Lingering sickness - due to increase in exercise?
Last year was my first season of triathlon and coincidentally, the first year that I was continuously sick (cold/flu symptoms). Out of my 5 tris last Spring/Summer, I was sick for 3 of them. Fast forward to this year and the symptoms have returned. Ever since mid-January I have been recycling a bad cold (head congestion, cough, headaches, weariness, occasional sore throat & vomiting...but no fever). It seems to have a 2 week cycle and I'm on my 3rd cycle of it right now. I have a sprint tri this weekend, but I'm more concerned about a HIM in 5 wks. I am skipping on average 1-2 workouts per week.
Ever since the symptoms showed up last year, I tried every treatment I could think of: over-the-counter meds, decongestants, Z-pack, cough syrups, various herbal supplements, straight echinacea, switched to Vegan diet for several months, etc. Nothing seemed to work, except when I laid off of exercise the sickness would go away within 3 wks. Before the OS, I was the healthiest I felt in 2010. 5 wks into the OS (January) I started getting the symptoms again and they have not stopped.
I don't plan on stopping my tri training, but I'm wondering how these elites (who have sponsors breathing down their throats) quickly get over sicknesses like this. Is there a medical treatment I should ask my doctor about? Do they rely on straight B-12 shots? Any other ideas?
I can't help but think this increase in training has something to do with this chronic sickness.
Thanks.
Comments
Two thoughts. One, have you ever been tested for allergies and/or asthma?
Two, have you tried using zinc (Zicam or Cold-eeze) at the onset of symptoms?
Mike
I would look at allergies as a big culprit. I have them and have gone through that loop myself in the past. I now take a product called Epicor. It is a yeast product that was reomended by a savy verteran triathlete in my area...total game changer!!! I am not sure this is the answer for you, but it has been for me. Google "Proactive health solutions" That is who I get it through. My friend challenged me to take it for 30 days and I have never looked back.
Ps. I work at a large hospital in the ICU's...train hard...stay healthy...Just sayin
Good Luck
Ebe
I have a doctor appointment next week. He's pretty conservative, but my only option right now (HMO). Thanks for all the suggestions...I'll definitely pass along all you mentioned.
It's just really a bummer to train hard during a good spell, only to take steps backwards during a relapse. I just don't want this cycle to continue into the summer like last season...
Will do.....Saturday's race will be interesting
-hb