Training in the cold - health issues

[CogitoErgoSum]

Good morning to everyone

 

I have posted this before - need some guidance/insight.

 

How does one manage breathing in the cold air? I have only been taking riding seriously the last 10 months or so - want to be riding through winter this year.

 

My question is more with flu/bronchitis - won't breathing the cold air result in flu / bronchitis issues? How does one prevent it? Will a buff over the mouth help?

Edited April 22, 2014 by cjlieben

[Cois]

One thing is a vest (wind proof) to keep the chest warm

2nd in the arsinal of gadgets is the buff. Also use it on the motorbike to keep the cold out

3rd is a new thing I ordered but have not tested yet as I am still under the grip of a cold.

http://www.dx.com/p/acacia-outdoor-cycling-neoprene-face-mask-camouflage-size-xl-248450

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Question: i heard that if the temp is below 9deg C you should not cycle, cos the chill factor generated by speed makes it worst,is that true? I will be following this thread

[LOOK695]

Have cycled in -zero degrees without any health issues. Just make sure you are dressed for the conditions.

[Bateleur1]

The big thing for me is to keep your sinuses under control as that can cause an infection in your throat which will get worse with the cold air. Other than that I do not normally have a problem. Keeping your immune system top notch would also be a good idea. I am also from Pretoria and find the second half of the winter a problem as that is when I have quite a lot of problems with my sinuses due to the air pollution and dust we have.

[Cois]

Question: i heard that if the temp is below 9deg C you should not cycle, cos the chill factor generated by speed makes it worst,is that true? I will be following this thread

Been cycling when the temp was -3'C

Is bloody cold, but if you have the correct layers on it helps a lot.

[Cois]

The big thing for me is to keep your sinuses under control as that can cause an infection in your throat which will get worse with the cold air. Other than that I do not normally have a problem. Keeping your immune system top notch would also be a good idea. I am also from Pretoria and find the second half of the winter a problem as that is when I have quite a lot of problems with my sinuses due to the air pollution and dust we have.

Is the problem I have at the moment. Have a post nasal problem, so all the symptoms that go with it. Lost my voice again for the 3rd time this year.

[Bateleur1]

Question: i heard that if the temp is below 9deg C you should not cycle, cos the chill factor generated by speed makes it worst,is that true? I will be following this thread

 

Its all about the kit you wear. Arm warmers, leg warmers, proper gloves, etc.

[gummibear]

Question: i heard that if the temp is below 9deg C you should not cycle, cos the chill factor generated by speed makes it worst,is that true? I will be following this thread

 

Not sure where you got that from but i was riding in up to -10deg.

 

You just need to dress in layers to stay warm.Problem comes in after 2 hours when you start heating up......don't be tempted to unzip and have the cold air on your chest.

[Bateleur1]

Is the problem I have at the moment. Have a post nasal problem, so all the symptoms that go with it. Lost my voice again for the 3rd time this year.

 

Got hit yesterday afternoon. Hardly have a voice this morning. I should be fine by the weekend. Nebulizer with some salt water, Acc 200, and Andolex spray to sort out the infection of the throat and some good multi vitamin to fire up the immune system and don't forget some good sleep in between as well.

[Bateleur1]

Not sure where you got that from but i was riding in up to -10deg.

 

You just need to dress in layers to stay warm.Problem comes in after 2 hours when you start heating up......don't be tempted to unzip and have the cold air on your chest.

 

Yip. True that. I cycle with a cycling vest and thermo vest to keep the chest warm. But I keep it on until I get off the bike, even if it gets a bit hot. I will only strip off the arm and leg warmers and switch gloves if required.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Not sure where you got that from but i was riding in up to -10deg.

 

You just need to dress in layers to stay warm.Problem comes in after 2 hours when you start heating up......don't be tempted to unzip and have the cold air on your chest.

 

Cool! i'm not sure where I read it years ago. but glad it is not true.

[gummibear]

A wool vest as base,a long thermal top and a windproof jacket with booties.

Thermal gloves and beanie for - temps.

[obree]

A virus gives you the flu, not cold weather. Poor Eskimos woulkd constantly be sick....

[Super Sywurm]

I have been training for 2 winters and did not get sick what so ever. Just keep your body warm and you'll be fine. I even ride with shorts through the winter.

[SilverRider]

I've been commuting through winter for a number of years. If you keep on cycling through autumn to winter to summer your lungs will adjust to the cold (mine does). The biggest issue for me is the running nose (snot rockets), which is actually a blessing in disguise because I get a nice sinus rinse everyday. Sorry if it's a bit gory, but it is a fact of cycling . As previously said, dress proper but don't overdo it, you don't want to create a sauna and then have to cope with the cold once you get off the bike.

Edited April 22, 2014 by SilverRider