intense cardio (running) = painful breathing. why?

jacksonpt
jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Now that Im focusing a bit more on my running, I've noticed that when my heart rate gets high it hurts to breathe. The pain is in a pretty narrow band around the center of my rib cage - right about where my HRM belt sits.

Its a sharp pain, almost like a muscle spasm... as opposed to a more dull, general pain.

What is it?

FWIW... when I say high HR, Im talking 175-180 for a couple of minutes. For a point of reference.... comfortable run speed puts me at about 150-155 bpm... race pace puts me at about 165. Max HR is 190.

Replies

  • ChrisWag
    ChrisWag Posts: 169 Member
    I have the same problem and a fellow runner (I am new to it) said it is just a matter of building endurance up.....
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    When you are out of cardiovascular shape you don't use all of the air sacks in your lungs. The more oxygen your body needs the more it starts to use the less utilized air sacks. It's normal for you to feel pain in your rib cage, especially if your lungs burn after you are done. If it doesn't get better then you need to be concerned.
  • caretheaton
    caretheaton Posts: 90 Member
    When I first started running, I experienced the same thing as well. After a few months of consistant running it went away. As long as you're not having shortness of breath or any other asthyma related symptoms, I'd say it's pretty normal. If it doesn't go away in a few months and you are keeping consistant with your work outs, you might want to check with a doctor.
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