So I kinda make it a goal to run at least 5.5 miles per day, but the past couple of days I just wimped out at some point. Yesterday I couldn’t make it a mile before I threw in the towel. It felt like back when I first started and was completely outta shape. Besides maybe needing new shoes, the only real variable was that it was declared “Ozone Action” where it was warned that the very young, old & asthmatic (none of which I’m qualified) should avoid outside activity.
So is rigorous activity, period, inadvisable during OADs, or am I just looking for excuses here? Incidentally, I also developed a sore throat.
If there are other times to run? It probably makes sense to prioritize those. But if not, it’s probably better to stay fit. Good times to run are late night or pre-rush hour AM, as as after a fresh rain. Stop if it causes pain, but in the long run it shouldn’t hurt you unless you are running daily marathons.
Sven, who lived in China.
Yeah, I try to avoid evening runs, especially after the solstice when the nights start earlier. I guess I oughta bite the bullet and finally buy a reflective vest.
If you live in an urban area, in addition to ozone, you should be aware of ultrafine particles–as when you exercise these ultrafine particles go deep into your lungs. ( Ultrafine particle - Wikipedia )
After learning about this kind of pollution I cut back on recreational city cycling and tried to cycle more in the early hours on parkways and on streets with a lot less diesel traffic.
In the 1990’s I was on a century (100 miles) bike ride with my teenage son and about 400 other people. It was hot and humid, but nothing too unusual for around the St. Louis area. People were quitting the ride left and right. My son, a pretty strong rider then, was going about 8 mph and having trouble at that pace. Fortunately the ride passed about 10 miles from home so I gave my son money and had him wait at a convenience store while I rode home to get a car. I was starting to feel weak also.
While driving back in the car, I heard on the radio that it was a Red Ozone day. Well that explained it. I picked up my son plus drove a few other riders back to their cars.
After that I took an interest in ozone levels and either didn’t exercise or took it very easy when the levels were high.