Any tips for an asmatic and her inhaler as she embarks on the start of the program?

[colliewalker]

[Hidden]

I have well controlled asthma, but when I first did C25K last year it caught me one day at the furthest point in my run, about week 4 I think - I foolishly thought I didn't need to take an inhaler etc., so it was quite scary as I struggled to get my breathing / fears under control. First thing I would say have your inhaler with you where you can get to fast if you need it.

Secondly use your inhaler about 15 minutes before you set off - I find doing that helps me immensely.

And the one great tip that keeps me running: learn how to breathe from your stomach. Get that right in the first 5 to 10 minutes of a longer run and you reap immense benefits through the remainder.

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hi there mietije. I've been asthmatic since I was a baby after having Whooping Cough so I know what you are going through. My Doc recommended that I take 2 puffs of both my inhalers before setting out and always to carry the blue one (just in case).

I have also started swimming again which has helped my breathing no end.

I started running last August and last winter was the first winter in over 10 years that I didn't suffer from chest infections. Also when I had my Asthma check up with the nurse this spring my peak flow readings were the best they had been in many years. So theres the proof in the pudding that running is really good for you.

[colliewalker in reply to Hidden]

Thanks to some great responses, I summoned up the courage to do my first run today. Took your tip which really helped. Not sure what I'll be like on a longer run, but so far so good. Thanks again.

[beatasthma]

HI there, my user name gives it away...I'm a fellow asthmatic. I have exercise-induced asthma which until very recently wasn't properly treated, so my first bit of advice would be see your asthma nurse and make sure you have the best inhaler for you and the exercise you'll be doing.

Other than that, advice I got on here was great. I now take a steroid inhaler night and morning, the latter an hour or so before I start a run then I have a couple of puffs of ventolin just before I start. Have been thrilled by the results.

I started doing yoga a few months back and think anything that encourages you to do deep, controlled breathing is a help. Pacing on runs too,I'm keeping it slow to start.

Best of luck and let us know how you go

[ellerunner Graduate]

I carry my inhaler with me and use it before I go out - only needed to use it once when I've been out (I've just finished week 4). Not sure how it will be in the winter, the cold air really affects my breathing.

[carcassonne Graduate]

Hi ellerunner, I'm asthmatic and finished the programme OK. I found that generally it was fine, but my top tips are:

1) If you've had your asthma triggered, or think it will be triggered by the running conditions (e.g. pollen or heat), take your inhaler about an hour or so before setting off. Monitor yourself - if you can feel tightening it might be worth stopping. This isn't just to avoid attacks, I found that my asthma gave me awful stiches (I guess because I couldn't control my breathing?)

2) Make sure you have somewhere good to put your inhaler...! I lost one in the park when it flew out of my pocket I have a "Y-fumble" y-fumble.com/ which is great, and it fits my phone too!

Good luck and don't let it put you off, you can totally do it!