Any asthmatic runners out there?
I have started training for the Asthma UK 10k (April next year...yes, long way off, training is going to take a while!!) and wondered if there were any others out there to share tips, techniques and generally encourage each other.
Look forwards to hearing from anyone...!
Cathy
hi cathy.well done on your training! best of luck to you. i would offer to come with you but dont think my chest would let me!!i could always leave it at home!! all the best mandy
Cathy
The best of luck....
I had started running inbetween ITU admissions and found a web page about starting to run a marathon. It basically said start off with a 10 min run, well run for a long as you can still talk when your too breathless to do this walk until your able to talk again then run. When you can run the 10 minutes totally then increase your route by 5 minutes until you can run the distance you want to run.
Hope this helps....if you want the website address send me a message.
Good luck
Oh and yes good running shoes with feet support to protect your feet.
Truly x
Best of luck to both of you. I cant join you but what I can do is as truly says is advise good running shoes.I worked in a very specialised running shoe shop for 3 years and had training from various aspects.
This might sound daft to those who have done this before but for others dont buy a new pair just before the event. Make sure you have a pair that have been worn a while but not worn out ; )
Most running shoes are only meant to last at the most 6 months dependant on the distance you run.
Also try to train on a mix of road and soft terrain ie grass verge as it helps with the inpact on the knees. Ypou place 3 times your body weight onto those knees each time your foot hits the ground.
Any recommendations for running shoe places Speedy?
I have ""normal"" feet, ie not pronated or high arches; I like a trainer with a decent ""bounce"" to them. My current pair are Nike Airs which I got at a retail outlet for a bargainous price and are dead comfy and supportive, but I will likely need a new pair soon as I have had them a while.
I can thoroughly recommend the Ron Hill ""wicking"" tops for preventing the sweaty back & skin syndrome which I am guessing upsets a lot of eczema-y skins, not only mine!
Thanks for the website recommendation Truly....can you send me the addy please so I can have a squizz? Thanks.
Hi Cathy,
I'm another supporter for gradually building up your distance - go a little bit further each week.
Also, find yourself some really steep hills to run up.
Yes, I am serious.
No I'm not kidding.
Yes I have done it before.
And I said run up, not walk up. It will be painful, but once you get used to running up serious hills the flat will seem so easy! I had to start by walking up the hill, then built up to running a little bit and walking the rest, until I could run all the way up to the top and then have a well deserved rest. Remember to build it up gradually.
Good luck!
I've not run seriously for a couple of years now after managing to do a 10km race. I've got to start from the beginning again which is quite depressing. Last time I started running I found that I didn't get exercise asthma so much once I'd built up and got fitter.
Bee
Hi Bee,
Thanks for the tips... I had planned myself out a run that goes up just about the biggest hill around here and had thought myself somewhat insane. Fortunately it comes near the start of the run so at least I'll have some energy to attack it!
I echo what you say about EAI. Having been really very fit through my teens (and having lost it all for various reasons over the last 8 years or so) I did find it difficult starting up again. However even after a few weeks of training I am finding the ""wall"" of EIA easier to get through and less exhausting - and it seems to last less time too. Hopefully with more time and training it will virtually disappear (Ha! Who am I kidding?! Well, we can dream...).
Having a rest tonight - can't overdo it... and anyway there's no rush!
hello Cathy,
One thing I have found through trying to go running too (april dosen't look that far away....!) is that the cold damp air really sets my lungs off. I have found running in a ski/riding scarf thing pulled up over my mouth helps a bit - though I do look a bit like a bank robber.... tis all good! Running in the fog didn't really work though so Im giving that one a miss next time!
I don't know if its just me but the time of day I run seems to make a big difference to me, bit difficult with lectures/work but lungs are more complient it seems in the late mornings/lunch time.... I hasn't got a clue why!
Hope you are ok and running going well
Luv and hugs
mouse x x x
If you are going to run any distance you need to buy decent shoes. You need to go, if possible to a speicalised running shoe shop where they do know what they are talking about rather than a run of the mill high street sports shop.
Always take your old shoes with you and the assistant can then tell your pattern of running by the wear on the sole of your current shoes and take the socks that you use for running so you can try them on with trainers. All makes a differnce to the fit and if you are runnign miles in them they have to be right to avoid long term damage to your body.
Running trainers are very individual as everyones foot is a differnt shape. In the days when I did work Nike and Addidas were quite slim fitting . I have had a look at some shoes about now and still the brands I favoured back then are being sold like Etonic, New Balance Asics. These companys aim at a trainer built for the purpose and not necessarily to look good. It is personal choice though and what is comfortable.
Size, always make sure you have a thumbs width when you are standing up between the end of your big toe and the end of the trainer, otherwise black toe nails will appear.
I could go on for pages as for 3 years I lived for my job going to marathons to promote the shop and advise on good footwear so I will shut up now : )and wish you all the best.
BEWARE OF UPHILL!
ok i'm not a runner but I am a cyclist but this tip kinda works both ways. If its short and steep, bomb it, but if its long and not so steep pace is everything,
thats what i find helps
What if it's long and steep?! 
Cathy, if it's long and steep I'd avoid it - sounds like hell and something that should only be attempted in a car!!
BUPA have their own site with lots of tips on getting started and 8 week guides and other info such as food and gear for both people starting from scratch and those with some running behind them already. here's the link:
good luck with the training to cathy and everyone else entering
Asthma 10K run
HI Cathy,
I was one of the marshalls at this years Asthma 10K run and its being held at the same place again next year - Dorney Lake. and I can tell you there is no big hills and is very flat with just a few slopes to cope with.
I am planning on being a marshall again next year so I hope to see you there.
Pete
GNR SEPT 07
Hi,
I am new to this site (as a member anyway). I am hoping to run the GNR with my brother next year. He is tall, lean, healthy and fit and has run quite often. I, on the other hand, am overweight (hope to start acting on that soon when I feel better than I do today!), currently on steroids and nebulising (again!), determined, but also quite scared at getting into training and pacing myself for this event.
Can any of you lovely people out there give me any advice on training schedules, the GNR istelf or any other advice. etc etc. My mum has said if I can do it she will give me £100. I am thinking I will run for this charity, so I have a good incentive.
Thanks for any advice anyone can give.
Lisa
Hi everyone again.
Cal - yes, that has generally been my attitude re:hills....pretty stupid of me to live in a hilly area I have to confess!
Pete - yup, looking forwards to seeing you there matey!
Scampy that's a brilliant summary of information - Squiz I don't think you will find a better general guide for starting up running. One thing I would say is: don't feel you have to run non-stop when you do go out for a jog. Stay comfortable and walk when you need to. It doesn't even matter if you have to walk during the event itself! If you want to do the GNR for AUK contact their events team because they usually have reserved places and can provide you with support, running vest and general encouragement etc etc.
I was going to go out for a run tonight but a) it's 3.4 degrees C here, and b) my hubby is out for the evening, so I have no back-up base crew! Common sense got the better of me for once so I have stayed in the warm - much to my own frustration.
May go shopping for some new running shoes at the weekend if I can find a good shop near here. My brother mentioned there was somewhere in Birmingham that is a specialised shop...but there is the small matter of finding it (and I don't much fancy braving central Brum on a Saturday myself!).
Hi - I don't know - all these excuses Cathy for not going out running! Hehe! I was out at 6am this morning - it was a bit on the chilly side though!
I think this is a good place in Birmingham for Running Gear birminghamrunner.com/pages/...
I've ordered stuff online from them in the past and they seem to be fine.
May not be asthmatic but need advice! 
Brittle asthmatic struggling
Asthmatic Architect 
Asthmatic looking to increase running time. Any ideas that have helped you?
