Is it normal for it to burn that much?

nomorefatplease2
nomorefatplease2 Posts: 18
in Getting Started
I decided to try a little jogging today while I was on my walk, because I literally haven't run in years (other than perhaps for 10 feet or less.) And holy crap, within under a minute my chest was on fire and I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. It burned so bad, I just had to stop. I know I'm really out of shape and I'm also asthmatic (I had taken my inhaler beforehand), but damn, is it really supposed to burn that much? For like 20 minutes afterward my back and my chest felt sore. I remember having the same feeling when I was a kid and I had to run the mile for P.E., but even then I was at least somewhat in shape. Maybe I'm just not cut out for running?

Replies

  • carliekitty
    carliekitty Posts: 303 Member
    Well if you have asthma maybe thats the reason? I would suggest asking your dr if its ok.
  • Shaystays
    Shaystays Posts: 34
    I know exactly how you feel. I am very out of shape and I have exercise induced asthma. I have to go very slow when it comes to exercising, I haven't ran for more than 30 seconds since I was 10 years old. I have to work my way up to brisk walking/jogging and maybe eventually being able to run. If I try to run I have to keep my inhaler open and in my hand, I usually take a puff a few minutes before I exercise to be safe. I can never go walking without it, or anywhere without it really. My allergy doc. says if I get into shape it will get a lot better, so I am trying.

    And yes, it burns me too. It's a searing pain, extremely uncomfortable and usually pretty scary. You should work your way up to jogging, first walk at an even pace for a few weeks and try walking briskly then faster, then faster, never let yourself get too out of breath or tired. Having asthma or taking breaks is not something to be ashamed of.
  • JupeJones
    JupeJones Posts: 107 Member
    I was almost afraid to open a post with that subject line. :-)

    Assuming you didn't go too fast, then I agree with carliekitty on this one.

    The general rule for typical running (or jogging... whatever you want to call it) is that you shouldn't run so hard/fast that you can't pass the "talk test". That is, whatever pace you're going at, you should still be able to carry on a conversation with someone (such as a partner running alongside you). The conversation might not be the easiest thing in the world, and you might not WANT to have a conversation, but you should still be ABLE to have one.

    If you didn't run any faster than that, yet you're still having lung problems, then yeah... talk to your doc.
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    Um, no, it shouldn't hurt that bad.

    Doesn't sound like an asthma attack, 'tho (although you probably know your symptoms better than I do), so I don't think it's exercise-induced asthma. Do you do any other exercise that involve deep breathing?

    Maybe start a bit slower, like maybe 30 seconds slow jogging or race-walking, a few minutes normal walking to recover, then repeat. Up the running part over the period of a few weeks as you get used to it.
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    tumblr_mml53n7rJi1qk9euzo1_500.gif

    Misleading.
    Thread title is misleading
    :laugh:
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    It sounds like you were running too fast for your level of fitness.

    When you're just starting to run slow down and the slow down some more and mix it up with walking intervals if you have to. When I started running I could barely get around the block, my plan was very simple....walk 10 minutes "run" (more like a slow shuffle) 1 then after a week or two go to 2 minutes running, then 3 and so on. Build up gradually and try to keep the pace slow enough that your breathing is deep and relaxed and you can speak in whole sentences.
  • MeganAnne89
    MeganAnne89 Posts: 271 Member
    I agree with most of what's been said already but I do want to mention that as an asthmatic person myself, it is so important for me to breathe through my nose while I exercise. While it seems a little counterproductive because you feel like you're getting less air, it's actually beneficial because when you breathe through your nose, your nostrils warm and clean up the air on the way down to your lungs so it's a lot easier to process. When you breathe through your mouth you're taking massive gulps of cold, harsh air that is very hard on asthmatics. So that could be part of your problem.

    Breathe through your nose and out your mouth and that should help. Also, even though you took your inhaler, did you make sure that you took the recommended dosage and did you give yourself enough time in between taking it before you began your exercise? And are you regularly taking care of your asthma? That could play a part as well.

    But I would definitely take it easy and gradually build into the pace that you want.
  • MscGray
    MscGray Posts: 304 Member
    I too have asthma...and I have only tried running 1 time in recent memory, but after a lengthy conversation with a fellow MFP runner w/ asthma I really focused on making myself breath!! I discovered that when I physically exert myself I tend to hold my breath and then take a huge "gulp" of air filling my lungs deeper then normal day to day breathing. If you are doing something like this it could explain the burning sensation in your lungs. I recall getting that all the time, but since paying attention (when I ran I counted to like 3 and forced a breath 3 count breath, etc.) and applying that to any other cardio i havent had the pain. Dont start out toooo strong, work more on building to it! Good luck!!
  • rachelglendening
    rachelglendening Posts: 16 Member
    I jog between lampposts, walk from one to the next, then jog, then walk, then jog, building up your stamina, a marathon runner gave me that advice and I must say it worked for my sister and I when we started, good luck
  • DanielleH1213
    DanielleH1213 Posts: 154 Member
    I have exercised induced asthma and I have that problem if its really cold outside or if it really hot outside. When its really hot or the pollen count is really high I have a hard time breathing just walking around outside. I would be careful and pay attention to the air quality and temperature outside. Along with some of the other advice above.
  • yo_andi
    yo_andi Posts: 2,178 Member
    It could be that you tense up when you run too, especially in the upper body. I would try it again, but this time, when you start feeling the burning, take deep breaths (four strides in, four strides out) and shake out your arms and shoulders a little. See if that makes a difference.
  • briemyre
    briemyre Posts: 25 Member
    I just wanted to mention that when I first got started with running, I used the C25k app. What's great about it is that you start slow - run 90 secs/walk 90 secs and you work your way up with each workout. I felt that this was a great way for me to get conditioned to run, and it worked much better for me than just trying to run 2 or 3 miles straight off. Plus, you can get ready for a 5k in 8 weeks (I took about 12 weeks, but you can go at your own pace) so you can sign up for one in a few months and that provides extra motivation to stick with it.
  • andibenoit
    andibenoit Posts: 71 Member
    I just wanted to mention that when I first got started with running, I used the C25k app. What's great about it is that you start slow - run 90 secs/walk 90 secs and you work your way up with each workout. I felt that this was a great way for me to get conditioned to run, and it worked much better for me than just trying to run 2 or 3 miles straight off. Plus, you can get ready for a 5k in 8 weeks (I took about 12 weeks, but you can go at your own pace) so you can sign up for one in a few months and that provides extra motivation to stick with it.

    I second the recommendation for the c25k app... It'll help you get to where it doesn't hurt like that.
  • TashTag
    TashTag Posts: 109
    I have this problem too. Ive tried focusing more on how i breath in and out. I land up counting. In two three, out two three in two three out two three. haha Dork
  • TashTag
    TashTag Posts: 109
    I just wanted to mention that when I first got started with running, I used the C25k app. What's great about it is that you start slow - run 90 secs/walk 90 secs and you work your way up with each workout. I felt that this was a great way for me to get conditioned to run, and it worked much better for me than just trying to run 2 or 3 miles straight off. Plus, you can get ready for a 5k in 8 weeks (I took about 12 weeks, but you can go at your own pace) so you can sign up for one in a few months and that provides extra motivation to stick with it.

    I second the recommendation for the c25k app... It'll help you get to where it doesn't hurt like that.

    I third it
  • SingRunTing
    SingRunTing Posts: 2,604 Member
    I just wanted to mention that when I first got started with running, I used the C25k app. What's great about it is that you start slow - run 90 secs/walk 90 secs and you work your way up with each workout. I felt that this was a great way for me to get conditioned to run, and it worked much better for me than just trying to run 2 or 3 miles straight off. Plus, you can get ready for a 5k in 8 weeks (I took about 12 weeks, but you can go at your own pace) so you can sign up for one in a few months and that provides extra motivation to stick with it.

    I second the recommendation for the c25k app... It'll help you get to where it doesn't hurt like that.

    I third it

    Fouthed! I went from not being able to run a minute to doing 3 miles. Highly recommended.

    Note: If you do try C25K, feel free to repeat weeks before moving on if you need to. There were a few weeks that I did twice because I didn't feel ready to move on.
  • Shalaurise
    Shalaurise Posts: 707 Member
    @hookilau - Love the gif

    @OP - I have the same problem. I went for a walk near my home the other day and by the time I got home I felt like I was dying. I live in a hilly area so walking the nearly mile circuit I found ends up being .4 miles down/hill/flat and .5 miles uphill (the last part) and I swore it off as never again. Everything hurt, nothing made it better, it took me the better part of an hour to recover and my tracker was like, you walked at a moderately slow pace... I was like, all that feeling like death for 189 calories that everyone will say is overestimated... ugh. I hadn't felt that bad since I went to a personal trainer.
  • rachelrb85
    rachelrb85 Posts: 579 Member
    I have the same problem. I always played sports in school with asthma so I was never a very good runner but I was always active nonetheless. Now? Not so much. I can barely run for 10 minutes straight, so I do a jog/walk. It's a lot easier for me to use the elliptical since its low impact. Just start slow and remember to take your inhaler beforehand. Also, talk to your doctor. It may take a while to build up to be a runner, so take it slow.
  • mc_goose
    mc_goose Posts: 1,128 Member
    Might be good idea to see specialist for asthma. I also have allergy/exercise induced asthma which is controlled by daily inhaled medication In addition to albuterol prior to exercise. Prior to diagnosis and medication I was also experiencing tightness in chest as symptom, but more disturbingly, I was waking up in the middle of the night short of breath (if this applies to you, please see doctor). Loosing weight, and eating healthy have helped as well.
    If outdoor running bothers you, don't give up - others here seemed to have good ideas on how to try to make running work by slowing pace or trying intervals. I no longer run, but I do enjoy classes at the gym, swimming and long-distance cycling.
  • Mykaelous
    Mykaelous Posts: 231 Member
    Try an elliptical or just walk. Distance is more important than pace when it comes to burning calories. So even though it might take you longer you can still get a good amount of cardio in. Not a doctor, but you might still want to challenge yourself from time to time to try to expand your cardiovascular ability.
  • LessHeavyVeggie
    LessHeavyVeggie Posts: 208 Member
    I just wanted to mention that when I first got started with running, I used the C25k app. What's great about it is that you start slow - run 90 secs/walk 90 secs and you work your way up with each workout. I felt that this was a great way for me to get conditioned to run, and it worked much better for me than just trying to run 2 or 3 miles straight off. Plus, you can get ready for a 5k in 8 weeks (I took about 12 weeks, but you can go at your own pace) so you can sign up for one in a few months and that provides extra motivation to stick with it.

    I second the recommendation for the c25k app... It'll help you get to where it doesn't hurt like that.

    I third it

    Fouthed! I went from not being able to run a minute to doing 3 miles. Highly recommended.

    Note: If you do try C25K, feel free to repeat weeks before moving on if you need to. There were a few weeks that I did twice because I didn't feel ready to move on.

    Fifthed! I'm on the final week now - did a 28minute run today, another one on wed and 30mins on friday! It's taken me 9 weeks (inlcuding this one) and I could barely do the first day at the beginning! If you do it jog slowly - the advice from the creators is something like 'if you could jog slower you're going too fast' and feel free to repeat weeks as and when you need to.

    I don't know much about asthma so sorry if this is sounds patronising (I don't mean it to), but all I can think of to say is to try and focus on slow breathing whilst you run/work out (I do that anyway and don't have asthma), bring your inhaler with you just in case and stop and rest/walk when you need to.

    I hope things get easier for you! Good luck!

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