Achoo - How to Get Through a Run with Allergies

Don't you just love running during allergy season? You know, having the snot dripping from your nose and you constantly having to wipe or as I see some people do - blow a snot rocket makes your run so much fun, right?! I think not. Allergies can severely affect your running and worst yet, it may even deter you from getting that run in. 

It's often said that even if one isn't at 100 percent, one should still continue with the plan and at least give it a try. So, how do you attack a run while also battling those pesky allergies? If you're like me, having to take some form of allergy medication is not ideal and often leaves you feeling out of your normal self. It may work for you and if it does, that's great! This post is just a collection of remedies or methods to get through a run that I found have worked for me. 

1. Go in to the run with the mindset that your pace may be slower. Taking this in to account before beginning your run will help you not strain yourself too far and end up getting really sick. The goal should be to complete your run whether time or distance but probably not both. 
2. Whenever possible, get your run in during the lowest levels of pollen. I'm in the San Francisco area so the ideal times are between 5-10am. Check your local count to determine your ideal time. 
3. Before your run, check for wind and pollen levels. If both are high, you may be better off hitting the treadmill. 
4. Wear sunglasses. Keeping the wind out of your eyes is essential to avoiding the itchiness that often follows with allergies.
5. Try putting vaseline in your nostrils. It sounds weird it does help from having the pollen get trapped in there which often leads to sneezing and sniffling.

After your run, make sure to rinse off quickly and place clothes in a sealed bag or hamper. Pollen is very sticky and small so just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. 

I know none of the options rid you of the allergies but hopefully they do ease the discomfort some.