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In some parts of the world smog is common year round. Should running outside be avoided in these areas? I prefer to run outside and have no health problems but am concerned about exposing my child to these same risks?

If running in smog can make it more likely to develop asthma how should an aspiring long distance runner train? Are treadmills alone sufficient?

Yao Choa
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    I remember some expats in Shanghai and Beijing literally dying after living there for a year or two because they were running outside. Locals even called them crazy. It depends on the level of pollution, of course. So I would suggest following PSI readings of where you live, and then not run outside when it's in the yellow/red area. – cbll May 31 '16 at 06:50
  • You may also find helpful info in these q/a http://fitness.stackexchange.com/questions/13691/bad-to-run-in-the-smoke and http://fitness.stackexchange.com/questions/11994/is-there-any-scientific-info-about-effects-of-air-pollution-during-exercise. Children take in more air per unit body weight at a given level of exertion than do adults.. Limiting their exposure to those "hours when airborne pollutant levels are lower" is recommended. – BackInShapeBuddy May 31 '16 at 22:25

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Breathing in any irritant is bad for overall lung health. I suggest following @cbll 's information on identifying air pollution and guidelines for your given location.

In terms of "...are treadmills sufficient?" Yes and no. Running on the ground is always harder than on a treadmill. Being able to run longer on a treadmill does equate to overall aerobic endurance... Just not on a 1:1 scale. You can try to accurately mimic courses with grade (though downhill sections would require a specialized treadmill mimicking that downward-slope); but, ultimately the treadmill is assisting you to some degree. Defining long-distance is also important... Half-Marathons, Marathons, Ultra-Distance Marathons all require similar but different training that also include strict diet and sleep schedules.

If you are serious about becoming a long distance athlete, it would be a good idea to find a local trainer for more advice. Also, consult your physician to make sure nothing in your medical history contraindicates long distance/endurance training.

BryceH
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    informative, but doesn't answer the base question about asthma. – JohnP May 31 '16 at 20:54
  • I wasn't sure about the smog/asthma aspect - so I answered the long distance running on a treadmill. Valid point, though. – BryceH Jun 01 '16 at 13:44
  • My health is fine and I am an experienced marathon runner already. Trainers will not help me, but maybe a pediatrician would have access to some asthma risk factor studies that could help me. Your answer offered good general advice but my primary focus was if "Is running in smog a risk factor for (my child) developing asthma". – Yao Choa Jun 01 '16 at 18:37
  • I have decided to accept your answer because it addressed the fitness issues and I realized that the asthma risk factor question might be better suited for the health stack exchange site. Thanks! – Yao Choa Jun 01 '16 at 18:44