Week 5 run 1 Panic attack

[TheRiddler8t2]

Was really looking forward to my run. Then got about 2/3 the way through my first 5 min run segment and the wind court me off guard and couldn’t catch my breath and had a panic attack. Never had one before. Couldn’t breathe. So I got my breath back and carried on. Was worried for the rest of my run but I got through it. Has this happened to anyone else before?

strava.com/activities/14021...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Panic attacks are horrid. It probably was just the wind catching you

The more you focus on it, the worse it gets. If it happens again.. use your finger to close off one nostril, breathe in through the other, then close off that nostril and exhale through the other one... do it a few times and by the time you have, the feeling will have gone.

You did really well... and now, try to relax into the lovely longer runs, let the new running legs find their happy pace. Take it very slowly , look around and really enjoy. You are going to be just fine

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I haven't any experience of this, but what jumps out at me from your post was that even though it was unpleasant, you coped admirably. It may not have felt like that on the inside but you took charge of the situation, got your breathing back together and continued your run - good for you, what strength of mind & fab coping skills! 😃

[notoutofbreath Graduate]

You had a panic attack and then managed to finish the run, that's pretty epic.

[Irish-John Graduate]

I got totally winded the first time when I fell and slid on my back down some steep stone steps.

Yep - it is truly terrifying when you don't know what it is.

It's still scary next time - never had it happen running but over the years taken a few hits to the stomach that floored me - but if you just remind yourself that "Ouch, this #-&# hurts right now but it Will end in a few seconds..." Well, it still feels like #&$# - but it's more manageable.

I really do take my hat off for continuing. Seriously, in my book that makes you a hard core Runner.

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺