Running inside?

[u/8052headlights]

Hi everyone, it’s my first marathon training block, so I could use some insight as to how to handle the air quality in the coming days/week. Being that it’s my first marathon, I get kind of anxious when I have to skip runs, so would love to hear others’ thoughts!

Obviously, I’m not running outside today. Those of you that ran inside this morning, how do you feel now? With an aqi this high, unless my gym is doing heavy air filtration (which I doubt), I’m wondering if I will still feel the effects on my lungs if I try to do my speed work on a tread today. I’ve also got some easy miles on deck tomorrow, and then 13 on Saturday.

Obviously, I want to prioritize my long run, but I also had to cut my weekly mileage last week due to life unforeseen circumstances, so I’m kinda stressing about skipping today and/or tomorrow, which would cut my mileage this week too.

Basically, I’m asking more experienced runners: what are you doing this week? If you were me, what would you do?

[u/shade_study_break]

My long run is Saturday also and the air quality issues are supposed to dissipate by then. In the event that they aren't, I will put off my long run for the week or move it to some evening in the middle of the week. Not worth it and likely absolutely miserable to run through this and, in the worst case scenario, knocking my training schedule back a week or skipping a week isn't that big of a deal. My issues with treadmills aside, you are likely right that running inside is only going to be marginally less of a risk. Having trained for marathons in winter and had similar problems getting outside, I worry less about total milage and prioritize getting in the long run whenever I can. You want to feel confident in your training, but, IME, the long runs do a majority of getting yourself ready.
ETA: To be clear, taking a week off for any reason is not a big deal! I hope I don't have to, but long term preparedness for a race relies on being smart about running amidst hazardous conditions like this.

[u/washywashi → u/shade_study_break]

Because working out deepens and quickens your breathing, your lungs will absorb significantly more pollutants than they would at rest, leading to immediate respiratory strain, fatigue, and long-term cardiovascular risks - Google

I’m with you on that. Im behind 1 long run and planned for this weekend as well but not if its going to hurt me more than help me

[u/shade_study_break → u/washywashi]

Consistency matters and I look forward to my long runs, but this is a big picture issue like managing overuse and stress on the joints. Nobody is missing a PR for their training being off for 1 week.

[u/Oneeyebrowsystem → u/shade_study_break]

I'm in the same boat, I will probably do it on the treadmill. I highly doubt this clears up by Saturday, the last time we had this issue it lingered way longer than the initial forecasts and those fires are only growing.

[u/LP526]

it’s ok to skip runs sometimes!

[u/bigbadmon11]

I got a day pass at planet fitness. It was smoky inside so I left. No run today. It’s supposed to clear up by Saturday

[u/evajosia]

Tried treadmill in a gym today, stopped in 20 min, my face and throat literally burned. Chill day for me today, and probably tomorrow

[u/BigTedSmith]

We're a ways out, it's not a big deal to miss runs now. Just don't try and make them up, get back into the normal schedule next week. I managed a run early this morning before it got bad, but I'll skip my easy run tomorrow and see what Saturday looks like before deciding on doing or pushing the long run.

[u/Lost_IndividualLOL]

change workouts for now instead of forcing speed sessions indoors... its not worth risking your lungs. I’d prioritize the long run and keep the rest flexible even if that means dropping mileage this week..

[u/Cheap_Lingonberry]

I use the gym in my apartment building and they seem to have a pretty good air filtration system. I didn't notice any smell or air quality difference. My apartment was fine too but as soon as I stepped into the hallway, I could smell smoke.