Pollution or HTFU? (Read 757 times)

Honestly, I'd value my lungs and stay inside. HTFU should be left for other, safer things.

Here in Greenville, SC we get Ozone warnings this time of year. I just go run (or play Ultimate) and blame my fatigue on those polluting scumbags in Altanta (instead of blaming my low training mileage)!

I vote for HTFU. We get our share of "Danger! Don't go outside! For God's sake don't exercise!" warnings here in Nashville during the haziest parts of the summer. I (and most other runners I know) usually run anyway and never notice any respiratory problems. Howver, I suppose if you have some breathing/lung problems, you may consider not HTFUing.

<highjack> God, how I hate you. Let me count the ways. You're worse than a biker. </highjack> And to the OP - HTFU and go run. The "experts" - aren't. And they're talking to mere mortals, not to you. You're a marathoner. Go run.

Just run. MTA: Or, don't.

semi-thread hijack (and useless advice): You're okay to run as long as you're smoking a cigarette. My theory is that the cigarette filter will help purify the air resulting in a net decrease in total pollution reaching your lungs. I live in western Canada so I've never had to deal with pollution days, despite living in Alberta with all our "dirty oil "as candidate Obama likes to say (and is absolutely right) . I saw a cyclicst wearing one of these the other day: (The sales pitch) Weight: 45g (Med) Don’t let a little bad air come in between you and your daily commute! The Respro® Techno neoprene mask features two filtration systems that screen out sub-micron-sized pollutants like dust. Also has an activated charcoal filter to absorb vapours and gases. There are two valves specifically designed to improve airflow performance as you exhale. Great for any outside exercise in a polluted urban environment. Filters out hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide, lead oxide, and smoke, as well as sub-micron particulates including pollen dust, rapeseed dust and other irritants. Rapid airflow valve system for easy exhalation. Velcro® fastening ensures an effective seal. Durable and fully washable. Replacement filters available.

I'm in MN, too, and have asthma. I'm deciding on a day by day basis. Yesterday felt heavy and humid and icky when I got up, so I did not run. This morning (pre sun) felt ok, so I ran.

I think it also depends on you personally. For me, I'm an asthmatic, and on bad air days I notice a difference because I cannot breathe - and if I can't breathe, I can't run worth crap.

These are the days when just sitting in a chair can feel like suffocation.