running in the cold

gabbygee1

Hey! Any tips for being able to breathe in the cold? I know you get used to it after a while but it generally takes me 30 minutes to be somewhat comfortable breathing in the cold air and by then I'm done my workout.
I try tying a bandana around my mouth but it usually falls off after 3 paces. Is there something someone recommends? Or some simply trick?
How about running gear? Any recommendations?

babeinthemoon

I have exercise/cold induced asthma. My husband suggested that I start wearing something over my mouth, so I knitted myself a cowl... it is too loose though, so I need to take it apart and knit it again so that it is more snug. Even though the cowl I knitted is too big, it works for now. I put it where the back is angled up over my hat/ponytail, and the front sits right under my nose and covers my mouth. When I first start out, I push the "fabric" over my nose, and as I run further on I push it down. It helps a whole lot. I was struggling to breath well for my entire 20-25 minute run without the cowl... but now that I have it I find that I can run more than 30 minutes... and feel so much better too!

If you don't knit, or don't have a knitter in your life, I would try something like this: http://www.rei.com/product/691367/buff-original-buff#video-inner

nexangelus

I also have EIA (exercise induced asthma but no longer use my inhalers)...when the cold air hits my lungs boy do I struggle sometimes, but it only tends to happen when I am hill climbing...or breathing harder in any case. I just concentrate on those breaths until it feels comfortable and then carry on as normal. I suppose a piece of cloth would help, or scarf that you can breath into for a bit. Never tried it as my breathing clears pretty quickly now on its own. The main thing is not to panic as you are still getting oxygen, it is just your lungs reacting to the coldness.

I love running in the cold...

babeinthemoon

I also have EIA (exercise induced asthma but no longer use my inhalers)...when the cold air hits my lungs boy do I struggle sometimes, but it only tends to happen when I am hill climbing...or breathing harder in any case. I just concentrate on those breaths until it feels comfortable and then carry on as normal. I suppose a piece of cloth would help, or scarf that you can breath into for a bit. Never tried it as my breathing clears pretty quickly now on its own. The main thing is not to panic as you are still getting oxygen, it is just your lungs reacting to the coldness.

I love running in the cold...

Sigh! I can't wait until I can stop using my inhaler again!! I have to use it right now because I came down with a cold about a month ago... and that in combination with the colder temperatures was just too much on my lungs. Now that I have the thing for over my mouth, I LOVE running in the cold. I don't feel like I'm going to die from heat exhaustion... now that might have something to do with me still being over 200 pounds.. Darn extra insulation. LOL... but what ever, I'll take it!

Tonight's run was at 36 degrees with a slight rain, and I wore long running tights, a longsleeve tech shirt, my cotton ball cap (I really want one that wicks away moisture instead), and my knitted cowl. After I warmed up, the run was great!