It's not my legs, it's my lungs ....!

[Poppy95]

Just completed wk7 r1 and my legs were fine - in fact I could have gone on longer except that I felt I could hardly get my breath, that I couldn't get enough oxygen into my body properly. I know what they say - to slow down but I don't think that would have helped. When I finished the 25mins it took a while to manage to breath deeply again. I do have asthma which is triggered by myriad things and not always the same one each time. If you have any ideas, I would be grateful to hear them. Thanks

[TheActualSarah Graduate]

I am not a doctor, this is not medical advice, but I read somewhere about someone being recommended a puff on their emergency inhaler 20mins before a run.? Also I've found it more difficult running in the dry middle of the day. Trying to run when it looks like its about to rain - damping down the pollen. I also have been breathing better not running next to the rapeseed field. Have you tried breathing like Laura suggests? Just some ideas/observations. Hope they help.

[CaroleC Graduate]

When I first started running, I remember reading somewhere, or hearing somewhere, that different parts of your body get used to the strain of running at different times. In the very beginning, with me, it was my legs, I took four days after my first run before I could bear to get my running shoes on again, and during the walk/run, then run/walk weeks I didn't struggle too much with my breathing, once I learned to pace myself.

Then as my legs got stronger, because I observed the rest days religiously to help them recover between runs, and as the runs got longer, it was my lungs that caused the problems. Sometimes this would switch around even in the same week! Many people say that W5R3 is the hardest one to do stamina wise, but I found weeks 6, 7 and 8 much tougher as those minutes added on and on, and as I strained towards hitting 5k within the 30 mins of running time.

You have the added issue of asthma to deal with. Lots of people have posted on here that the running has helped with their asthma. The preventer before exercise is a good tip; my son suffered from cold and exercise related asthma and would always, on the dr's recommendation, take his preventer several minutes before doing PE in school. Also, yes, try to slow down a little and just see if it makes a difference. You won't know if you don't try.

CaroleC

[Poppy95]

Thanks guys, I live in the country with yellow fields beaming out on all sides! I'll take my preventer before I run and try to do the belly breaths but in all honesty, I think I do that anyway, in an effort to get the O2 in. Hey ho, at least I'm managing to do the 25 mins without stopping! x

[Alaiyo Graduate]

I get exercise-induced asthma, and my first week was BRUTAL with my lungs and chest aching much worse than any other part of me. Here is what helps me: my prescription is for "Symbicort" which works as both a preventative and emergency inhaler. (With doctor approval) I use it once a day now that I am running, even on rest days. I also use it before my runs. Plus, I try to pace myself to avoid triggering an attack - if I stay under a certain threshold, I am totally fine.

I also have accepted that I may need to spit. Not crazy about it, but I get all this gunk in my throat that makes it hard to breathe. Rather than wheezing and trying to swallow it back again, I found it easier to just let it out. If you have this problem, having a little water on hand to clear out the passage might be handy.

I hope you find a solution that works for you.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I'm also asthmatic although not chronic there are some things that make me worse, car fumes, oil seed rape & newly cut grass can be killers!!

When I started running last year my doctor suggested taking 2 puffs of both my inhalers before setting out. I still do this and also take my Salamol (blue one) with me just in case.

I have found that my breathing has improved since running I also swim and when I do go to the pool usually do 1K each time. It has greatly improved my breathing for the running.

Good luck with the program, I'll be out to run Week 7/3 tomorrow but this is my second time of doing C25K, must be a sucker for punishment!!