One common feature in the houses of every member of my family is the presence of tissue boxes. Now, I understand that most people will have boxes of tissue in their homes. In our family, they can be found in just about every room of every house. You might call us a very sinus-deficient group of people.
Normally, it's just a fact of life. I take Claritin every day (and they're welcome to comp me for the free plug). I used Sudafed until stores started making me feel like a felon each time I asked for more than a week's supply of pills. Between allergy medications, tissues, and a reserved acceptance of being "the sniffle guy," I get by.
Sometimes, though, the allergies take over and everyone I meet is sure I have a cold. Now happens to be one of those times. Sadly, training suffers when it gets like this. Because few things are worse than trying to pound through a run or trainer ride without being able to breathe through the nose. Have you ever tried to take a drink from a bottle with completely clogged sinuses? It isn't pretty.
And one of those "few" things that ARE worse than a bike or run with a plugged nose is swimming with a plugged nose. I will confess that I can be quite a sight walking into the pool. Ear plugs, red and runny nose, watery eyes. Then, when I start swimming, it's impossible to breathe out through the nose, which creates its own comical situations.
So, for those of you out there struggling with allergies, colds, swimming related sinus issues, and just plain nasal nightmares, know you aren't alone. Others are sneezing and sniffling with you. And if you hear what sounds like a giant nostril, take a look and you just might see Iron Pol and his nose both running behind you.
RSS Feed