Hi everyone, I have been looking into doing couch to 5k as I feel unhealthy & finding it hard to lose the baby weight from the birth of my wee boy last year. I am asthmatic & looking for hints & tips specifically from asthmatics who have undertaken couch to 5k.
Thanks!
Donna
Hi and welcome
Not asthmatic myself, but there are quite a few folk on here who are!
They will give you advice I am sure... Make sure all is checked with your asthma nurse etc and that meds are all sorted though
This is not a weight loss programme, but will help to tighten and tone and may help with your weight...
Start this and keep it slow and steady.... take rest days,without fail and listen to your body... it will be of incredible benefit mentally and physically...
Keep posting for endless support and encouragement....this is a great programme and a great forum
Thank you oldfloss. Been reading through other people's posts & everyone seems really supportive 😊 going to give Day 1 a go tomorrow morning.
The first run is the hardest!! No asthma but I was significantly unfit and overweight. My advice, trust the program, repeat runs if you need to. ( 9 weeks isn't long) every trip out is better than sitting on the couch. One foot in front of the other always. Give it a go-you'll surprise yourself!!x
Make sure you have your quick release inhaler with you while running. If you need to you can take it 20 mins before a run and however many times needed throughout. Or at least that's what the asthma nurse told me! If you're unsure definitely worth getting specific advice from them.
Thank you for your reply & support 😊I will definitely take the inhaler before I head out. I always have it on me out of habit. It is like a lifeline & I've panicked anytime I've forgotten it in the past.
I have mild asthma and have believed for decades that I could not run as it would bring on my asthma or make it worse or whatever. I saw my lungs as the weakest link in my system and the reason I might not make it through the C25k program. I was pleasantly surprised that the asthma did not flare up as badly as I had imagined. During the first six weeks, my lungs were struggling, I was out of breath during the run sections and my desire to give up came primarily from them (just as I had predicted). When the runs were over, my breathing returned to normal pretty quickly (within 10 mins) and I had no other effects. Later in the program, as the runs got longer, my lungs plateaued, seemed to be able to cope, just as well but still huffing and puffing a bit. The difference was that the day after each run, long after any lung issues were history, my muscles ached as I built up stamina. I realized, that I had never got this stage before which was very satisfying.
I'd say, if you use a blue inhaler a lot, take it with you on the runs. If you have brown inhaler, make sure to use it ahead of runs to try to prevent issues starting.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Always remember, " You don't have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great"👍🏼🏃🏼♀️🐢
Thank you so much. That is exactly what I feel like, that my lungs are weak & hold me back. I decided to go walking for a few weeks before starting c25k to build up some stamina & felt strong after my walk today. Thank you for your encouragement & support 😊
I am asthmatic and am on week 8 I always use my blue inhaler followed by my brown one about half an hour before before I set out and I take my blue one with me
I use a bum bag to hold my keys my phone inhaler etc asi its easy to get to my inhaler if I need it
I take it slowly take in the scenery and listen to music I like and I haven't had to use my inhaler yet
Early on I huffed and puffed a bit but like you I know when it's an asthma attack or just puffing due to exertion now I'm finding I don't get out of breath as much even though the runs are longer and my breathing returns to normal quite quickly
For me it's a good time of year to start as my asthma can be affected by the cold so hopefully when the weather does get colder I'll be fitter and if suitably dressed will not have any issues
Thank you for your reply. Yes, cold weather sets my asthma off so that is a good point that this is the best time of year to start 😊 I take a red inhaler morning & night & a blue inhaler when required. I'm planning on running in the morning so will take both before I head out. Thanks for your help & support 😊
Hi Dee. I have asthma and started c25k about 3 years ago. I went to my asthma nurse for advice and to check my meds out first. I was never good at regularly taking inhalers but now I do better and I've found the running has improved my breathing dramatically. Now I'm out of breath due to sprint finishes not asthma! You just need to build up steadily. Good luck on your journey!! X
Thank you so much for your support. I saw my asthma nurse a few weeks ago & she was happy with my treatment. I'm hoping that running will make my lungs stronger. I have been walking more in the lead up to c25k & did a long walk today & found that my lungs felt strong during & after.
Hi Dee, I am asthmatic and run with several others. I have two inhalers one I take twice a day as a preventive and I have ventolin if I need it. Two of my running friends carry ventolin with them all the time, I only carry mine on half marathon runs.for short runs particularly in the summer I take a puff of ventolin to open the tubes before I start running.As luck would have it I have never needed to use my inhaler as a result of running. It took we a while to get my breathing right when I first started to run I think the warm up is so important. Good luck to you and if in doubt check with asthma nurse or doctor.
Thank you so much for your support Ray. I take a red inhaler twice a day which is 2 treatments in one & a blue ventolin inhaler when I need. That's good that you have a support group for your running & that others are also asthmatic. I am encouraged by all the people who have messaged. It makes me think it may not be as far out of reach as I thought it'd be. 😊
I'm a 64 year old asthmatic and I've just completed Couch to 5K.
Before starting make sure your asthma is properly controlled with a preventative medication. Speak to your GP or asthma nurse. I always kept some Bricanyl in my pocket just for reassurance. I never had to use it. Good luck with the program
To those starting out! 
Started C25K but really struggled with my asthma 
Encouragement to those starting out
Starting out! 
