for me. I tend to back of my ride intensity if I have had a decongestant. Not sure why but they can make my chest feel tight when exercising.
 

Tin Pot

Guru
So it seems I've caught another cold - or at least the beginnings of one. Wouldn't be so much of an issue, other than I had a big weekend of cycling planned (2 sportives) and the weather is looking good so don't want to be missing out.

I'm taking an over-the-counter remedy and some echinacea tablets, but what other tips do people have to lessen the impact and try and keep myself in decent enough shape for the weekend? Plenty of rest and fluids? Mild activity? Increase protein levels or any other nutrients? Or just harden the **** up and power through?

Any advice would be appreciated as I'd hate to die on my arse on either ride let alone the first one!

Random rules made up by folk are a poor guide to living, regard them as you would any superstition.

Rest, drink and eat as you need to, then decide if you're in a fit state and if you need confirmation, ask a non-cycling friend face to face. Don't pay much attention to the words, but if their expression says "You look like you're dying, you're mad for asking" reconsider your position.

Illness will effect performance, so if you're "racing" these sportives, maybe reconsider that too if you go ahead.
 

PeteXXX

Cake or ice cream? The choice is endless ...
Location
Hamtun
Suck a fisherman's friend.....
 

tyred

Squire
Location
Ireland
418317_a_jameson-select-reserve-whiskey-418317.jpg

:okay:
 
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