Asthmatic runners?

AngelaRDW
AngelaRDW Posts: 4
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys!

I want to get into running but I have exercise-educed asthma.
I run at least once a week and have good endurance at low mph and can run for 45 mins straight. I've tried interval training but wonder what you recommend?

Last night I ran 15 minutes at 5.0 mph, 5 min at 6.0 mph, 15 min at 5.0, then 5 min at 6.0 again.

I find that if I run lightly at about 5.0 mph for a bit and crank it up to 7.5 mph (not lately but in the past haha) that I rarely have to use my puffer.
Any other asthmatics out there, or those who know about training with asthmatics, who can help a sister out?

Mahsi
Ang

Replies

  • kmuree
    kmuree Posts: 283 Member
    I am asthmatic myself and I read earlier, in regards to running with asthma (as that has been the primary reason I haven't started running - my asthma is easily triggered) that bringing your inhaler with you (no brainer) as well as covering your mouth (when it's cold, really - it shields you from the sharp air that could trigger it) and focusing on breathing through your nose (your nose will try to warm and filter the air before it hits your lungs, meaning it is less likely to trigger your asthma) can really help.

    I also read that if you breathe too much through your mouth when running, it will dry your lungs out much quicker and cause a problem.

    My source is Livestrong.com. :flowerforyou:
  • bexboxxx
    bexboxxx Posts: 189 Member
    i am a dancer with exercise induced asthma as well! what i learned from a former trainer that works for me like nothing else is:
    take 1,000 mgs of vitamin c( thats the amt in an emergen-C packet) an hour before your workout. it works like only a miracle can!
  • lozadee
    lozadee Posts: 89 Member
    I'm an asthmatic runner and I find every time I run/jog ect is different, improving is a lot about listening to how I feel on the day...

    Traffic pollution can get on my chest and if the gym is particularly hot/busy...there are times I have gone on the treadmil without my inhailer - or lost it while I am out street running and sometimes these have been my strongest runs (Though dont take that as a recomendation to not run with your spray - each time I have done it has been an accident!)

    For me its recognising the difference between pushed myself too far and looking for an excuse to stop.

    AsthmaUK.org is a good website to answer most questions I have asthma related.
  • florymonde
    florymonde Posts: 261 Member
    Also exercise-induced here. As I'm trying to get back into shape, I just always use my puffer before I work out. I expect I'll be able to ease off using it as I build my cardio-vascular endurance, but in the meantime I feel more comfortable pushing myself if I've used the puffer.

    I may have to try the 1000mg Vit. C, though. I know extra Vit. C helps me in other areas.
  • PurpleTina
    PurpleTina Posts: 390 Member
    Interesting tip about the Vitamin C, as long as it doesn't upset my stomach? Only just mastered the 'what to eat and when, to avoid tummy issues' myself.
  • starspeckled
    starspeckled Posts: 313 Member
    I'm going to sound dumb here, but I never even thought to use my inhaler BEFORE I exercised. I always thought I should take it after I started to have symptoms. My doc suggested taking it before I started exercising, and I found it worked well and I didn't wheeze.

    Just my 2 cents!
  • kismicallychal
    kismicallychal Posts: 14
    My asthma flares up at everything exercise wise - bike riding, treadmill, even kayaking! My doctor said to use my asthma spray before exercise wise and so far it's worked off and on. But yeah either way i have it on hand at all times. Sucks to be asthmatic!
  • AngelaRDW
    AngelaRDW Posts: 4
    i am a dancer with exercise induced asthma as well! what i learned from a former trainer that works for me like nothing else is:
    take 1,000 mgs of vitamin c( thats the amt in an emergen-C packet) an hour before your workout. it works like only a miracle can!

    I'm definitely going to have to try that out!
  • AngelaRDW
    AngelaRDW Posts: 4
    I always go to the gym with my emergency puffer in hand. I've been told that taking the steroid before cardio training can be of benefit but I rarely ever do that.

    I don't tend to run outside so cold isn't usually the problem.

    Does anyone else do about 15 to 20 minutes of slight increase in mph for running or do you just full-out run till you can't?
    I find building myself up for about 15 minutes then doing intervals of 2:2 works for me.

    Interval training anyone?
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    Hey guys!

    I want to get into running but I have exercise-educed asthma.
    I run at least once a week and have good endurance at low mph and can run for 45 mins straight. I've tried interval training but wonder what you recommend?

    Last night I ran 15 minutes at 5.0 mph, 5 min at 6.0 mph, 15 min at 5.0, then 5 min at 6.0 again.

    I find that if I run lightly at about 5.0 mph for a bit and crank it up to 7.5 mph (not lately but in the past haha) that I rarely have to use my puffer.
    Any other asthmatics out there, or those who know about training with asthmatics, who can help a sister out?

    Mahsi
    Ang

    I am not exercise induced, but last year I had a case of bronchitis/exacerbation that lasted 4 months. i am under the care of a specialist to keep me breathing well, and she has told me to use my albuterol before exercise whether I feel I need it or not. I have had some mild tightness in my rib cage, but nothing bad enough to make me stop my treadmill time. At all times I keep an inhaler, and a backup inhaler in my gym bag.
  • troopers90
    troopers90 Posts: 15
    ive been jogging now for about 4 months and had/have asthma (diagnosed when I was a kid) figure, if I ca just slow down at first and build up my endurance and keep my breathing even i can do alot more, so thats my deal, i dont take my inhaler or anything anymore, but then again everyones different, take it easy and build up endurace

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