mecheng

What do you think of riding with a sore throat? Last time I tried it a few months ago it kind of sucked, especially when climbing. Do you do it?

I've got a sore throat ATM, but really wanna get on the bike, except I know I'll be in for more than I asked for.

biolife

If you have any Apple Cider Vinegar, drink a bit slowly, prolonging time in your throat, and go ride.
No sense wasting a day due to a sore throat.
However, if it's something like strep throat, where it hurts pretty badly to swallow, you should stay home.

Brandy

A friend of mine who is a distance runner always does the above/below the neck assesment. If your symptoms are above the neck (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat) then moderate exercise is okay and may speed recovery. If symptoms are below the neck (diarrhea, vomiting, severe coughing, muscle aches and pain, etc.) then no exercise.

I hope you feel better soon!

daver42

Find some Emergen-C drink packets to fill up your water bottle. Provides electrolytes and gives your immune system a boost. It may not completely soothe a sore throat but it'll taste and feel better going down than plain water. I always seem to be able to kick a cold/sore throat with the stuff.

VARower

Now this may sound weird...so hopefully someone can back me up on this, but I've learned something sort of odd over the past few years, training through the winter at school. When I feel sick but go to practice anyway, I often feel pretty bad if I half-ass it, but if I really embrace the workout and push myself hard, I always (and I stress, always) feel better afterward. I'd give it a try if I were you. It probably won't kill you.


...although I accept no responsibility if it does...

Az B

I've noticed that if I ride hard at the first signs of a cold, flu, or sore throat it feels much better after the ride.

If I've had the symptoms for a couple days then the riding seems to make me feel like crap.

I say start riding and see what happens. If you feel crappy after a few miles, go home. If not, enjoy the ride.

Az

Rich22

I have trouble riding when I am congested with sinus or a cold. It makes aerobic workouts almost impossible for me... Not to mention on top if my deviated septum gets in the way.

RiPHRaPH

you will always feel better after working out due to the increase in testosterone release. This certainly is a current topic as of late. I know guys who have admitted to masturbating when feeling a little sick to get the increase in testosterone to kick their ailment.

eyefloater

Who wins? The GOVERNMENT. *cue foreboding music*

timmhaan

exactly. someone a while ago posted a great idea. they have a "ten minute rule". meaning they'll ride for 10 minutes and head home if it sucks or just keep going. 90% of the time they ended up continuing to ride.

for me, i always feel better having done a ride...even if it's just a dinky 10 mile ride around the park. the only time i feel too sick to ride is when i have a migrain, a digestive issue, or the flu (body aches).

waterrockets 

I always ride if I feel up to it. If I have chest congestion, I take it moderate so I don't make things worse. I feel better after my sick rides about 95% of the time.

DocRay

Riding with a simple cold is ok, the elevated temperature will help kill the virus. Don't ride with the flu.
If the sore throat persists > 3 days, get a throat swab.

GuitarWizard

Riding with a chest cold generally isn't a real good idea....

And as most people do, they will go too hard too soon, and end up sick again a month later or so....and keep repeating the process for a few months.

waterrockets 

You're probably right, for most people. I have exercise induced asthma (easily controlled), so I'm familiar with the sensations when I'm pushing a cold too hard. I'm able to go just the right amount to clear myself up a bit and feel better off the bike. It's kind of like being able to stay out of the red in a TT, when you're familiar with the sensations, it's all good.

Nachoman

Just ride easy. Get the legs out there spinning briefly, then back to drink lots of fluids and get lots of rest.