Ultra - Chest infection

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Sep 2011
11:57am, 22 Sep 2011
3 posts
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Paul_G
Doing my first ultra on the 1st of October but currently have a chest infection thanks to the little man starting nursery!

Ideally, I would like to have cleared the infection by the 25th of September but if I've cleared it only a couple of days in advance would it still be OK to run?

I'm guessing 30 miles up and down the black mountains with a chest infection would probably be a bad idea..?

Cheers.
Sep 2011
1:00pm, 22 Sep 2011
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NellyMarcos
I ran a half 5 days after getting a chest infection, I had 2 days of antibiotics left. My doc said I needed to be able to run 2 miles without coughing or I would end up in hospital. I know an ultra is not the same thing but you have really got to decide if you feel well or not. I didnt feel ill really just a bit wheezy. I just altered my target and enjoyed the half rather than racing it. Good luck
Sep 2011
1:08pm, 22 Sep 2011
4 posts
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Paul_G
That is reassuring but I think I would be more inclined to "chance it", with a half! Glad you managed that, as a lot of people don't seem able to "just enjoy" their runs.

Since I've not really done much in the way of specialist training this was very much a suck it and see exercise, anyway. I'm certainly not going to go off at 5:45s with illusions of winning the thing! (not that this would be anywhere near possible at full health)
Sep 2011
1:17pm, 22 Sep 2011
12,323 posts
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Johnny Blaze
Conventional wisdom says you can run with an infection if its neck level or above, but don't if it's below. i think that's about right.
Sep 2011
1:22pm, 22 Sep 2011
5 posts
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Paul_G
Thanks Johnny. I'm after a clearance period, or do you think that so long as I wake up in the morning and its gone, all is OK?
Sep 2011
1:27pm, 22 Sep 2011
12,327 posts
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Johnny Blaze
I'm not a doctor tbh but if you have no symptoms it might be worth a shot. If the weathers crap i'd personally give it a miss.
Sep 2011
1:31pm, 22 Sep 2011
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padoir noir
Whilst I think JB is correct I recently ignored this advice and ran a half immediately after a chest cold because it was a target race. I set a PB but was about 1 min slower than I think I would've been if fit.

Do you use a HR Monitor? I monitored my HR...3 days before the race it was 15-20 bpm up on normal over a short run, the day before the race it was 3-4 bpm up, so I was probably just about back to normal for the race, but only just. I don't think I have suffered any ill effects as a result of having run.
Sep 2011
2:06pm, 22 Sep 2011
215 posts
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miss_sunshine
Paul G - I would say that if you are completely clear by the 25th then more than likely you'll be ok for the 1st October - 30 miles is fine - the one thing you need to consider is the 1850 meters of ascent....you seriously need to be 100% clear - no chancing on an ultra and especially your first as you could come right down again and me out for longer.

Bearing in mind you'll be out for over 5/6 hours max.

But if you do it - have a great time - one on my list to do. :)
Sep 2011
3:07pm, 22 Sep 2011
6 posts
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Paul_G
Thanks all. You've made up my mind. If it is not out of the system by next wednesday evening, I'll (reluctantly) give this one a miss...

Padoir Noir, I've never got on with HRMs, unfortunately.

Miss Sunshine - it is a four race series... plenty to choose from! :-) And 5/6 hours MAX? I wish I shared your confidence!
Sep 2011
4:46pm, 22 Sep 2011
216 posts
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miss_sunshine
Paul G: 3rd December - 1st ultra, 40 miles over the Brecons, right in the heart of winter - what more could you ask for ...... that looks pretty awesome :) :)

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Doing my first ultra on the 1st of October but currently have a chest infection thanks to the little...

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