Unpleasant lungs/throat running in cold weather

I have that problem, and it doesn't even have to be super cold. It was 40-50F ish and I ran 1 mile and was dying for hours later compared to when it is warm I may be tired, but I don't have breathing problems.

According to this article by a doctor - http://fleetfeetcolumbus.com/training/mit-articles/got-a-burning-in-your-lungs-how-to-breath-in-the-cold-weather - we need to take deeper breaths and drink more.

But, a face mask would help also, as you'll trap the humidity and breath it back in.

Minpinhead wrote: »

Bumping this thread in hopes of more answers... I have found that running in the cold leaves me with a burning feeling in my lungs after awhile and at night I seem to have a tickle cough that has kept me up!

There is such a thing as cold induced asthma, have you asked a doctor about it?

trswallow wrote: »

A face mask or scarf over mouth and nose help to capture the humidity from your breath and to prewarm the air. Make sure that whatever you use to cover your mouth has a loose enough weave that you can breath thru it while running. I have a balaclava that works fine for hiking and winter camping,but the first time I used it running it was like breathing thru a straw.

Also frequent sips of water to keep your mouth and throat from drying out. To keep from loading up on too much water most of these sips should only be enough to roll around your mouth and wet the back of your throat when you swallow.

That is the answer, to pre-warm, filter and humidify the air...that is what breathing through your nose does!
Some people cannot breathe entirely through their noses due to nasal polyps, past fractures or whatever impeding the airway. Fine for sedentary breathing but not enough airflow is managed for running.

Warming the air is important. The pain and "raspy" feeling is the beginnings of acute inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. If it is sustained then you develop bronchitis which in turn, if you are very unlucky, to pneumonia. This is a worse case scenario obviously but the fact that you get coughing is a warning sign.
I got bronchitis by running around in the very cold and it was not an experience I would like to repeat.
I've also been to places where temperature can drop to -50 and you don't even step outside for a stroll without having something handy like a bandana to breath through!
How about getting something like a Buff that you can roll up or down as needed. The merino wool version is good for moisture wicking. I think they are great little pieces of kit.