Riding while sick?

[westtexas]

Today I woke up feeling like I had been run over by a bus. The senior clinician and intern I am on with right now have spread their funk around to everyone on my rotation at the moment and I appear to be the latest victim.

But, it's a beautiful day (no wind, cool and sunny!) and I really want to get out there and ride.

So I want to know - how many of you still ride when you are feeling under the weather?

I've read from several places that light exercise when you are ill can actually help you get better faster. Of course if I rode today, I'd just do the short route just to get some vitamin D and fresh air.

What do you think?

[Owlie]

If I'm feeling just a little "off" but nothing specific, yes. That usually helps, because in my case it's often psychological.

Anything other than that, no. I find that usually encourages it to get worse. Even if it's a cold, I don't. Especially not if I woke up feeling like I'd been run over by a bus.

If you want to go out and feel up to it, go for a short walk.

[nolemom]

I have been off the bike for the last three days. I normally ride if it is above the neck (no chest involvement) or fever-free. Unfortunately for me, the fever seems to want to stick around this time.

[westtexas]

Well, I ended up not riding - it's in my chest and head (but no fever) and I just feel too tired. Instead I ate buttery chicken fingers and french fries. This is why I should just ride even if I am on my death bed. Being sick is not good for my getting in shape.

But I am still curious to know about the rest of y'alls thoughts on riding while under the weather!

[indysteel]

I will ride with a cold but not much more than that. My last cold was 2006 though. When I get sick, I get sinus infections and am usually too bad off to do anything but lay on the couch.

[redrhodie]

I can't remember ever not riding because I was sick. Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't think I've been sick (other than a cold) since I started riding. Maybe riding has helped my immune system? The worst I've felt on the bike was once when I had a headache. I won't ride with one again. It was not fun. Actually, it was really painful.

I ride with colds. I wouldn't ride if I were achy or nauseous.

[emily_in_nc]

No, I don't. I figure my body needs the rest to heal. There are always more days to ride later. But then again, I have only had one cold in 4 years, and I was on vacation, sans my bike.