Anyone else catch a cold after doing long races? It seems the longer and/or harder I go on race day, the more often I get sick. Any suggestions on post-race nutrition or supplements to avoid this? I’m ready to get back out and train…but instead I’m off work and sick as a dog on my couch.
Yup. It is my understanding that your immune system is depressed making you more susceptible to germs.
right…but anyone know what (if anything) i can do to help reduce the chances of catching a cold?
Just like clockwork…about 3 days after a tough race I get sick & it lasts about 5-7 days.
Its not the wish you were dead type of sick, more like a pain in the ass sick.
Travis
dumb blog
There are a few things you can do. Here are some tips I learned:
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Change out of your race clothes immediately. They are cold, clammy, smelly and gross. They also may be laden with bacteria. Be sure you stay adequately warm after a race. Notice how many elite ahtlete immediately don warm-ups after a competition?
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Wash up as quickly as possible, put on dry, warm clothes and get a small meal quickly. Lots of liquids too including, perhaps, your favorite recovery drink.
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Some people think mega-dosing vitamin C helps. I’m not sure- controversy over this.
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Avoid people, yup- this means the post race party and car full of sniffling fans on the drive home.
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Sleep. Get a long sleep in after a tough race.
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Massage. Probably won’t keep you from getting sick per se’ but it helps in general recovery and may boost your immune response- not sure. Feels good though!
Thanks Tom…yeah, that all makes sense. I can already look back and see where 2, 3, 4 and 5 didn’t really happen.
Go for 20 min walks the few days after a race. This is enough to promote immune system function but not cause undue stress on your body.