Nasty Topic

Yeah...allergies suck don't they? I get shots for my allergies, they're supposed to build an immunity to indoor/outdoor stuff I'm allergic to. They help, but during certain cycles like tree and ragweed, I'm really bad and have to supplement with cetirizine (sp?) the Rite Aid version of zyrtec. I have to drink more and keep water at the bedside table because I get that horrid cottonmouth feeling, but it's worth it to be able to open my eyes in the morning and actually not blow my nose the entire day.

Oddly, I am better when I run. I have no idea why. As soon as I stop though...pass the tissues please!

I am the same way.  I have had thoughts of just running all day but of course that is not practical.  Over the counter drugs do NOTHING for me.  So I am off to see an allergist. 

I feel your pain. Allergy-induced asthma and nasty seasonal allergies, which basically happen at random intervals year-round in the tropics. Worst is that they tend to really kick in at night and mess up my sleep. Rarely a serious issue while running--it tends to dilate your breathing passages unless you have exercise-induced asthma/rhinitis. I'd say 80-90% of my symptoms are at night. Worst after long bike rides, as I'm inhaling lots of pollen, dust, smoke, and just third-world smog.

I don't know about others but for me, Zyrtec or Benadryl basically equals stoned, at least at the dosages that have an effect on my allergies. I can't really train, much less race, with that stuff in my system. If I took it the night before there would still be enough in my system in the morning to seriously affect performance. I tried some nasal sprays at my doctor's suggestion, but they  trigger almost instant nosebleeds in my case.  What seems to work for me is Sudafed PE, the kind for sinus drip--it has a decongestant and expectorant in it. The old kind with pseudephedrine really works better.  Now thanks to the meth cookers, you have to have a prescription to get it in the US--have done so on occasion, or just gotten a similar (European) generic here. You really need to pay attention to hydration if you are taking this before a race, though, as it has a tendency to dry you out. Not as bad as Zyrtec, but you do need to drink more.

I take generic Zyrtec once a day; two Benadryl before I go to bed; and 1-2 tablespoons of local honey every day (when I remember). I started the daily local honey about a year ago, and I think it is starting to help. With the warm winter/spring we had/are having, others have started complaining about pollen -- the flower trees are out in full force. I feel better this year than I have since I started suffering from seasonal allergies.

I know some people think the local honey remedy is nuts, but so far, I'm a believer.

Two words: farmer's blow.

If you are considerate check your 6 first.

If your drafting me with out telling me you deserve what you get.