What's the best way to run with asthma

[Jake364]

I always struggle to run fast because of my asthma, I'd like to find out some good ways of getting better at running from anyone's previous experiences

[Hidden]

I'm impressed that you are running and wish you ever success as the weather gets better.

I'm now going to be really boring and suggest seeing your doctor or practice asthma nurse. Our son was mildly asthmatic, but he took up rowing a couple of years ago, and he has shown NO signs of anything since. I'm assuming that the rowing has just made him stronger.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[helenls72]

I have asthma and choose to run indoors on a treadmill. I find that huffing and puffing in the cold air aggravates it, so for me I stay inside. That said, as I have been running, my breathing is definitely improving and I can go further distances now. I did mention to my doctor last year that I wanted to get back into running and he encouraged it as he said it would strengthen my lungs. It definitely has!! I would just suggest you don't push it too hard though. Some days you'll be able to do more than others. You'll know when you've reached your limit.

[Hidden]

Like Helen, I run on a treadmill too and always make sure I take my preventer inhaler half an hour beforehand. If I forget, I struggle!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I have asthma too and last October took a very bad chest infection and on top of it my asthma played up for weeks. Its took me 3 months to get back to any sort of running and more recently to the big outdoors. I hate dreadmills but they do have their uses in cold weather.

I take my preventative inhaler before leaving the house and wear a buff on cold days until my lungs get used to the cold air. Faster running I have found is best tackled in short bursts, I use the lamp post method, after warming up for about 5 minutes of running I then sprint to the next lamp post then slow down recovery for the next 2. I repeat this for another 4-6 building up as I am able. Then finish off with a gentle 5 minute jog, then brisk cool down walk.

I'm also a swimmer and for me its a sure way of improving my lung capacity. I use the intervals the same way in the pool as the lamp post running. After a warm up swim I do 1 x length sprint front crawl, then 2 lengths recovery, sometimes 1 x breast stroke & 1 x front crawl or 2 x breast stroke. You can apply this system to various other exercises, rowing, cycling, cross trainer. It will all help build stamina and strength and will also improve those lungs. Good luck and remember to take your inhaler with you when you are out, it could make all the difference to your breathing, so if you think you need it, use it. Good luck.

[Hidden]

One thing I find really helps me, strange as it may sound, is to run with my inhaler in my hand. I've never actually had to use it during a run after doing so in the very first Week 1 Run 1. However, the one time I tried having the inhaler in a bum bag instead, I started getting breathless! Anxiety and stress make my asthma worse, and I guess I must have felt anxious about not having it immediately to hand if something happened!

I also find taking zinc and selenium supplements has helped to reduce my asthma symptoms a lot.

[Jake364 Graduate]

Thanks for everyone's advice

[lycranotlikely Graduate]

Running ultimately improved my asthma amazingly. The first 2 weeks I thought I'd never stop gasping for breath even with my inhaler but it got easier and by the time I graduated i could climb 200 steps without stopping whereas before I started C25K i was out of breath after 10! My GP was a huge encouragement to me and my asthma nurse told me running was a good idea too. When my son was diagnosed at 13 he was encouraged to start weight training as it would be good for his chest...and it was.

[yelsel_2002]

Also being an asthmatic I've had a few problems. I even had to stop for a month when things flared up. I think the usual advice, make sure you keep taking your steroid inhaler regularly (I'm bad for skipping this one) and take your ventolin or equivalent just before setting off. I stick to the treadmill when it's cold and wet outside as my breathing is definitely worse then and just now only running outside when it's nice!!

I think though, you just have to start slow and build things up gradually! Im sure my asthma is definitely getting better, the fitter I get so fingers crossed I'll manage to build up distance and speed! Good luck x

[Jake364 Graduate in reply to yelsel_2002]

Thanks

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Its not about speed in the early days its about teaching your body how to run and not feel like you are going to die!!!!!! I have found its about getting the breathing right. I always take my inhaler with me on long runs and sometimes I've had a wierd deep and loud breath thing. So I go to a very slow jog, take my inhaler and then deep breaths and it clears. Worse for me is from now with all that pollen and blossom, Vaseline up the nose and sunglasses helps... You will find it may well improve your asthma considerably....good luck!!

[Jake364 Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks