Running with AF and lung issues

[Gain]

I am 68 and have PAF and a lung condition with about 20% reduced capacity. Would anyone recommend taking up running? I am not sure I could run more that a couple of hundred yards but also rather anxious about trying.

[jeanjeannie50]

Well no, I wouldn't recommend that you take up running. What I would recommend is gradually building up your walking stamina, starting very slow and gently and then building up to longer walks and increasing your walking pace.

Just my personal opinion as someone who used to do cross country running and has had AF for around 15 years.

Jean

[Gain in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you! I do walk my dog every day for an hour each time. But I think you are right. Many thanks for taking the time to reply . All the best - Happy New Year

[absolutepatsy in reply to Gain]

I agree with jeanjeanie, believe it or not, walking as she suggested and building up your pace is just as good an exercise as pounding the pavements. Enjoy your dog walking.

[Gain in reply to absolutepatsy]

Many thanks! I am sticking to the walking.

[Dawsonmackay]

I agree with Jeanjeannie.

[Gain in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Many thanks. I do walk my dog every day but I am sure you are right. Happy New Year!

[Gain in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Thank you.

[CliveP]

I would always recommend taking up running.

Why not? There are so many benefits both physical and mental. It’s a genuinely transformative activity.

I would suggest starting very slowly. Run very short distances at low effort and build up gently. The couch to 5k app is excellent.

[Gain in reply to CliveP]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[Johnphilip]

Walk you will see more , of what is going on around you . Nature is beautiful .

[Gain in reply to Johnphilip]

Thank you!

[Buffafly]

Tai chi is good for AF and lung issues if you want a change. I guess you have been looking at the news about running 'youthifying' your arteries?

[Gain in reply to Buffafly]

Yes, precisely. Thanks for tip.

[Jajarunner]

Walk/run programmes could be a bridge between the two things? Again, couch to 5k is Brilliant.

Good luck and listen to your body... and your cardiologists

[Gain in reply to Jajarunner]

Many thanks!

[Ianc2]

Have you consulted your dog. Be fair now being hustled along at a fair old brisk walk is bad enough. But running around will probably make the poor animal very rough. There is no point in asking this lot on here, most of them are completely barking, apart from the odd few the administrators have managed to collar, to lend an air of expertise and to stop the afflicted who are seeking guidance, from bristling too much.

[DawnTX]

I would say as the saying goes you have to walk before you can run.