I came down with a disgusting and crippling cold this past Tuesday. Right after starting the day’s ride, I began to feel badly and started coughing up green blobs shortly thereafter.
Oh, are you eating? I’m sorry. At least I am not posting pictures.
Things went downhill quickly, and I spent the afternoon/evening in bed feeling very sorry for myself. Yesterday wasn’t an improvement; I did a short recovery spin on the trainer and otherwise tried to move as little as possible. My nose began running aggressively last night and I went through an entire roll of toilet paper blowing and wiping and sneezing. Despite a hefty dose of NyQuil, a sleeping pill, and a shot of whiskey, I slept like shit and spent the night tossing and turning while surrounded by rolls of toilet paper that kept getting lost in the sheets when I needed them most.
I was scheduled to train today and the weather was forecasted to be warm, but I never know when it’s okay to ride while you’re sick. I suppose I could have asked my coach, my team director, or any of my dozens of wise cycling friends, but to ask would imply that I was willing to consider a response other than, “You should definitely double your scheduled training. Sickness is your body’s way of failing and now it must be PUNISHED.”
So despite waking up feeling like rotting death, I was determined to ride. This was not purely stupidity and stubbornness; in my experience, it feels better to get moving while mired in the muck of a bad cold. I popped a Sudafed (or four), downed a half cup of espresso, and headed out on the bike.
It turned out to be a great experience: the weather was lovely (shorts! in December!), my legs felt decent, and midway through I actually regained my sense of taste and smell. There was not a moment during the ride where I wasn’t shedding snot, but while it was disgustingly messy, it felt good to (literally) clear my head. I probably lost three pounds of mucus in a two-hour span. And thanks to the virus, everything coming out matched the fluorescent green tones of my kit perfectly.
Should you wish to seek the input of an expert on the wisdom of riding while sick, however, Cycling Tips and Bicycling have some thoughts. Or you could consult the Velominati for some great advice that will never steer you wrong.