It's finally spring! After a frightfully cold and long winter, I'm ready to get out doors for a nice run. Unfortunately, spring also means pollen which can make running, or even being outside, difficult. Here are a couple tips to make breathing a little easier this spring.
1. Weather
Weather patterns affect pollen counts. Pollen counts are heaviest in the morning, and taper off throughout the day. Running the day after rain is great, because rain has washed away pollen, but be aware that 2-3 days after rain pollen levels spike. Also avoid running on windy days, as the wind drastically increases the pollen in the air. The weather channel offers a daily pollen tracker on their website that can help you gage daily pollen levels.
2. Shower after running
During heavy pollen season, pollen falls directly on to us. Add in a little sweat and suddenly pollen is sticking to you. Pollen also sticks to hair and clothing. If you are on the go and don't have a chance to shower, try to pack a wash cloth and wipe down your face and arms to keep pollen away from your nose, mouth and eyes.
3. Wear Sunglasses
If you tend to get puffy or itchy eyes from pollen, throw on a pair of sunglasses. They work as a bit of a barrier between your eyes and pollen, plus they protect your eyes!
4. Time of Day
When pollen is in play other irritants in the air can suddenly become a bigger issue than normal. Avoid running during and directly after peak rush hours when the air is more polluted. Early mornings before heavy commute begins, mid afternoon, and, when daylight hours last longer, late evenings are the best times for lower air pollutants.
1. Weather
Weather patterns affect pollen counts. Pollen counts are heaviest in the morning, and taper off throughout the day. Running the day after rain is great, because rain has washed away pollen, but be aware that 2-3 days after rain pollen levels spike. Also avoid running on windy days, as the wind drastically increases the pollen in the air. The weather channel offers a daily pollen tracker on their website that can help you gage daily pollen levels.
2. Shower after running
During heavy pollen season, pollen falls directly on to us. Add in a little sweat and suddenly pollen is sticking to you. Pollen also sticks to hair and clothing. If you are on the go and don't have a chance to shower, try to pack a wash cloth and wipe down your face and arms to keep pollen away from your nose, mouth and eyes.
3. Wear Sunglasses
If you tend to get puffy or itchy eyes from pollen, throw on a pair of sunglasses. They work as a bit of a barrier between your eyes and pollen, plus they protect your eyes!
4. Time of Day
When pollen is in play other irritants in the air can suddenly become a bigger issue than normal. Avoid running during and directly after peak rush hours when the air is more polluted. Early mornings before heavy commute begins, mid afternoon, and, when daylight hours last longer, late evenings are the best times for lower air pollutants.
5. Nasal Rinse
A quick rinse of the nostrils will help clear pollen that has entered the sinuses during a run. While the Neti pot is a popular choice, this option is harder on the go, because water has to be sterilized before use. Many drugstores now carry sterilized saline nasal rinses in small bottles that easily fit into a backpack.
A quick rinse of the nostrils will help clear pollen that has entered the sinuses during a run. While the Neti pot is a popular choice, this option is harder on the go, because water has to be sterilized before use. Many drugstores now carry sterilized saline nasal rinses in small bottles that easily fit into a backpack.
