I went for a quick blast on the MTB at lunchtime but the cold air in my lungs soon put paid to that idea. Sheesh! I tend to be a mouth-breather (my lips don't move as I read though ;o) cos I always had a cold when I was a kid. Would something like a Buff help or should I just carry on being a big wuss and wait until it warms up a bit?
I went for a quick blast on the MTB at lunchtime but the cold air in my lungs soon put paid to that idea. Would something like a Buff help or should I just carry on being a big wuss and wait until it warms up a bit?
I thought today was warmer than yesterday, but I did note the snow outside and added a scarf to my usual attire. I wore it loosely to work (covering nose and mouth, but hanging away from my face) and tightly on the way back (covering nose and mouth, pulled taught so it's flush with the skin). Both felt warmer than yesterday, so I think it's certainly worth a shot.
This also made my eyes water less than usual, but it makes my nose run more than usual. So it's not a perfect solution...
I went for a quick blast on the MTB at lunchtime but the cold air in my lungs soon put paid to that idea. Sheesh! I tend to be a mouth-breather (my lips don't move as I read though ;o) cos I always had a cold when I was a kid. Would something like a Buff help or should I just carry on being a big wuss and wait until it warms up a bit?
Chris
I find a Buff works very well. I have a thermal buff that does a host of jobs!
I went for a quick blast on the MTB at lunchtime but the cold air in my lungs soon put paid to that idea. Sheesh! I tend to be a mouth-breather (my lips don't move as I read though ;o) cos I always had a cold when I was a kid.
I'm a mouth breather too, when riding hard (isn't everyone?) Try -if you're not doing it already- taking the air only into the back of your mouth rather than right into your lungs. This makes a massive difference.
Quoted message said:
Would something like a Buff help or should I just carry on being a big wuss and wait until it warms up a bit?
A buff helps lots, though I've never needed one when riding hard. I only wear it when I'm taking it easy. Even then it spends most of its time stopping air going down my neck.
Try -if you're not doing it already- taking the air only into the back of your mouth rather than right into your lungs. This makes a massive difference.
I've got asthma so I know what you go through. I've got a great baleclava a friend gave me. I was very against the idea becuase I thought it would cut down my visual space and muffle my ears, but it was a very expensive one and seems to do neither. I look a bit odd, but it really helps that first chilly five minutes. As soon as I am warm, off it goes and I look normal again.
The more regularly you go out the easier it is. Time was when I waited till early spring to start training and cold mornings really burned my throat and lungs but now after many years of all-year commuting / training I no longer get that feeling. Indeed I once rode 25 miles one morning at minus 20 degrees C without breathing problems.
Neat! Wussed out of my MTB ride on the Downs yesterday after 20 mins - due to low cloud, I kept telling myself - but it was certainly nippy above 300ft with the fresh wind. IMHO an ordinary Buff works well when needed - which isn't very often in these southern parts - except in balaclava mode on a recumbent, when the fabric bunching under your chin can get a bit uncomfortable.