Long Distance Running = More colds/respiratory infections?

Lynn M.

Lynn M.

Cathlete
Hi to all of you runners...

I'd love to hear your input on whether or not you think you get more respiratory ailments/colds/sinus infections when you are training for a long distance endurance event.

I started training back in January for a 1/2 marathon and it seems like when I started increasing my mileage, all of a sudden, I got my very first sinus infection, then I got an upper respiratory infection, all in less than 6 weeks. Normally, I am not susceptible to these kind of ailments and am usually very healthy.

I don't know if its just coincidence, or that's its "flu season", or what, but its bumming me out! :(

I can't say that I really feel run down either.. my diet, sleep, etc seems to be fairly consistent. I have also adjusted my weekly cardio schedule to accomodate for long runs, so that I don't overtrain.

Any advice? Suggestions? Personal testimonies??

Thanks in advance, Lynn M.
 
Lynn,

I'm not going to be very helpful, but I have read that when you start doing more endurance exercise you do become more susceptible to illness b/c your immunune system is weakened (I ran a marathon and trained with endurance runners who were doing 100 mile races all the time but I don't remember if they got sick more often). And that really sucks b/c you would think that it should become stronger b/c you are working out more. Not so. Sorry I don't remember the source (probably Runner's World since I read that faithfully for about 20 years) but maybe you could do a search on the Internet about endurance exercise and your immune system?

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
I have read that long periods of exercise (90 minutes or longer) can actually reduce your immunity, so it would make sense that a distance runner would be more susceptible to colds and other bugs.

I, personally, didn't find that I got any more colds when I was training for my half marathons and marathon. But I was aware that my immunity could be compromised by the long runs, so I took extra precautions - like taking Airborne once or twice on my long run day, and getting regular massages to help circulate lymph. It definitely seemed to work - I didn't get sick at all during the 5 months I trained for my marathon. I was either very lucky, or the stuff I did worked. :)
 
RE: Long Distance Running = More colds/respiratory infe...

Hi there Lynn! How exciting for you to be training for you half!!
I run quite a bit (completed my first marathon last Jan) and I'm an RN. If you wear yourself out with or overdo ANY exercise you will compromise your immune system. However, that being said, I think you'd be feeling it if you were overdoing it (finding it difficult to finish your runs, having to Force yourself to work out, not sleeping well, etc.) So, I'd be inclined to think that in your case it is just coincidence and met up with some nasty bugs :( Best of luck to you with your training!!

ShellyC
 
RE: Long Distance Running = More colds/respiratory infe...

Lynn...interesting article. I do agree with others as marathon training, half marathon training and any distance running does attack the immune system. When I marathon trained I always got a frigging cold sore. Glad I have meds that zap it. I agree with taking Zinc daily and Echinacea daily during training. These days when I feel maybe a cold coming on I use Colloidal Silver (get this at a health food store), it is a natural antibiotic and has helped me alot. I am also using this year an oil called "Thieves" which can be found thru this site www.youngliving.com of which I am a Distributor....HTH...:)
 
RE: Long Distance Running = More colds/respiratory infe...

Hi Shelley and Carole:

Thanks for your input!!

I may try Zinc and Echinacea to see if it helps. Fortunately, I am on the mend ( thanks to some help from amoxicillin)..Hopefully I can get back to my long runs soon, I'm really missing them!!

Take care, LynnM.
 
RE: Long Distance Running = More colds/respiratory infe...

Hi Lynn. I just read in this months Oxygen that hard, long w/outs will weken the immune system. They suggest adding more carbs to your diet when you have a long w/out. HTH
LD
 
RE: Long Distance Running = More colds/respiratory infe...

More carbs!!! :) I can definitely do that!!!

I had heard the same thing, but the study that cited it was done by Carboom..an energy gel manufacturer, so I took it w/ a grain of salt. ( Or should I say sugar?! ;)

Lynn M.
 
Hi Lynn,

When I train for a marathon I make extra sure to keep my diet in check and refuel ASAP after a long run. That normally consists of a protein smoothie made from Whey protein powder, frozen fruit, a packet of EMERGEN-C and water. Maybe some stevia if I want it sweeter.

Although I have some but have not used any of it, Sarah/Imafitnessfreak swears by Endurox R4. I just like my protein smoothie too much to switch!

In any case, I do not find myself getting sick when the miles get up there. As a matter of fact, I find that I feel quite strong when I hit my peak in training.

Hope you get over what you've got soon!

And good luck on the 1/2!

In any case
 
Thanks Elaine..

I am feeling much better now! Is Endurox R4 a supplement, gel? What is the nutritional composition?

I love doing smoothies too post exercise, but I've gotten out of the habit of making them. Usually post run, I'll have a piece of fruit and some source of protein. That's a great idea of putting the EmergenC in your smoothie..never thought of that!!

I'll be doing my first long run this weekend post illness... I'm looking forward to it and anxious to see how it goes!

Take care, Lynn M.
 
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