Hey Gang,
Well, here it is, cold November rain...and along with the rain comes a stuffy (and somehow at the same time) runny nose.
At times like this, what do you do? Do you swim anyway?
Is there some kind of guideline that says, swim if the cold is from the neck up (like in running)?
Seeing how I just had 4 weeks out, and this is the kick off week to tri training, I'd hate to not swim...but don't want to make myself sick longer.
What do ya'll think is the best thing to do?
xo-jerrycat :rolleyes:
Former Member
All that stuff that just seems to come out of your nose and mouth when your swimming - it makes you feel so much better. I say swim through your cold - but your lane mates may not like it!
I also highly recommend using a steam room when you are beginning to get a cold, when you have one, or just to keep from getting one.
I would suggest that you try some cold medicines and see what works... I suffer from allergies and found that (sorry guys, this is icky, I know!) blowing my nose before practice helps- and if I know that I'm going to be congested, I take some non-drowsy cold stuff about 1/2 before swimming and that helps. I've also been known to get out of the pool during practice and go an blow my nose, again, if I need to. Just do what you're comfortable with...
Regarding training with illness- again, do what you can and let your coach know... a few times I haven't felt well but showed up anyway (I figure that I can always go home) I told my coach and he gave me an 'easier' workout by myself.
Of course, the best way to deal with this is to avoid getting a cold... I wash my hands obsessively... when I come in the house, after using the bathroom, shaking hands... and trying not to touch my eyes et c. until I have done so... you get the idea... I have also found that one of the greatest factors in avoiding illnesses or shortening my bouts with them is to get 8 hours sleep a night and taking a GOOD multi-vitamin...
Good luck and feel better soon!
Originally posted by jerrycat
Hey Gang,
Is there some kind of guideline that says, swim if the cold is from the neck up (like in running)?
xo-jerrycat :rolleyes:
I have heard that guideline, and I abide by it. If the cold gets down in the chest I figure it is more serious and I shouldn't push it, plus usually when a cold gets down in the chest I feel a lot worse too.
I agree with sparx35. If you're sick, best to rest and recover. Also, IMO, I strongly believe that swimming when you are sick is RUDE. Think of all the snot and germs coming out of your nose. Yes, there is chlorine, however, when you're huffing and puffing in your lane after a long set in a crowded lane, you're most likely going to spread your sickness. Please stay home.
-GG
I find *correct* breathing technique very difficult when I'm congested from a cold. Since, I'd rather not practice poor breathing technique (i.e., gasping for breath), I avoid swimming when I'm congested. Besides, I don't think infecting my teammates by coughing and sneezing on them, would make me very popular :p.
after remembering the disgust of my high school swim coach when I came to practice really sick and snotty, I decided to stay out of the pool until my runny nose was gone...
thankfully it didn't last long anyway (thanks to red wine and garlic), so I'll hop back in the pool tomorrow...
I agree with you who said it's rude...caughing up a loogie just really isn't that considerate...the same goes for blowing a snot ball in the gutter.
Have fun, go swim!
Jerrycat :D
