Race training and Exercise-Induced Asthma?

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Emma_Problema
Emma_Problema Posts: 422 Member
edited January 9 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I've got exercise-induced asthma. It's not just being out of shape. My chest gets tight, I gasp and wheeze, yadda yadda.

But I've been considering training for the Spartan Sprint in my area. I want to be a BAMF.

I did some running a year or two ago and saw great improvement in the huffing and puffing. But that was a while ago and before I spent my senior year of college chain smoking with the cool kids (I know, I know).

So, my question is, do you think it's A) Possible and B) Smart to train for a grueling race with exercise-induced asthma or am I wasting my time considering it?

Replies

  • morticiamom
    morticiamom Posts: 221 Member
    I always take my two puffs of my albuterol 20 minutes before trying to jog or run.
  • Emma_Problema
    Emma_Problema Posts: 422 Member
    I'm usually fine with my inhaler when I do cardio for a little while, but I'm worried about more working up to more strenuous exercise and longer runs. And I can't exactly take my inhaler with me while I'm racing....I don't think...
  • evileen99
    evileen99 Posts: 1,564 Member
    You need to speak with a pulmonologist, not internet strangers. A lung doc can work to get you the right combination of meds so you csn achieve your goal.
  • Santa117
    Santa117 Posts: 46
    I don't know how smart this is for you but,

    It's possible, start running/walking 3x a week for 10 minutes run 2 minutes walk 2 minutes and just increase the running time and decrease the walking time as you progress. I also recommend doing deadlifts, this will strengthen your hamstrings and improve your running time. You could also try running with water in your mouth, this will make you breath through your nose thus increasing your lung capacity, BUT with your asthma i don't know if you want to risk it.
  • AmyEm3
    AmyEm3 Posts: 784 Member
    I've had asthma since I was very young and I run quite a bit. I haven't been running as much the past few months but before last fall I was running 25-30 miles a week, with one run per week being 8-10 miles.

    I always have to use my inhaler before I run. I have only once had a problem during a run and that was after I was getting over a cough and probably shouldn't have been running.

    I always carry my inhaler with me--during races too.

    eta I was supposed to do a half marathon last August but it didn't work out so I'm planning to do one this fall instead.
  • Emma_Problema
    Emma_Problema Posts: 422 Member
    Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll talk to a doc (probably just my GP for now) and see what's up. I think I'll go for it though.
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