Diagnosed as asthmatic-Can I do C5K?

[PaulBee1960]

I am a male aged 61. I quit smoking 11 months ago and have taken to walking as much as I can. However, I have now put on weight, especially around my belly, and started getting breathless where I hadn't before. Checked by the respiratory nurse who confirmed I am borderline asthmatic. Are my dreams of doing C5K over before they start? Would welcome any thoughts. Thank you for your time. Paul.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Welcome to the forum and the program!And there are many with asthma who run and who are doing or have done C25k.

Wouldn't do any harm to check it out with you GP though.

In the meantime have a read of the program guide as it's full of helpful information to help you through the program.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Enjoy the journey!

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi PaulBee1960 , if you're able to walk briskly and comfortably for 30 minutes then you should be OK to start C25K, unless your respiratory nurse or GP advise you otherwise.

The programme guide link provided by Instructor57 is excellent. However if you feel overwhelmed by all the info, key points are: go slow, take at least one rest day between run days, wear suitable comfortable footwear, drink plenty of water, and have confidence in yourself and the programme!

[LouiseA Graduate]

Hi there! Definitely read the very useful guide shared by Instructor57 and yes to everything Cmoi has already said. Check with your GP/asthma nurse so you understand your asthma action plan and understand how to use any medications but asthma should in no way prevent you from starting your running journey through C25k! I was diagnosed with asthma as an adult, and running has really improved my symptoms to the point where I’ve reduced my preventer medication use significantly and very rarely require my rescue (blue) inhaler.

C25k should be done at an easy pace, so that you can speak whole sentences when you’re plodding along. Slow and steady! Also, if you do have a blue inhaler, make sure you’re always carrying it with you, just in case you do need it.

Happy running and good luck with your C25k adventure 🏃🏻‍♀️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome.Over the years we have had many asthmatics become runners by doing C25k and if you do a search of the site you will find some relevant posts. Many have eradicated all signs of asthma while others learn to live with it.

As already stated check with your respiratory nurse, who, if they are any good at their job, will encourage you, as it will improve all aspects of your health.

Going too fast is most people's cause of problems starting to run and that will be even more so for an asthmatic, but you can overcome this by jogging at an easy conversational pace, which will build your stamina in time. Faster I'd not better.

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

First off your dreams are most definitely not over. You have just described how I was before I started C25K !

I was an asthmatic, overweight, smoker, drinker with quite the belly and love handles. I won’t lie, it’s tough to shift that belly, especially at our age, and requires discipline and determination, but it can be done!

For me the biggest determining factor was in what I ate and when. I’m happy to chat with you in messages if you want more detail.

There’s so much good advice to be had here on HU. Just be patient and determined and you will succeed.

Good luck on your journey 👍

[nowster Graduate]

As long as you've got the OK from your GP or asthma nurse, go for it.

You do not have to flog yourself in a run. All that's needed for C25K is a gentle jog.