Running Spring Through Fall, Never Winter

What I do

I run from spring through fall and stop for winter. During the season I check pollen before going out and skip the high-grass days — the grass allergy is significant enough that it is worth planning around rather than pushing through. Claritin daily for the duration.

Why seasonal rather than year-round

Two reasons, and only one of them is the weather. Cold-air running aggravates airways that are already reactive, and my strength training does not stop, so the winter gap costs me far less than it would if running were the whole plan.

Why the pollen check is part of the protocol

Because running through a high-count day is not toughness, it is a large inhaled dose of the exact thing my immune system overreacts to. The workout is worth something; the exposure is worth nothing. When those two are in conflict on a given morning, the exposure wins and I do something indoors.