Running marathons with bronciectasis

[loriLKI]

Hi- I was diagnosed recently when I couldn't run the london marathon due to a chest infection. I can't find much on running with bronchiectasis - especially how to deal or prevent the immune system dip which seems to come with long training runs and races which will leave you very vulnerable to infections. Does anyone have experience on how to prevent this or train in a different way to avoid or reduce the chances of flare up? Is it even wise to continue long distance running? I'd be interested to hear your experiences, tips and ideas. thank you!

[Hidden]

A mountain rescue friend said to me years ago before I had any diagnosis, that the breakthroughs only come when the boundary's are pushed and that's when the real progress is made. That friend was prepared to support / rescue anyone who was pushing the boundaries in that way.

[loriLKI in reply to Hidden]

I like the philosophy and am trying to figure out through this forum what the sensible boundaries are. My experience is that doctors in general can't give any advice on long distance unless they are long distance runners themselves so I'm really hoping this forum can help me.

[Hidden in reply to loriLKI]

Let your body tell you ! The boundaries will be different for all of us, and will also be different as we progress through infections and our well state.

[Song_lover]

When I do performances with dance I tend to stay away from dairy products as I have found them to make me especially susceptible, speak to your doctor/Gp and they might be able to give you profalaxisis antibiotics over a training session!

[loriLKI in reply to Song_lover]

Interesting about the dairy. I tried cutting out milk for a week but didn't notice a difference. I will try it again now though.

[Song_lover in reply to loriLKI]

I read an article about how dairy can clog up your airways and increase your chance of infection! When I have cut it out I have noticed a difference

[Para85]

A 5k is my wack. Running a marathon with severe bronchiectasis wouldn't be manageable nor wise. I'm 32 and if i over do ''working out'' I pay for it big time. I exercise when i can but i know my limits.

[loriLKI in reply to Para85]

Keep up the exercise Para85, and TX for your feedback.

[risabel59]

Hi there, I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis in Jan, but have had asthma all my life. I am also a runner, and have a place in london 2018 for asthma U.K. I find I can't run if I have an infection. But otherwise do as much as I can.

I take Azithromycin on 3 days a week. As well as copious Asthma meds. My doctors think I am mad, but also think that my general lung function is so good because of the amount of exercise I do. I have been told not to stop unless I feel scared!!!!

If anyone finds a Bronch doctor who is also a long distance runner please can you let me know!!! None of mine really seem to to know the first thing about exercise.

R x

[loriLKI in reply to risabel59]

Hi - thank you - glad I'm not the only mad person out there. I've been a long distance runner for a long time and I also feel that's really helping me now as my lung function is very good. Desperate to keep it that way. I think the trick is to prevent any post-long distance run infections when your body is weak. I wonder if there's a different way to train - for example more shorter runs over a longer period of time so as to not deplete your body totally on extra long training runs. If I find a bronco running doc I'll certainly post. good luck with your training and I'd be interested to hear more. Hope we can all learn from sharing experiences! TX

[risabel59]

I have a Personal trainer, we do online sessions for strength training and he keeps stats of where i am going, we used to meet in person and he runs fab outdoor classes, but now we live in different places. He trains lots of people for extreme events, but is so good with me even when I am sick. We are putting together a marathon training programme, that allows for not too much long distance training. But with strength training, long cardio sessions in the gym and interval training on the track for speed. I am an old bat!!! (58) running is not my first choice of sport but I find it addictive. I am also a member of a running club which is very supportive. I was a very serious skier when I was a teenager, and raced internationally, so needless to say I now have knee problems, so my training is always focused on my knees and lungs.

Let's keep in touch about Doctors who run. I am going to write a blog about my training journey and will leave a link here.

I actually think having a goal to work to, i.e. the Marathon, is great because it keeps me focused to keep on exercising even when I don't feel like it.

Best

R

[inhaleexhalemove]

If you aren't already...add a daily high quality probiotic to you regimen. Ensure you're taking in enough calories to maintain a decent amount of muscle mass, provided much needed sustainable energy for not only your training routine, but potentially your TDEE surrounding the possibility of an increased overall TDEE from lung damage. Exercise is KEY! Do not become a couch potato, or allow fear to prevent you from enjoying the activities that fill you with joy!! Knowledge is power, you will most likely end up with more information that majority of physicians--which may in turn, allow you a chance to live freely, with well-managed lungs. I am here for any questions, concerns, or anything!

[loriLKI in reply to inhaleexhalemove]

TX - yes good point.