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Running when it's windy - VERY frustrated!!!

SuperstarDJ
SuperstarDJ Posts: 444 Member
edited January 5 in Fitness and Exercise
Does this happen to anyone else?: Ever since I can remember I find it very hard to breathe when there's a strong wind. It literally catches my breath and I cannot breathe until the gust of wind dies down again. I remember this being a very frightening experience as a child. Today I went for a run - or at least I attempted to go for a run - but it's very windy out today so I kept having to stop to start breathing again! So, my run ended up being a stop/start brisk walk instead. I am SO frustrated and angry! :mad: I got home about 45 minutes ago and I still have a pain in my chest and am still slightly breathless.

Does this happen to anyone else and, if so, have you found any ways around it. I've tried running with my head down; my head up; running with my back to the wind.... Nothing works!

Help!



Edited because of HTML error

Replies

  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    serious? how "windy" is windy" are trees blowing over? if not, you might want to see a doctor. sounds like you could have a serious lung issue or maybe a psychological issue
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    It's a normal reaction that can be trained with practise.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I run on windy days, and I don't have this issue.

    I agree with going to see a doc....because that doesn't sound normal.
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    No. Sorry. That sounds weird, more like an irrational fear or something.
  • Bernadettetoo
    Bernadettetoo Posts: 97
    I would get that checked out. I have never experienced that and I run on very windy days.
  • kinmad4it
    kinmad4it Posts: 185 Member
    Don't know about running in the wind, but why is it that whenever you're cycling and it's windy, the wind is always blowing against you? You could cycle up one road with the wind slowing you down, blowing against you and then turn around and come back the other way and the wind would change direction as well.
    Or does the wind have a personal vendetta against just me.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    Or does the wind have a personal vendetta against just me.

    bet on it
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    No. He is wrong. It is not you. It is a well known meteorologic phenomenon.
  • AverageUkDude
    AverageUkDude Posts: 371 Member
    I get this, I suffer from asthma though and a sudden blast of cold air isn't helpful, literally feels like it knocks you over.

    After a month or two with your cardio getting stronger and your body gets used to running on 'less' oxygen you will find an improvement.

    I would suggest visiting your doctor, it could be asthma and one of the things they will tell you to do to improve it is to do what your doing and exercise along with the usual courses of treatment.
  • Codefox
    Codefox Posts: 309 Member
    Or does the wind have a personal vendetta against just me.

    The amazing thing is if you have two runners on the same sidewalk run by each other...the wind is blowing into each of their faces.

    As for the OP...you should see a doctor.
  • SuperstarDJ
    SuperstarDJ Posts: 444 Member
    Thank you all for your replies :)

    I will mention it to my doctor next time I'm with him. It also happens to my little boy and, like me, has done so ever since he was a baby. He'll stop being able to breathe and will then start panicking (bad combination!). He just runs and takes cover under my coat. I, on the otherhand, would probably be arrested for doing that to strangers on the street so until I see my doctor, I'll just avoid running on very windy days :sad:
  • xidia
    xidia Posts: 606 Member
    Depending on where you get the inability to breathe and where the tightness is, it may be a larynx spasm (mine are caused by all manner of things, usually strongly acidic or alkali, but triggers vary from person to person). Regardless of WHAT it is, it sounds like you should see a Dr.
  • kimmianne89
    kimmianne89 Posts: 428 Member
    I know what you mean, I use to get it when the car window was open or a fan was on and it caught me and I'd get a sudden feeling of not being able to breathe.

    Now it could be what someone else said and asthma, but mine was actually a habit from when I was a child, kinda like a fear, but without knowing its a fear and I was actually holding my breath without realising it. I can't explain. Anyway, I basically just shoved my head out the window and made myself breathe and got myself use to it ahah.

    I go running and am absolutely fine now, doesn't effect me, even in the strong winds we had the other day. The only way it effected me was when it blew me into the bush :|
  • pet1127
    pet1127 Posts: 572 Member
    Im asthmatic and I have the same problem
    running into the wind takes my breath away and then I start coughing once the coughing starts I might as well stop running for the day
    I have a light weight bandana to losly cover my face if its cold and windy helps a bit
    spelling sucks lol
  • Lady_Bane
    Lady_Bane Posts: 720 Member
    I can run in the wind, it makes it hard to breathe and get really mad as I do it. It doesnt effect me to the point where I have to stop, but it is a VERY unenjoyable run...and I hate running as it is.
  • Nutbutterrunner
    Nutbutterrunner Posts: 1
    OP did you ever get this checked out? I have the same thing, ever since I was a kid if its windy I can't walk against it, have to spin around to catch my breath with the wind behind me. Also struggle running, just feels like I can't get enough air in.
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