Cycling with a head cold

fenris

On antibiotics for minger of a headcold/sinus infection, starting to get better, but I have missed a week of cycling and the wicklow 100 is getting close!

Just wondering will getting out on a long (for me) spin make things worse giving no gain for time in the saddle or be just the job to sort me out!

The furthest that I have covered in one go is 45k but I cycle to work twice a week (25k each way) but I don't have the time to get the longer spins in except for weekends so I don't really want to miss another one!

**Timbuk2**

It won't make it any better, but I don't think it will make it worse. Remember, colds are not actually caused by cold weather, its a virus caught off other people (cold weather weakens defences and forces people to spend more time indoors together - hence why there are more colds in winter).

Having said that, it is important that you are wrapped up well as you do not want to weaken yourself any more.

Also make sure to drinks lots of fluids and wash your hands often to get rid of the cold!

xz

Head cold should be OK, but if it moves onto your chest, stay off the bike, even up to a few days after you feel better

eggie

You'll do 100k fine for a once off if you cycle 25k each way to work.

Lumen

Above the neck = OK.
Below the neck = Rest.

I'd be inclined to add another commuting day and/or slightly extend your commute rather than risking worsening your illness with a long weekend ride.

Particularly since the weather is crap.

ISTR that hard exercise drives viruses into the muscle, or something.

fenris

Thanks for the advice, my enthusiasm has evaporated into alternate hot and cold spells so a duvet day it is!