Getting Sick When Running More
(Herndon, VA USA)
It seems like every time I increase my time/distance on the treadmill, I end up getting a cold. Is this a coincidence or something that commonly happens to runners?
Answer by Dominique:
People get colds a few times a year. There are people who are more susceptible to the viruses in the air and they get more colds. You might be one of those people.
Whether your colds are linked to your exercise really depends on the amount of exercise you do:
More and more studies say that moderate exercise boosts your immune system, thereby helping to protect you from colds.
Intense exercise (more than 90 minutes of high-intense exercise) leaves you temporarily exposed. During your recovery period after the exercise you have a lower immunity, possibly causing your colds.
Hope this is enough information for you to find out whether your colds and your exercise are linked or not.
Kind regards,
Dominique
