So, with just days to go until British Masters Champs (affectionately known as Nat Vets) and with the draw now out, my palpitations are in full swing. This is pretty much how I look right now:
The draw is out!!!
Fear aside, it’s always about this point that I start feeling that unwelcome scratching in the back of my throat that heralds the beginning of a cold. I don’t know whether it’s just my mind playing tricks on me or the effects of too much training, but I invariably find a cold threatening precisely five days before a big day like a major regatta. Coming down with a streaming cold just before a big event would be Not Cool, so it must not happen.
Happily I have a few products that I come back to time after time. Historically I’ve zapped any incoming colds with First Defence spray, but if I’m honest I find it a bit of a blunt instrument, and don’t much like the burning feeling in the back of your throat as it works its magic.
Anyway, a couple of months ago I was writing a piece for Top Santé mag on how to stay healthy on an aeroplane (which is out shortly, as it happens) and was sent a cold-prevention product that was new to me. I started using it immediately as at the time I had a cold threatening, and was impressed enough that I have added it to my cold defence arsenal. I thought I’d share it with you in case you get the same pre-regatta cold thing (even if you’re my oppo – see, I’m nice like that).
ImmunPro lozenge
The product in question is a lozenge called ImmunPro (by Hübner). The active ingredients are Cistus Villosus – a medicinal plant – and herbal polyphenols which, according to the blurb, form a protective film across the mucous membrane, and you suck one at the first sign of a cold. It has a pleasant, sweet taste – slightly minty and slightly herbal – and is way nicer than taking First Defence. I haven’t spent any time researching the science of it, but I have found it works for me, and apart from anything else it’s a nice distraction from gazing at the draw in a state of agitation.
The other weapons I use in the fight against the common cold are, by the way, very simple: Vitamin C and zinc (one of the few things actually proven to help) and herbal tea to help me sleep (and calm those palpitations).
The cold has no chance against this trio
So that’s it, really. Just thought I’d let you know in case you fancied trying them. They are available from Boots for £7.95 for 15 tablets (with a special focus on the airport stores).
If I have time later in the week, I’ll do a post on keeping injury at bay before regatta day. If not, see you Sunday, if you’re going to Nat Vets – and don’t forget to give me a shout if you spot me!
