This is our life right now, at least where I live in Atlanta, Ga. And, I know many parts of the U.S. have it much worse than this — we’re seeing mostly hazier-than-normal skies, not the thick, gray, cloudy stuff that’s blanketed cities in the Midwest and Northeast.
My question to you is, how are you handling this vis-a-vis getting your running in, or any kind of exercising you do? None of us prefers the treadmill, I’m sure, but mine will get even more of a workout than it normally does in the summer, I’m guessing.
How are you handling the air quality issues we’re having, and what is it like where you live? — Terrell
I live in CT. We’ve had it bad a couple of times. I run in the mornings. I just wore a KN-95 mask. I didn’t see many/any references from the group to do this. I’m I wrong running in the bad situations with a mask? I haven’t had any lung problems after my runs. I’m like most of you and prefer running outside. Thoughts?
Air quality index here is over 150. I am going to the YMCA to use the treadmill. I'm planning to run off my anger about how climate change is the root cause of this and how our society has failed to address it.
Thankfully smoke cleared here in Central Minnesota and my outdoor runs are back on. 22 days this year have been affected by air quality alerts — a lot in a state where runners count on clean air — and we all hope this is not locked as a future state now arrived.
I'm frustrated by the smoke. I'm was coming off of a bad stomach bug when the smoke hit my area I haven't run in 10 days, and I won't be able to run until tomorrow. I did go for a walk the one day, but had a sore throat and scratchy eyes afterwards. I don't have a back up plan like a treadmill or gym!
I think having taken this long involuntary "rest", I'm going to do a slow long run tomorrow morning and just see how far I can go.
I know that I am in the minority but I have getting out there and running anyway. Tuesday night was about the worse I have seen this week. I am one of those who can't do the dreadmill at any cost. A few years back I would have considered it but I have been outside running in just about any condition without an issue As a Detroiter those conditions can very wildly in a day, and some are very calming. Truthfully the only thing that will stop a run for me is lightning as that stuff will kill you in an instant. I have lucked out so far the rest of my runs this week the air has been relatively clear. Which is surprising since I have been doing multiple runs a day.
I am hoping that it will break soon, as I don't think we need another summer lost to being afraid to go outside and enjoy ourselves.
I live outside Chicago so its been heavy air and hot! I do regular sprint warm ups and post run fresh runs, so I do those outside, but have been then jumping on the treadmill for the rest of the workout. Makes me grateful for the easy access to being healthy. Feels like a privilege.
Been air quality has been dropping over the past week here and it reached it peak yesterday when the storms held just to the west of London and funneled the smoke and humidity over the top us. Indoor gym cross and strength training at PF.
Strong storms training over the area until Monday. Being a public road runner I tend to run as early as possible in the morning but sometimes it’s just better to take a recovery day.
Lakefest 10K early tomorrow then on to a new month. Thought for today, If your run was not uploaded to Stava did it really happen?
Live in Michigan, so it's been rough the past few days around the Detroit area. I used to love Canada, but now having 2nd thoughts! ;) My back-up plan is a $10 monthly membership at Planet Fitness...not the ideal situation having to jump on a treadmill during typically beautiful summer days around here, but a run is a run. Looking much better this weekend. Everyone enjoy the Holiday!
I run early am so I always check the air quality before I head out if we are expecting smoke....usually the number is lower earlier in the day so that helps!
We're (luckily) not having any air quality issues right now, but now that the temps are starting to hit 99+, it's getting too hot for outside running (I'm NOT a morning person). So, treadmill it is, until the temps break again. We have been really lucky so far - June was abnormally cool.. or at least, not terribly hot. There's a woman runner I follow is a marathon runner who did over 100 marathons in as many days, and did many on a treadmill. Now THAT does not appeal... 8-)
Clear as a bell here! Supposed to be a little bit cooler today. Still very DRY. I'll be out soon--it's only 63 degrees and sunny. No rain in sight, Fire watch will be over the weekend when every one is out "celebrating." If they don't start a fire somewhere, it will be OK.
From what I saw of the maps this AM, air quality is bad in North Carolina. . . but I don't live there, so I can't tell! All we have is high grass pollen, which has never bothered me.
Guess we'll take it as it comes. That's what happens every year. . . with the exception of moving. Should be an interesting jaunt to the real PacNW come the first of August. (Found out yesterday that WA, where I live, is not considered the PacNW--it's the Puget Sound region! Just a little trivia! :) )
As Steve said above, in SW Florida, unfortunately I do more on the treadmill than I’d like. When I can make myself, I do find running late [after 8:30pm] to also be a better time. I’m stuck in a hard place right now though, I’ve got a half I’m running in NYC and have only been able to get long runs in inside so, while I know I can cover the distance, still anxious as to how I’m going to “handle” the last 5k outside. AND being from NYC, I also know that the humidity there is worse than in Florida - a heavier feel to it...
I live in sunny Florida about an hour north of Orlando. At one time I thought I could run in any amount of heat, but over the years that has changed. I have asthma and just got over a six month pulmanary issue where I had to change doctors twice before it was finally resolved. Like some have said, I have a gym membership when it's just too hot to run outside. I cross train and use a treadmill only when I have to. A couple of us even did a marathon on them just to say we've done it. The best time to run here is before 7:00 in the morning, its the coolest part of the day and the humidity is low. I like so many down here, do my long distance runs in the fall and winter. Disney is on my schedule for this year.
I’m in Spartanburg, in the Upstate region. When I lived between Columbia and Florence, I enjoyed going to Beaufort and the Charleston area. Have a great trip to the beach!
I’m in South Carolina and the air quality is 109 in my area according to the EPA’s AirNow app. I finished a run outside Thursday after an air quality alert for ozone started. Going to likely stay in today and then assess the situation each day. I have access to a treadmill and elliptical.
Jun 30, 2023·edited Jun 30, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson
Here in Montana we've started calling the period of late July through September "smoke season". For the last several years it's been terrible. You leave your window open overnight and you'll have ash on the sill in the morning. It's the only reason I have a gym membership! I loathe treadmill running- but in smoke season it's a must. But right now? Clear, blue skies. We are all holding our breath that it stays that way for a bit longer...
I'm in Northeast Ohio and Wednesday and Thursday were pretty bad. Today is much better. I have asthma so when the air quality gets this bad my runs are moved indoors to the treadmill. Not ideal, but better than nothing.
Like Julie, no treadmill and don’t belong to a gym so for me here in the DMV it’s back out to Tyson’s Corner for another mall walk... and maybe a movie.
I grew up in Upland, California; I was in high school in the early 1970s, when we had as many as 200 Stage 2 smog alerts per year; any healthy person exercising in the ozone and particles would feel like that had asthma in the afternoon.
However, the summer LA area smog only forms in the afternoon; early mornings are fine. (If you have smoke pollution, it is always bad in the morning!). Our high school track team, which included my neighbor Steve Scott (noted miler...), always worked out first thing in the morning and they did fine.
Living in this smog caused me to go to work at the California Air Resources Board in 1980, where I worked for 38 years.
airstatus.app is one of my favorite (free!) little widgets for Mac OS. It uses publicly shared data from people's Purple Air sensors within a radius of your zipcode.
AQI in Dayton Ohio this week has been as high as 202. I hated to do it, but I passed on a 1-mile race yesterday evening sponsored by my local running club. When I ran the same race one year ago (also during a period of poor air quality) I coughed and hacked for hours, as did others. I hope this does not become a “new normal.” Slower running, breathing through my nose, doesn’t seem to be a problem.
We have the same warnings here in Syracuse, NY and I haven't run in 2 days. I don't have a treadmill now wondering if I need to start looking for one to invest in. This summer could be like this on and off. I've been focusing on strength training and running drills inside....definitely not the same.
I live in western PA so the air here is pretty bad, but I know it’s worse in other places. I’ve been trying to stay with the treadmill but I’m not running the normal amount or distance I usually do, and I also DESPISE the treadmill so it’s hard for me to run more than like, 3 miles lol. I’ve been going to the gym more and cross training!
I am an early morning runner, and over the past couple of weeks here in the Midwest it seems that while not great, the air quality index in the morning is better than it is later in the day. So sticking to my schedule!
I live in Jakarta and that's basically our regular air quality. There's nothing we could do about it honestly. I'll probably live a few years shorter than I could've if I didn't run. But life without running isn't quite as enjoyable, so I'll take my enjoyable shorter life 🤣
I live in CT. We’ve had it bad a couple of times. I run in the mornings. I just wore a KN-95 mask. I didn’t see many/any references from the group to do this. I’m I wrong running in the bad situations with a mask? I haven’t had any lung problems after my runs. I’m like most of you and prefer running outside. Thoughts?
Air quality index here is over 150. I am going to the YMCA to use the treadmill. I'm planning to run off my anger about how climate change is the root cause of this and how our society has failed to address it.
AQI 60 here in central Arkansas. Three days of 100° so I go outside early for intervals. Heat is supposed to break Sunday.
Thankfully smoke cleared here in Central Minnesota and my outdoor runs are back on. 22 days this year have been affected by air quality alerts — a lot in a state where runners count on clean air — and we all hope this is not locked as a future state now arrived.
I'm frustrated by the smoke. I'm was coming off of a bad stomach bug when the smoke hit my area I haven't run in 10 days, and I won't be able to run until tomorrow. I did go for a walk the one day, but had a sore throat and scratchy eyes afterwards. I don't have a back up plan like a treadmill or gym!
I think having taken this long involuntary "rest", I'm going to do a slow long run tomorrow morning and just see how far I can go.
I know that I am in the minority but I have getting out there and running anyway. Tuesday night was about the worse I have seen this week. I am one of those who can't do the dreadmill at any cost. A few years back I would have considered it but I have been outside running in just about any condition without an issue As a Detroiter those conditions can very wildly in a day, and some are very calming. Truthfully the only thing that will stop a run for me is lightning as that stuff will kill you in an instant. I have lucked out so far the rest of my runs this week the air has been relatively clear. Which is surprising since I have been doing multiple runs a day.
I am hoping that it will break soon, as I don't think we need another summer lost to being afraid to go outside and enjoy ourselves.
I live outside Chicago so its been heavy air and hot! I do regular sprint warm ups and post run fresh runs, so I do those outside, but have been then jumping on the treadmill for the rest of the workout. Makes me grateful for the easy access to being healthy. Feels like a privilege.
Been air quality has been dropping over the past week here and it reached it peak yesterday when the storms held just to the west of London and funneled the smoke and humidity over the top us. Indoor gym cross and strength training at PF.
Strong storms training over the area until Monday. Being a public road runner I tend to run as early as possible in the morning but sometimes it’s just better to take a recovery day.
Lakefest 10K early tomorrow then on to a new month. Thought for today, If your run was not uploaded to Stava did it really happen?
Live in Michigan, so it's been rough the past few days around the Detroit area. I used to love Canada, but now having 2nd thoughts! ;) My back-up plan is a $10 monthly membership at Planet Fitness...not the ideal situation having to jump on a treadmill during typically beautiful summer days around here, but a run is a run. Looking much better this weekend. Everyone enjoy the Holiday!
I run early am so I always check the air quality before I head out if we are expecting smoke....usually the number is lower earlier in the day so that helps!
I have an AQI app on my phone. I simply don't run when it's over 100. It's not worth it.
We're (luckily) not having any air quality issues right now, but now that the temps are starting to hit 99+, it's getting too hot for outside running (I'm NOT a morning person). So, treadmill it is, until the temps break again. We have been really lucky so far - June was abnormally cool.. or at least, not terribly hot. There's a woman runner I follow is a marathon runner who did over 100 marathons in as many days, and did many on a treadmill. Now THAT does not appeal... 8-)
Clear as a bell here! Supposed to be a little bit cooler today. Still very DRY. I'll be out soon--it's only 63 degrees and sunny. No rain in sight, Fire watch will be over the weekend when every one is out "celebrating." If they don't start a fire somewhere, it will be OK.
From what I saw of the maps this AM, air quality is bad in North Carolina. . . but I don't live there, so I can't tell! All we have is high grass pollen, which has never bothered me.
Guess we'll take it as it comes. That's what happens every year. . . with the exception of moving. Should be an interesting jaunt to the real PacNW come the first of August. (Found out yesterday that WA, where I live, is not considered the PacNW--it's the Puget Sound region! Just a little trivia! :) )
Take care!
As Steve said above, in SW Florida, unfortunately I do more on the treadmill than I’d like. When I can make myself, I do find running late [after 8:30pm] to also be a better time. I’m stuck in a hard place right now though, I’ve got a half I’m running in NYC and have only been able to get long runs in inside so, while I know I can cover the distance, still anxious as to how I’m going to “handle” the last 5k outside. AND being from NYC, I also know that the humidity there is worse than in Florida - a heavier feel to it...
I live in sunny Florida about an hour north of Orlando. At one time I thought I could run in any amount of heat, but over the years that has changed. I have asthma and just got over a six month pulmanary issue where I had to change doctors twice before it was finally resolved. Like some have said, I have a gym membership when it's just too hot to run outside. I cross train and use a treadmill only when I have to. A couple of us even did a marathon on them just to say we've done it. The best time to run here is before 7:00 in the morning, its the coolest part of the day and the humidity is low. I like so many down here, do my long distance runs in the fall and winter. Disney is on my schedule for this year.
I’m in Spartanburg, in the Upstate region. When I lived between Columbia and Florence, I enjoyed going to Beaufort and the Charleston area. Have a great trip to the beach!
I’m in South Carolina and the air quality is 109 in my area according to the EPA’s AirNow app. I finished a run outside Thursday after an air quality alert for ozone started. Going to likely stay in today and then assess the situation each day. I have access to a treadmill and elliptical.
Here in Montana we've started calling the period of late July through September "smoke season". For the last several years it's been terrible. You leave your window open overnight and you'll have ash on the sill in the morning. It's the only reason I have a gym membership! I loathe treadmill running- but in smoke season it's a must. But right now? Clear, blue skies. We are all holding our breath that it stays that way for a bit longer...
I'm in Northeast Ohio and Wednesday and Thursday were pretty bad. Today is much better. I have asthma so when the air quality gets this bad my runs are moved indoors to the treadmill. Not ideal, but better than nothing.
Like Julie, no treadmill and don’t belong to a gym so for me here in the DMV it’s back out to Tyson’s Corner for another mall walk... and maybe a movie.
I grew up in Upland, California; I was in high school in the early 1970s, when we had as many as 200 Stage 2 smog alerts per year; any healthy person exercising in the ozone and particles would feel like that had asthma in the afternoon.
However, the summer LA area smog only forms in the afternoon; early mornings are fine. (If you have smoke pollution, it is always bad in the morning!). Our high school track team, which included my neighbor Steve Scott (noted miler...), always worked out first thing in the morning and they did fine.
Living in this smog caused me to go to work at the California Air Resources Board in 1980, where I worked for 38 years.
airstatus.app is one of my favorite (free!) little widgets for Mac OS. It uses publicly shared data from people's Purple Air sensors within a radius of your zipcode.
If PM2.5 is over 50, no long runs.
AQI in Dayton Ohio this week has been as high as 202. I hated to do it, but I passed on a 1-mile race yesterday evening sponsored by my local running club. When I ran the same race one year ago (also during a period of poor air quality) I coughed and hacked for hours, as did others. I hope this does not become a “new normal.” Slower running, breathing through my nose, doesn’t seem to be a problem.
159 here in Baltimore. Def no outside running. Good thing today's leg day at the gym. 😱
We have the same warnings here in Syracuse, NY and I haven't run in 2 days. I don't have a treadmill now wondering if I need to start looking for one to invest in. This summer could be like this on and off. I've been focusing on strength training and running drills inside....definitely not the same.
I live in western PA so the air here is pretty bad, but I know it’s worse in other places. I’ve been trying to stay with the treadmill but I’m not running the normal amount or distance I usually do, and I also DESPISE the treadmill so it’s hard for me to run more than like, 3 miles lol. I’ve been going to the gym more and cross training!
I am an early morning runner, and over the past couple of weeks here in the Midwest it seems that while not great, the air quality index in the morning is better than it is later in the day. So sticking to my schedule!
I live in Jakarta and that's basically our regular air quality. There's nothing we could do about it honestly. I'll probably live a few years shorter than I could've if I didn't run. But life without running isn't quite as enjoyable, so I'll take my enjoyable shorter life 🤣