How likely am I to catch a cold in the rain?

Filan

Finding it very difficult to train the past few weeks, am hoping to make a marathon by the middle of next year,but how do I combat the weather?.

shels4ever

Filan wrote: »

Finding it very difficult to train the past few weeks, am hoping to make a marathon by the middle of next year,but how do I combat the weather?.

just get out and run, shower after and you'll be grand, I was sick more when I wasnt running then now, wind, rain and mud its all good for you

--amadeus--

Filan wrote: »

Finding it very difficult to train the past few weeks, am hoping to make a marathon by the middle of next year,but how do I combat the weather?.

Colds, flus etc are caused by viruses that are spread by other people. If you don't come into contact with the virus you can't catch a cold. Therefore avoid people. In weather like this most of them stay indoors so you've less chance of meeting them and thier germs if you are out running.

Simple

connie_c

theres no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. Dont remember who said that but its true. Its not that bad out there as long as you dont get cold. Base layer and light running jacket is enough for me. If it gets colder ill try be wearing a hat.

Rio 2016

connie_c wrote: »

theres no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. Dont remember who said that but its true. Its not that bad out there as long as you dont get cold. Base layer and light running jacket is enough for me. If it gets colder ill try be wearing a hat.

"There is no such thing as bad weather, just soft people." Bill Bowerman, coach of the legendary Steve Prefontaine

dare2be

I think there is nothing better than running in the rain and/or the cold. Once you get out and you have the right gear on you are grand

Condo131

I agree with all the previous posters, however would add that it's very important to dress appropriately and, in doing so, bear in mind wind chill.

In particular, get showered and changed immediately. The thing about cold is that it creeps up on you - when you FEEL cold, you REALLY ARE cold!

You won't get a cold from running in the rain, but if you let your core temp get too low, you may be more susceptible to getting one.

KentuckyPete

+1 to the above.

It's all about staying warm afterwards - get the shower or if you can't have a shower until later then get a tracksuit / fleece / wooly hat on while you are still warm.

The Irish winter is not that cold - should be no problems if you've got connie_c's base layer and jacket. I ran in that gear in New York last winter in -15 degrees and it was no bother. I just added a hat, thin gloves and wore the long leggings and I was grand.

Abhainn

Yes appropiate clothing is useful.
I remember all the runs in biting cold and snow and slush , wet feet and weekend bike rides where my nads were frozen off me last winter. I never got a sniffle never mind a cold (fingers crossed I haven't jinxed myself.)
I do take the occasional multivitamin though so that may be useful

macinalli

+1 to all the above but I'd also say to allow for the wind these days. Ran along the streets to Phoenix Park yesterday evening - all pretty sheltered and feeling good. Got to the Park & nearly froze. Worth it though - you feel great coming back from a run in the cold!

Oryx

Even if you get soaked to the skin (which I did last week) you shouldnt get sick from it as long as you warm yourself up straight away when you are finished, by showering and getting into warm gear. Colds and flus as --amadeus-- said are spread from other people, so as long as you are well nourished, avoid being sneezed on, and keep yourself in good nick, you should avoid the worst of the winter bugs.

SM01

From my own experience - I've been running approx 17 years - always suffered at least a couple of bouts during the winter and spring where I was feeling rundown and heady-coldy. However the last 2 years I've been taking a zinc supplement, not the whole time but would take one a day for a couple of weeks, forget to take for a week then start again, and I've been free from that rundown, listless, streamy nose, headcold feeling since.

How Strange

I've found that if you warm up by wearing gloves and a hat which then need to be taken off after 5-10mins you're less likely to get a cold by being out in the rain. Also, as everyone else said definitely jump in the shower straight away and wear lots of warm clothes.

I've trekked in snow storms and constant driving icy rain and felt like I was frozen alive (hands and feet numb, shivering) but warmed myself up straight away as soon as I got to the end by putting on loads of base layers and kept warm and have never gotten sick.

Hot shower after OP and you'll be fine!

I love running in the rain, actually prefer it to dry weather running

johnnyfox24

SM01 wrote: »

From my own experience - I've been running approx 17 years - always suffered at least a couple of bouts during the winter and spring where I was feeling rundown and heady-coldy. However the last 2 years I've been taking a zinc supplement, not the whole time but would take one a day for a couple of weeks, forget to take for a week then start again, and I've been free from that rundown, listless, streamy nose, headcold feeling since.

+1

Yeah zinc is excellent if you feel a cold coming on. Also it's recommended to take zinc tablets if you are doing a lot of training.

tunney

johnnyfox24 wrote: »

+1

Yeah zinc is excellent if you feel a cold coming on. Also it's recommended to take zinc tablets if you are doing a lot of training.

But you have to watch your copper intake when taking zinc supplements - I jest you not.