Listen to your body

[richv]

Sean there is a nasty cold that has been going round. I was off my bike for 2 weeks and have only just got over it now (about 3 weeks later). You really should avoid any heavy exercise when you have a bad cold, the consequences can be fairly severe if you're unlucky.

[David Lombari]

One good tip I picked up once Sean was to cut out dairy products when you have a cold, as they add to the build-up of mucus. I've tried this and find that it helps, in fact I barely touch dairy products these days and have noticed how my breathing has improved.

By the way, is the Liquigas rider Andrea Noe? Good photos, and you've got the Daily Distraction on 'Pez' today.

[Phil L]

Sean, the rule I work to is if its only a cold, then exercise will help to flush it through. If it is more like flu (temperature, aches, and generally feeling sh*t), then you must rest, otherwise you will lower your immunity and it will just get worse.

Colds and flu are viruses, so no anti-biotics will cure you of them. Taking painkillers and flu remedies during the day only disguise the fact you are unwell, which then make you feel like doing strenuous things, when you should be resting.

To have caught a cold in the first place probably meant you were run down a bit, either from over training/exercising, stress, bad diet, too many late nights, working too hard, or over doing whatever vices you might be involved in.

All you really need now is a nurse to rub some Vic into your chest before going to bed. And if the nurse is called Vic then you are well on your way to recovery.

Anyway, so hope this helps, get well soon mate.

[Alan M]

Back to Dave's comment re mucus, I seem to recall that it is good to have lots of it creates a barrier to contagious bugs -

My pet theory, having begun my second cold in as many months, is that all the spitting and snotting created in the line passes back to congenital wheel suckers as their just deserts for their lack of committment to to any joint endeavour!