*Trying* to start running; help needed

EmmiDahling
EmmiDahling Posts: 104 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Last summer I tried to use C25K, but at 224 lbs I couldn't even lightly jog the 10-15 seconds necessary, so I switched to the 30DS. Now I'm down to 156 and am in much better shape overall. I do have asthma. Last year I had to use the nebulizer before every workout or risk a horrifying attack. Now I can exercise and haven't needed even my rescue inhaler in several months. Here is where I need input from those of you who are runners.

I'm using "Zombies, Run!" as a walking program trying to transition to running. I am walking as fast as my legs are capable of moving, and considering the asthma, am not even winded. As I start trying to jog for short distances, my legs feel fine, but it's like someone is taking a Brillo pad to the inside of my chest. My chest will feel a little tight, but it is definitely not what i would consider to be an asthma attack. I am breathing in through my nose (helps warm the air before it hits my throat and chest as well as filters out more allergens than through my mouth) and out through my mouth. Is it something about my technique? Is this normall for beginners? Or, (as I'm sadly suspecting) is this related to my asthma and I should see my doctor?

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I don't know anything about asthma so I can't help you there. But as for breathing:

    “Breathe through your mouth. Breathe through your nose. Suck the air in through your ears, if you can.”
    Arthur Lydiard

    A couple of other things.

    It is normal for running to be extremely uncomfortable when you are beginning. Stick with it and it will get much easier pretty quickly.

    For the first 2 or 3 months you should be running easy to build aerobic fitness. If you are getting way out of breath then slow down or walk a little. Save the fast and hard stuff for later.
  • Liz_Mfp
    Liz_Mfp Posts: 172 Member
    http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/condition.html

    Have you considered a Gradual Incremental approach?
    That's an 8-week intro to Walk/Jog if you have already been walking a couple months

    for those who haven't walked for a couple months, the same link offers
    First 8 weeks - walk only
    Second 8 weeks - walk/jog/walk

    After 4 months if you are still injury-free you can jump into the
    5K training program at the same website, under the "Training" tab

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