Do you wear nose plugs when you swim an IM?
My nose has been running like a tap for hours after my last few 4K open water swims in preparation for LP, and I’m wondering if I should try nose plugs. I have a buddy who wears them and says they solved the problem for him. But I’m leery about trying anything that might restrict any flow of oxygen. Was that a problem for you?
if you use a nose plug, be sure to use the bento box as well. 
No Nose Plug = No breathing for about 2 weeks
No Bento Box = No Poser
Not a fair comparison, if it works, it works. Seriously, if I swim even 20 minutes without a nose plug, I’m sneezing before I’m out of the shower, and the congestion is like no cold I’ve ever had.
I use a nose plug *and *a snorkel.
Listen, it’s about looks. Suffer with the best of them and get rid of the nose plug. Sneezing, sniffling whatever, go to costco and stock up on tissues.
I have used them for years whenever I swim in practice or a race. I used in my IM. I use in my 1:40 minute swims around my lake. And I still get my nose going nuts from something in the water. I could case less what I look like. You should see my training outfits. No fancy clothes for me, just a nerd.
Dave
1:40 swims!? Wait aren’t you the guy that trains like 4 hours a week!? Your training seems heavily weighted on the swim front!!
You’re misreading that. It isn’t “one hour and forty minutes,” it’s “one minute and forty seconds.”
Danged elitist!
HE SAID LAKE!!! Good lord, he must be swimming around a puddle!!!
Nose plugs rule! For me anyway… Carry an extra one around your finger like a ring when the first one gets kicked or punched off. As far as looks are concerned? Well, in most circumstances I have usually removed the nose plug by the time the finish line photo is taken.
just don’t forget those arm floaties! steal some from a kid if necessary.
Better yet, use the ones with the elastic band, if it gets knocked off just use the one from around your neck.
Does your husband swim too?
Ditch the noseplug or get a flowered cap to go with it.
Ever see any of the top IM swimmers (Foster, Lieto, etc.) wearing nose plugs?
Ever see any of the top Olympic swimmers (Phelps, etc.) wearing nose plugs?
No?
There’s your answer.
HEY!!! NOT NICE!! You better watch it, or I’m mailing you a bento box!
I just started using nose plugs a few weeks ago after experiencing a lot of the same symptoms. They work great, and they do not constrict my breathing at all, which was my fear. They are geeky, and I feel like a should glue a pocket protector on my chest when I wear them, but I never swim without them anymore. (I also make sure they are the first thing I take off when exiting the swim so that I don’t have them on in any photos that are taken.)
Make sure you take pictures and post’em on here. Please.
Try Claritin.
1 - Take one the morning before your swim = no sneezing + no geek factor.
2 - Swim with two tablets stuffed up your nose = invisible nose plug.
OK KK, I’ll go to Costco to get some tissues. But where should I carry the tissues on the bike? In the bento box?
now you’re thinking!