Running feels like drowning

[Grog]

Ered_Lithui, I feel your pain.

I have pretty severe post-nasal drip and what is probably exercise-induced asthma, although I refuse diagnosis and medication. I just run it out. Snot rockets really help, and I spit like a camel most of the time. Swallowing is NOT an option. As you mention, cold makes things worse. Running is generally worse than cycling, but I think it's only because I run a lot harder than I cycle.

It has never stopped me from running, except once, last week actually. I was congested and went for a tempo run. I had a great 5-minute segment and then my airways just became plugged with a blob of mucus (I can only imagine) and that was that, I tried running again but it didn't dissipate and I had a lot of trouble breathing.

I have found that being very hydrated really helps, as the mucus is more liquid, thus easier to dispose of. I was pretty dry on that specific morning where I had to stop running.

Presumably corticosteroids could help, but I refuse to take that kind of medication on a long term basis, so I just live with it. I suggest you see a family physician you trust and discuss this, maybe even a GP who works with athletes.