Chest tightness post run, normal?

[Fwc25k]

so I’ve had a very on and off relationship with running, after almost a year of not exercising I decided to get back out there and I went for a run using the c25k app. I’ve never experienced any asthma/ breathing issues in my life, I am somewhat overweight but it has never been so excessive it’s affected my breathing. Anyways, I went on the run and all was fine, however when I finished my chest was so tight I couldn’t take deep breaths and I was wheezing, I don’t know if this is just because I’ve given my body a shock after such a long time not exercising mixed with the cold air or it’s something more and should get it checked. I have no chest pain or anything like that it just felt like I couldn’t breathe properly for a good 20 minutes post run. Anyone experienced similar?

Thank you (:

[MartinKH Graduate]

Hi Fwc25k

I haven’t experienced what you have, nor do I have any medical experience.

What you describe though doesn’t sound normal so as a precautionary measure I would encourage you to seek some medical advice before carrying on.

I wonder if you may have run too quickly to soon this time.

Either way take care.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I haven’t had that, maybe you were going too fast and any chest tightness i would definitely get checked out with a gp or nurse

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

We cant advise but it could be you are just going too fast too soon. Good luck and happy running

[Jell6 Graduate]

Maybe worth mentioning to your GP, also breathing in cold air can be hard for some people. Perhaps try wearing a buff during your next cold run, and breathe through that.

It will provide a little warming barrier between the cold air and your lungs. 🥶

[davelinks Graduate]

Good advice from Jell6 and try slowing down, you may think you're already going as slow as you can but you can always slow down more, and can take it right down to near running on the spot, it may look a bit odd to others out there, but don't worry about them, when the going feels so tough always try backing off, that's what I did and still do if I feel a tad out of whack..

[ArthurJG Graduate]

No that’s not normal and worth mentioning to the doctor just in case.

You say you ‘went for a run using the app’: was it week 1 run 1? As if you jumped to a later run that could be problematic. It could also very well be due to going too fast. And when you say you haven’t exercised for nearly a year, does that include walking? The starting point for Couch to 5k is that you can maintain a brisk walk for 30 minutes and some people do have to build up their walking first before starting the programme.

But if you feel like that again, stop. Don’t run through chest pain and breathing difficulties.

And do see the doctor. You ask if it’s normal but if you think about it, you’ve been a runner before and this has never happened to you so you already know that for your own body it’s not normal. If you think you’ve overdone it by going too fast or too far then tell the doctor that because it may just be that you need to take it easier. But it may not be, and we are not medically qualified on this forum. The advice above is assuming that the doc says it’s OK to continue running and just not to overdo it. Do get it checked.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

it is not our policy to give advice on potentially serious medical issues, so please consult your GP.

Are you running at a pace at which you can speak clear, ungasping sentences as you run? If not, you are going too fast.

Enjoy your journey