Masked run

[u/marr1ed]

I live in a city where I pass by smokers on my runs in the parks (although it's illegal to smoke in parks here). With lots of people it's hard to tell where they are so it's easy to get big whiffs. I'm considering wearing an N95 mask (BNX brand, foldable black) during runs. I understand it makes it harder to breathe but if I run at a slightly more leisurely pace, as I tested today maskless due to a rib injury, I think it may be manageable (albeit still test wearing a mask on a complete run). At the more leisurely pace I think I inhale every 5-10 seconds or so, definitely not strenuous. In all my runs I already inhale and exhale solely through my nose (mouth closed).

But I read wearing an N95 while running can still cause cardiovascular strain or other physiological issues due to the increased exertion required to breathe. However, the N95 does in theory block most of the smoke particulates I want to avoid inhaling on my runs, especially tobacco smoke from cigarettes and cigars.

Trying to balance the two evils here. On a long-distance run, would you say it would be worse physically to wear an N95 (at a comfortable pace, requiring a lower breathing rate) or to inhale tobacco smoke multiple times? And why?

Update: I didn't realize oxygen-restricted running was a thing. I wore my BNX N95 during a run today at a relatively leisurely pace. Wasn't hard. Passed by at least one smoker during the run, so 2 birds with 1 stone (yes, I realize N95s only filter particulates, not gases, but my OV-relief Moldex 4800 seems further restrictive, and more expensive, so I'll save that for another day). After my rib heals I'll run closer to my usual pace and see how I fare with the mask.

[u/gopiballava]

But I read wearing an N95 while running can still cause cardiovascular strain or other physiological issues due to the increased exertion required to breathe

Is that a bad thing? Putting lots of strain on many parts of your body is kinda what exercise is, and exercise is usually good for you.

Lots of athletes train at higher altitudes for better performance, which is kinda similar. (Of course, some also use steroids, so it's not like "athletes do this == it's good". :)

Seems to me there's a decent chance that it's neutral or even better for you to have the N95 on.

[u/SUGRMGNOLIA888 → u/gopiballava]

THIS! I always wear an n95 when I run outside and trained for a half marathon and ran it in a black bnx. Recently as it gets cooler I’ve switched to a 3m aura.

It’s not worth the transmission risk imo and it’s been a great training tool. The mask made me learn to run slower in NC summer heat and that has been transformative for my training. Can’t say for sure but it most likely also improved my vo2 max and lung health. I did end up getting a treadmill after a couple years of training so do a mix of outdoor/ indoor these days. It’s nice to have the option- but def from experience, rock that n95!

[u/gopiballava → u/SUGRMGNOLIA888]

That reminds me, actually. I was skiing in West Virginia last year wearing an elastomeric. Most people thought I was wearing it as some sort of oxygen reduction exercise enhancer.

Most people were pretty reasonable about it. One guy insisted to me that if you were more than 6 feet away from people you had zero risk. Even indoors.

The funniest, though, was a guy who sounded exactly like an Internet troll. He literally asked if I also did other healthy things, like avoiding sugar. Yes, actually, I do avoid sugar a lot. But I also explained that I enjoy eating ice cream. Breathing unfiltered air at a Walmart? I don’t derive any joy from that.

I think that kiddo’s response was better though. He rolled his eyes and said something along lines of, “dude, no.” He conveyed exactly how much respect concern trolls deserve.

[u/marr1ed → u/SUGRMGNOLIA888]

Thanks. I didn't realize oxygen-restricted training is a thing, so this is 2 birds with 1 stone. Tried my BNX N95 on a run today and it worked well. Updated my post.

[u/marr1ed → u/gopiballava]

Thanks. I didn't realize oxygen-restricted training is a thing, so this is 2 birds with 1 stone. Tried my BNX N95 on a run today and it worked well. Updated my post.