Newbie runner with chest pains?

Nfairley
Nfairley Posts: 83 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I started running about two months ago. I started out by running the straights and walking the curves of my local high school track (1 lap = 1/4 mile) for about 20 minutes/3 times a week. I worked my way up to running a continuous lap and am now kinda stuck there.

Even though I've learned to pace myself and breath properly, I just can't get a grip on my HEART. Sometimes it feels like it's going to kick outta my chest. It's very unpleasant. Seeing as I've been courting a heart attack with my history of eating habits, I get terrified and slow down to a walk until it's back to normal. Once it is, I'm usually horribly fatigued and my endurance takes a huge hit.

Am I doing this right? Does that pain resolve; am I really running the risk of dropping dead on the track?
I don't like to make excuses for myself but lately that's all I've been doing...just would like someone's feedback on it.

Replies

  • shaynes14
    shaynes14 Posts: 106 Member
    I am not an expert, but it seems to me that it is unwise to do something that may be affecting your heart. I would suggest you see a doctor about it. I hate going to doctor's personally so for me to suggest it is pretty amazing. I do have a friend with a heart condition who just started running last year. She found a doctor who encouraged her to run, but to be aware of her limitations. She only started running after consulting her doctor as she had a previous condition. She really enjoys running. I have been running for less than a year and most of the things I have read make a distinct difference between certain aches vs. pain.

    I would check it out. Please take care of yourself.
  • donrdon
    donrdon Posts: 216 Member
    This is definitely something you need to discuss with a doctor. I am not qualified to give a diagnosis to your issue nor should you take any from this site other than getting the okay to continue running from a doctor. This is not a knee or ankle issue, it could be serious (or nothing at all but the result of your body reacting to the stress of a new exercise) Even if it's just to put your mind at ease ....get it checked.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Do you have a heart rate monitor? I know I tend to overdo my running when it's hot, but with the HRM I can stay within my target range, even if it feels painfully slow.
    If you don't have a HRM, you can work with 'perceived exertion' - better look it up than taking my word for this, but as I understand, you should run at a pace where you can just (still) comfortably talk. About 60 words without gasping for air.
    If, either way, your heart is still running away with you, you really, really should see a doctor.
  • Phaedra2014
    Phaedra2014 Posts: 1,254 Member
    I started running about two months ago. I started out by running the straights and walking the curves of my local high school track (1 lap = 1/4 mile) for about 20 minutes/3 times a week. I worked my way up to running a continuous lap and am now kinda stuck there.

    Even though I've learned to pace myself and breath properly, I just can't get a grip on my HEART. Sometimes it feels like it's going to kick outta my chest. It's very unpleasant. Seeing as I've been courting a heart attack with my history of eating habits, I get terrified and slow down to a walk until it's back to normal. Once it is, I'm usually horribly fatigued and my endurance takes a huge hit.

    Am I doing this right? Does that pain resolve; am I really running the risk of dropping dead on the track?
    I don't like to make excuses for myself but lately that's all I've been doing...just would like someone's feedback on it.

    Get cleared on exercising from your doctor. It's the wisest thing you can do for yourself. Good Luck!
  • Nfairley
    Nfairley Posts: 83 Member
    Thanks for the replies. I'll ask my doctor about it. I never considered my heart rate - I always assumed that since I can't move very fast it must not be doing much. As much as it irritates me to think it, maybe I am pushing myself a little too hard sometimes.
  • calitravelingal
    calitravelingal Posts: 53
    As everyone else has suggested, go see your dr. Be sure to tell him/her everything. If the dr. says your A OK to run again then I would suggest slowing down. You may have just tried to go too far too fast. The thing about being able to talk comfortably is a good gage for that.
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