Is there like an asthmatics to 5k or something that starts easier?

I'd be interested in that too

I, too, have asthma since I was a kid and running is the only thing that really bothers it. I don't love to run, but I've gotten to the point where I can run up to 2.25 miles at a time doing other things like crossfit, dance and drum corps. I am slower than a lot of walkers but I don't stop moving. Good luck!!

You should be able to to Use the normal C25k programs all you need to do is go slower. If it takes you doing it at a fast walking pace in the jogging sections the first time over it'll be great progress from where you are now.

zoomtech16 wrote: »

I cannot start from nothing and jog for 60 seconds without my lungs feeling on fire, so is there an app or website like couch to 5k that starts out even easier

If you can walk for 30 minutes then you can do C25K, it strikes me that the most likely issue is that you're trying to run too quickly. Slow down until you can complete the running itnervals, and if you need to use a preventive inhaler then do so before going out.

Slow down. For the run sections, do whatever you CAN do for 60 seconds. And maybe that's not a run . . . maybe it just means walking a little faster. For the walk sections, slow it back down.

My wife has Muscular Dystrophy. When I started my C25K many months ago, she decided she wanted to do it, too. She spent a lot of her time in a wheelchair. Couldn't walk through the grocery store. We got her a FitBit . . . she was at much less than 1000 steps a day. After consulting her doctors (yes, plural), and hearing from them all that exercise wouldn't hurt, but that, because of her MD, it likely wouldn't help, either, she got to it. She started on a recumbent stationary bicycle - put it on ZERO resistance and peddled for the 60 second run sections and stopped and rested during the walk sections. W1D1 absolutely EXHAUSTED her. Now, several months later, she rides that stationary bicycle 18 miles a day. And when she doesn't ride it, she gets 10,000 steps a day. She can now do things like go grocery shopping. Her doctors are seeming to have trouble even UNDERSTANDING the progress she's made (Muscular Dystrophy is only supposed to get WORSE over time . . . never BETTER) So, you see, no matter where you are - even if you have to start at a modified activity level - the C25K program CAN work miracles.

I also have asthma and did the c25k but made sure I used my rescue inhaler 15 before each run/walk. Maybe chat with your doc because your asthma may not be under control if they burn that fast or maybe doing a preemptive inhaler dose will help you.

DaveAkeman wrote: »

Slow down. For the run sections, do whatever you CAN do for 60 seconds. And maybe that's not a run . . . maybe it just means walking a little faster. For the walk sections, slow it back down.

My wife has Muscular Dystrophy. When I started my C25K many months ago, she decided she wanted to do it, too. She spent a lot of her time in a wheelchair. Couldn't walk through the grocery store. We got her a FitBit . . . she was at much less than 1000 steps a day. After consulting her doctors (yes, plural), and hearing from them all that exercise wouldn't hurt, but that, because of her MD, it likely wouldn't help, either, she got to it. She started on a recumbent stationary bicycle - put it on ZERO resistance and peddled for the 60 second run sections and stopped and rested during the walk sections. W1D1 absolutely EXHAUSTED her. Now, several months later, she rides that stationary bicycle 18 miles a day. And when she doesn't ride it, she gets 10,000 steps a day. She can now do things like go grocery shopping. Her doctors are seeming to have trouble even UNDERSTANDING the progress she's made (Muscular Dystrophy is only supposed to get WORSE over time . . . never BETTER) So, you see, no matter where you are - even if you have to start at a modified activity level - the C25K program CAN work miracles.

Thanks for sharing this, Dave and give your wife a high five from me, please. Wow, what an accomplishment. She must be a remarkable person. I hope I can use her as an inspiration when I'm feeling like shirking exercise. I take for granted my good health.

Kathy

I am asthmatic. I completed a half marathon and now run on a regular basis. It took work to get there but it's feasible. When I started, I would always do the same 5k run. I started out by walking for 45 secs, then jogging for 15. When I started to feel more comfortable with that, I'd walk for a minute, jog for 30 seconds.. And so on and so on. Now I just jog the whole time if I keep a steady easy pace. If I go for more intensity, I have to walk from time to time. I just respect what my body is telling me, so there is no limit on how often I walk or for how long. I just run until I feel that if I continue, I won't be able to recuperate and my run would be over. Then I walk just enough that I feel good to go - I don't wait for my heart rate to come down, just for the burn in my lungs to go away. I don't know if there are specific programs, but a gradual approach worked well for me. I haven't used my inhaler in years now.

JoRocka wrote: »

Feel free to modify the 60 seconds into 30 walk 30 jog.

Also- think more about jogging than running- most people make the mistake of running WAY to fast when they start- so think **jog** not run and that may need to help.

just take your time- there is literally no first place prize for getting better at doing it.

I totally agree. There's nothing wrong with going slower. It's what I had to do. It's also how I stuck with it once I did.