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Keep calm and run on with these tips to survive allergy season

by Grace » on Jun 29, 2018 0

 

Running with allergies in summer

Image credit to Pixabay / Skeeze  

Running in the warmer weather is something many enthusiasts wait for all year. For those who live in a cooler climate like New England, spring and summer mean that no longer do they have to run indoors or trudge through snow and slush outside in temperatures that make most runners’ lungs burn.

But warmer weather brings more than just an increase in the outside temp. Just as it’s warm enough to take off the scarf and jacket, the dreaded allergy season is around the corner. As the warmer weather settles in, with it comes a tidal wave of blooming flowers. For outdoor athletes who have allergies, this represents a very frustrating time of year (even if it feels better to run in 70 degrees than 45) fun-filled with sneezing, itchy and runny noses, burning eyes, and even dark eye bags.

These symptoms make it hard to breathe!

What’s very unfortunate is that for some, allergies can be even worse in the summer than in the spring. Especially for some people who suffer from allergies that live in places where certain allergens are more prominent. In many places around the U.S., pollen is the most common allergy – which means there is a way around running outdoors while allergens are around.

The most important step, however, is to ensure that whatever symptoms may be prevalent are not linked to a summertime cold instead of allergies. Symptoms that last longer than two weeks are stereotypical of allergies instead of illness. If symptoms last less than two weeks, it’s more likely they’re related to a summertime bug instead of related to the blooming flowers and pollen.

Once a cold has been ruled out, there are other remedies that can help runners who suffer from allergies get outdoors during the warmer months. Choosing the right time to run can help relieve allergy symptoms that prevent a good run, like itchy or burning eyes and sneezing that complicate breathing. Avoid running early in the morning when the pollen count is very high, or in the afternoon when the air quality is at its worst.

An over the counter medication could help relieve allergy symptoms, but there are other ways to help soothe allergies too. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can actually help, too! Not only do they help prevent disease, but they can work to reduce allergic reactions as well. Embrace using eyedrops and consider wearing sunglasses regardless of the level of sunshine while running.

There is a small benefit to having allergies that flare up during the summer. While it may not sound very appealing, having allergies provides the perfect opportunity to learn how to breathe properly. Allergy season is a chance to learn how to get better at breathing. Working on breathing effectively, in from the nose and out from the mouth, in order to prevent inhaling allergens from entering the body.

Keep calm, snag some Claritin, and run on.

 

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