Don’t let pollen slow down your training

OK, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, the weather is getting nice. That is going to make training much easier for many reasons, and motivation should get better as a result.

However, with summer also comes a ton of pollen. That is a hidden issue that is overlooked by many athletes. If you train outside on high pollen days, your system has to deal with all those allergens that are being breathed into your lungs. That can slow recovery time between workouts, increase sinus issues, and increase heart rate, and all this, over time, will decrease performance levels.

I am one of those athletes who is susceptible to seasonal allergies. I have suffered with my own training during this time of the year ever since I can remember. Allergy medicine really dries me out and leaves me fatigued, so I try to stay away from it as much as I can.
Instead, I try to be smart with my training to limit my exposure. Here are some of my training tips to help decrease the impact of seasonal allergens this time of the year.

1. Train early in the morning: The earlier you train in the morning, the more likely there will be moisture on the ground, and that will keep many allergens on the ground and out of your lungs. Also, winds are normally light in the morning, so those allergens are not blowing around too much yet.

Try to remember: Dry and windy days are not good outdoor training days.

2. Do half & half workouts:: On those bad days when pollen is heavy, you can start half of your workout inside on a treadmill or indoor bike and finish the last half outside. This will limit your exposure while still allowing you to get outside for some activity.

3. Rain is your friend: If it is raining, most of the pollen is too heavy to be in the air, and it will stay out of your lungs. Don't look at rain as a reason to not go outside and train. Look at it as a reason why you should get outside and train. Most active wear today breathes well; for rainy days try to keep clothing form-fitting and dress in layers if chilly.

Try to remember: Wet and light wind days are good for outdoor training

4. Masks: This is not for everyone, but it can be helpful. Wear a mask. Wearing a surgical mask may make you look crazy, but it will help keep you from getting too much pollen in your system. A few strange looks is a fair price to pay for breathing better and recovering faster. You can pick up a pack of disposable surgical masks at most pharmacies for a few bucks, and those should last all summer.

Be proactive. Don't wait until you feel the impact of seasonal allergies. Using any of these tips will help keep you active outside this time of year.