Hilly area and asthma: Any tips? Am complete... - Couch to 5K

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Hilly area and asthma

KS69 profile image
KS69Graduate
8 Replies

Any tips? Am complete novice runner but go to the gym sporadically - with the asthma and hilly area should I be taking it slower than the programme progresses at??

I've just finished week 2 and found it surprisingly manageable so far but the progression sounds fast from next week..

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KS69 profile image
KS69
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8 Replies
Dunder2004 profile image
Dunder2004Graduate

If you are managing fine so far, go with the program.

Hills will, of course, makes things more challenging but c25k is designed for all ages, shapes and sizes so if you have some base of aerobic fitness before starting, you should be OK.

Mollydex profile image
MollydexGraduate

Id say have your inhaler with you, take it steady , keep your mouth and nose covered so that your breath remains warm and you do not get any spasm from the cold and listen to your body 😀

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate

I don't know about the hills as I have avoided them so far!!

However, I am asthmatic. I have only ever run outside and I do the same as Mollydex has described - I have a buff which I wear over my mouth and nose when I start out (I often take it off during the run when I get too hot).

I also take my inhaler before I go out (two puffs of Ventolin or Symbicort while getting changed, depending on what time of day it is and another puff of ventolin just as I head out of the door or just as I start the warm up walk) and always carry it with me just in case.

As long as I do both of these things, I am usually fine. Although I do find if I have been going too fast, my breathing is not so good while running (sometimes I don't realise this until after a run when I look at my pace and think - 'that explains it!'). So yes - slow and steady! Learning to run is not a race, it's about training your body (and your lungs).

Good luck! :)

KS69 profile image
KS69Graduate

Thanks for replies so far. I haven't covered my face, will think what I can use to do that. I've tried to avoid the colder days as I find it a lot easier if the temps are a bit higher, the damp days recently felt a lot easier. I've finished week 2 early to avoid the snow!

Every road here is an incline, I gave up when I tried before but with this app I'm finding it doable.

I have used the inhaler on the way round but I guess using it beforehand should be enough..

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate in reply toKS69

When you say 'early', does that mean you ran on consecutive days? Even to avoid the snow, it is a big no-no. Something important is happening in your body on the days you don't run to help you succeed and be safe the next time you do.

KS69 profile image
KS69Graduate in reply toGoogleMe

Yep.. ran Wed/Thur as I don't see me getting out till Sunday..

AndyD profile image
AndyDGraduate

Are you able to drive to a park or somewhere flat-ish and then worry about the hills after you graduate...??

KS69 profile image
KS69Graduate in reply toAndyD

That is definitely something to think about, I could do at weekends though the idea is I'm running early morning at the moment before work so stay mainly on main roads etc and do like the idea of just starting outside the door. Would definitely be interesting to do some like that to see how it compares.

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