Week 1 run 1 complete!

Well, I have finally taken the plunge and started Couch to 5k. Didn't find it too hard, which is a bit of a worry really!!!!

As it is starting to get colder, I think I need to invest in a long sleeved top and a jacket - so a trip to Decathlon is in order :) (any advice on what I should be looking for?!)

My main worry is that I am asthmatic, and when it gets cold (or I get a cold), I may find I start to struggle, but I'll deal with that when and if I have to!

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14 Replies

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  • Just take it slow and steady, listen to Laura and go at her pace ... that should make sure you stay fit and healthy en route to graduation :)

    When it gets chilly.. take it slower, and get a buff to pull up around your mouth and nose :)

    Keep posting.. lots of great advice on here :)

  • Thank you :)

    I do have a buff which I got from a 25k walking event, so I will try and remember to do that when it gets colder.

  • Exercise induced asthma here. Started running in extremely hight temps/humidity. It's getting colder and dryer now but this running lark sure works wonders on your lungs and your capacity to retain oxygen :) Just take it slow and easy, takes people like us just that little bit longer than the elephant-lunged lot to gt up to par ;)

  • Thank you :)

    I don't think my asthma is exercise induced - well, it hasn't been in the past, but then I've always exercised indoors (swimming/ gym classes) - so we'll wait and see what happens!!

  • Took me a long while to find out why I could swim genuinely vast (god it was boring) distances in the pool but "couldn't" catch my breath outside :) Warm humid air opens the airways :)

  • Well done for taking the plunge! Best of luck. I agree with OldFloss buffs are great - I wear mine on my head to keep my ears warm in the colder weather.

  • Maybe there is a way to wear it over my ears and over my mouth and nose?! Or maybe I just need 2 :)

  • Well done on getting started 👍 I am also asthmatic so I can tell you it is still possible it just takes a bit of planning. First off I suggest you see your GP or asthma clinic to get some advice. I use my blue inhaler about 30 minutes before I plan to go and take another puff as I go out the door, this usually works for me. This winter I will be trying a Buff over my mouth and nose, as suggested by Oldfloss but I am a bit nervous about it as I tend to panic if my face is covered up so that could be interesting! Apparently this is supposed to warm up and moisturise the air so it is less irritating. Sounds good in theory 👍. If you can breathe in through your nose that is also supposed to be helpful (it doesn't work for me as I tend to go for the 'puffing like an old steam train' style of inhalation 😂). Just grab your inhaler and keep getting out there. I promise you will be amazed at what you are capable of 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️Good luck 🍀

  • Thanks :)

    Yesterday I had only just taken my symbicort, but I took 2 puffs of my blue inhaler when I set out too - just to be on the safe side! (and it fits really nicely into the little pocket on the back of my running leggings :) )

    I did find I needed to think about my breathing during the first 60 second run (and was doing the in through the nose/out through the mouth thing) - but was fine on all the other running bits.

    We'll see what happens tomorrow with run 2!!

  • That's the spirit 😊 just be aware of the likelihood of it rearing it's head and remember to take your inhaler.

    I have a lightweight hooded running top ftom Aldi. Zipped pockets are a boon. Running top wise you could go long sleeves. I have just bought a merino one ☺ All the man made running stuff is dri fit and will have reflective bits on it 😊 You don't need to shell out much

  • Thanks :)

    I'm quite looking forward to a trip to Decathlon - might see if I can visit Aldi as well. Neither are close to where I live, but I love an excuse for a shopping trip!! :)

  • Thanks for the support everyone :)

    Rest day today (well - off to Wisley for a nice autumnal walk anyway) - run 2 tomorrow :)

  • I have exercise-induced asthma, which I didn't know was a thing for the first 50 years of my life when I thought I was just rubbish at exercise. Now I have three inhalers and take the blue one with me when I run.

    I have a guilty confession to make though. *Whispers* Sometimes when I'm too tired and I have to have a wee walk break, I pull out my inhaler and pretend I need it even though I don't, so that people won't judge me for stopping to walk. Don't tell anyone though. Let it be our secret...

  • My asthma is not exercise-induced, but can be triggered by cold air (just walking from my car into school on a frosty morning sometimes!) and by viruses that the children I teach share regularly with me! I have other triggers too, but none of them exercise related :) So my main concern is running (or walking) in cold air - thanks to those who have recommended a buff over my nose/mouth - this I will certainly try :)

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