Tips for Running with Seasonal Allergies
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Seasonal allergies can provide a challenge for those who enjoy running for sport and exercise. Certain precautions can make it easier to run with allergies.
Stay indoors
According to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD), the best way to avoid seasonal allergies is to stay indoors. Although running may seem like an activity that is impossible to do indoors, it actually is very doable. First, consider utilizing a treadmill, either at your home or at a commercial gym. This is a staple at most gyms. Also, some gyms offer indoor tracks. You can specifically look for one that has such an indoor feature. If you are running indoors at home, make sure not to let the pollen in through open windows or doors. Keep your home clean and dust free.
Choose a good location for running outdoors
Different people have different triggers for their seasonal allergies. You may be allergic to a specific type of grass, for instance. When you are running outdoors, try to stay away from your triggers as much as possible.
An outdoor track may be better than a jaunt through a pollen-filled natural one. Try to find paths instead of running on the grass. If you are running through grass, try to find some that has been cut short instead of going through long grass that may be more irritating to your seasonal allergies.
Exercise at specific times
Certain times of the day have a higher pollen count. Avoid those higher periods to reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms while you run. During the morning hours of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., the pollen count is typically the highest. Also, if you run right after rain, your symptoms may be improved.
Utilize medication
For some, allergy medication is the only option to manage seasonal allergies while running. Claritin is one example of an over-the-counter medication. There are numerous other over-the-counter and prescription medications that combat seasonal allergies. Speak to your health care provider to find out what might be right for you.
A lot of medications are not immediately effective, so you may want to take them half an hour in advance to make sure you are protected.
When you get home from your running, make sure that you take a shower and change your clothing right after you come indoors. This will minimize the allergens you bring into your home. Take the above steps to help you reduce your allergy symptoms while running.