The Perfect Season to Start Jogging: It's All in the Air

Thinking about starting a new jogging routine? Maybe you've got a pair of sneakers gathering dust or you're just looking for a simple, effective way to get active. A common question I hear is, "When is the best time of year to start?" The simple answer is: whenever you're ready! But the more nuanced answer is that each season offers its own unique benefits and challenges that can help you on your journey.

Right now in South Africa, we're feeling the first stirrings of spring. As animals begin to breed and the land bursts into green, our bodies instinctively feel the urge to move more, as if waking from a long winter's rest.

In our corner of the world, late winter tells a different story. The air, crisp and dry, carries the memory of mountain fires on its breath, while gusting winds sweep up the earth. In this crucible of dust and smoke, the health risks of a morning jog can easily eclipse its benefits, especially for those just starting their journey. Let’s explore why we must heed this warning.

By observing nature, we find the wisdom to choose a different path—one that warms our bodies while protecting our lungs.

The Problem with Exercising in Dry, Smoky, and Dusty Air

When you exercise, your body's oxygen demand increases, and you breathe more deeply and rapidly. This draws a larger volume of air into your lungs. If that air is of poor quality, you're inhaling a higher concentration of harmful pollutants.

• Dry Air: Dry, cold air can irritate your airways. For people with healthy lungs, this can lead to a burning or tight sensation in the chest. For those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, it can trigger inflammation and even an asthma attack. Your nose and throat naturally warm and humidify the air you breathe, but during strenuous exercise, you often breathe through your mouth, bypassing this natural filter.

  
  

• Smoke and Particulate Matter: This is the most significant health risk. Smoke from mountain fires contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is microscopic. These particles can bypass your body's natural defenses and get deep into your lungs, and in some cases, even enter your bloodstream. Jogging in smoky air can lead to:

  
  

  • Short-term effects: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

    
    

  • Long-term risks: Repeated exposure to these particles is linked to serious health problems, including reduced lung function, chronic bronchitis, and an increased risk of heart and lung diseases.

    
    

• Dust from August Winds: Similar to smoke, dust contains fine particles that can irritate your respiratory system. The sheer volume of dust being swept up can make it difficult to breathe and can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms.

The best time to start jogging would indeed be just after the first rains.

The first significant rains, especially after a prolonged dry period, have a cleansing effect on the air. Here's why this timing is so beneficial:

• Cleansed Air: Rain washes fine dust and particulate matter from the atmosphere. The water droplets act like tiny sponges, pulling pollutants from the air and carrying them to the ground. This results in a noticeable improvement in air quality, making it safer to breathe deeply during exercise.

• Reduced Smoke Haze: While some mountain fires may still be smoldering, the rain helps to extinguish them and reduce the overall smoke lingering in the air.

• Moisture in the Air: The humidity increases after rainfall, counteracting the dry conditions that can irritate your lungs. Breathing in moist air is much more comfortable and reduces the risk of airway constriction.

• Greener Landscape: Rain nourishes the plants, which helps to further reduce airborne dust. The ground becomes more compact, preventing the gusty winds from sweeping up as much dirt.

This is when your body can truly harmonize with the land. In this renewed, softer air, you can build a strong foundation for a healthy habit, with every breath feeling like a gift instead of a challenge.