Is this normal?

jacybentley7
jacybentley7 Posts: 4
in Fitness and Exercise
Iv'e never really ran before for exercise but I started this morning. I ran/walked a little over 2 miles in about 40 minutes. I finished that over an hour ago now and I'm still trying to "recover" from it. My throat and chest is still really tight. When I was done I was coughing and wheezing. I'm drinking water but it's not really helping.

Replies

  • Bacardibarker
    Bacardibarker Posts: 48 Member
    Hiya,
    First of all well done for taking the first step and getting out there. I’m no big expert at running but have done a couple 10ks.
    To me, it sounds like you went too fast. Did you warm up and cool down? You’re doing well walking/running. Have you looked up the couch to 5k? or 5k in 10 weeks?
    If you have an iPod you can get a 5k training sessions free on podcast from iTunes.
    Again well done for going out. Don’t be surprised if you ache tomorrow and a bit more on Saturday. That’s normal.
    Take care
    BB
    :O)
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Sounds like you tried to do too much starting out!

    Look up the Couch to 5K program and start there. It will help you build up your running endurance until you are able to run a 5K (3.1 miles). It's a great program for beginners.

    If you don't do that program, make sure you are warming up and cooling down. Also, start with a shorter distance and build your distance slowly. Most training programs have you adding no more than 1/4 mile distance per week.

    Good job getting out there & keep working at it! :)
  • rachiech13
    rachiech13 Posts: 37 Member
    I'm not 'running expert; either, but this does happen to me when I'm out of shape. I think it will get a little better everyday!
    Congrats!
  • 0145528
    0145528 Posts: 25
    It may be that you over did it, but there are a few things that you may want to do.

    Go see your doctor for a good physical to get your heart and lungs checked out, tell them you want to get into running for fitness and tell them about your experience. If you decide to try a particular plan, consult your doctor about it as well.

    Once you're cleared, start slow. I had good luck with the Higdon plan for beginners:

    http://halhigdon.com/training/51233/Beginning-Runner-Training-Guide

    Remember to cool-down appropriately, in the above it's built in with the 5 minute period of walking at the end.

    Get a heart rate monitor and try to keep yours in the appropriate range for you during your exercise, you may find through this that you're pushing too hard too soon. Ease into this, and you'll get to whatever fitness goal you have set.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    It means you're really out of shape when it comes to cardio and you need to keep working at it. As your lung capacity improves the wheezing and coughing will end.
  • benbrandwood
    benbrandwood Posts: 10
    It's also entirely possible you've got a low grade form of Asthma.

    When I've had my inhaler medication I can happily do about 5k in 35 mins - but last night I forgot to before I headed out and had to bail under a mile in as my chest was so tight, fighting to draw breath etc. Got home, had my steroid inhaler and was back to normal in 10 mins.
  • Jxnsmma
    Jxnsmma Posts: 919 Member
    The first time I ran i honestly thought that I was going to have a heart attack and die right there... The more you do it, the easier it gets. This year alone I started with .5k, then 1k, then 2k, then I JUMPED to 4 miles and last weekend I did 5 miles (8k). Im totally getting addicted!!!
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    It may be that you over did it, but there are a few things that you may want to do.

    Go see your doctor for a good physical to get your heart and lungs checked out, tell them you want to get into running for fitness and tell them about your experience. If you decide to try a particular plan, consult your doctor about it as well.

    Once you're cleared, start slow. I had good luck with the Higdon plan for beginners:

    http://halhigdon.com/training/51233/Beginning-Runner-Training-Guide

    Remember to cool-down appropriately, in the above it's built in with the 5 minute period of walking at the end.

    Get a heart rate monitor and try to keep yours in the appropriate range for you during your exercise, you may find through this that you're pushing too hard too soon. Ease into this, and you'll get to whatever fitness goal you have set.

    I agree with this. It's aso possible that you have asthma and depending on the temperature when you ran, that could be a factor (cold air makes my lungs seize up but I also have asthma). Get it checked out so you don't hurt yourself and start slow. I couldn't really stick to the C25K plan because I didn't want to track it/check it/etc so I started with 5min walking briskly, alternating 1min jogging with 1min running for 20min and then 5 min walking progressively slower to cool down (and because if I don't do this on the treadmill I basically fall over when I get off lol).

    So I wouldn't say it's not normal but I would definitely get it checked out to make sure nothing serious is going on.
  • Cupcakehippiemommy
    Cupcakehippiemommy Posts: 457 Member
    That is what used to happen to me when I would have an asthma attack the only thing that helped me was my inhaler.You may want to talk to a allergy and asthma specialist.Right now allergy factors are high and it forces me to take my inhaler just in case.Good luck doll!
  • AmberJo1984
    AmberJo1984 Posts: 1,067 Member
    Sounds like you probably did too much. I've been trying to work up to running. Every afternoon when I walk my dogs, I job a few steps, and then walk... and then repeat. I'm horrible at running. I can walk fast... but, I start running, and I nearly collapse. It usually takes me a while to get my breath back too... but, not that long. Try to do shorter distances.

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