Last Sunday I developed a chest cold. As a result I have been unable to run this week. However, I am feeling much better and am planning to run with the group on Saturday. I don't expect that I'll be up to my full respiratory capacity; however, I'd like to know if anyone has any advice about running as I recover from my cold. I don't want to get sick again, but I also don't want to lose what progress I've made. I typically run about 12 minute miles, but expect that I'll be slower and probably walking a lot this Saturday.

Julie (aka wheezy )

Hi Julie,
I'm no doctor, but I'd suggest that you not run until you can breathe easily without any wheezing or coughing whatsoever. I speak from experience! I was sick the middle of February and after a week and a half off from running - felt "ok" and ran over the weekend. The very next day I awoke with a heavy feeling in my chest - again! - and a painful cough. Ultimately, I ended up with bronchitis and missed a few days of work and two more weeks of running!
Had I been a bit more patient about fully recovering before trying to run, I'd have probably avoided bronchitis altogether.
In the end - I missed more running time by running too soon.
Also, I have read a few article that follow this rule of thumb: if it you are sick from the neck up (headcold)- run if you feel ok, but if it's from the neck down and into the chest - don't run!
Hope this helps! And I hope you feel better soon!

Andrea