Running with scissors, I mean, asthma

[Lettuce]

So, as the title suggests, I am running with asthma. It's my own fault and I'll give you all the lowdown on me and my friend, asthma.

I started smoking shortly before my 13th birthday, the specifics aren't needed beyond that. Just over 2 years ago, I got a horrid mixture of bronchitis and pneumonia that put me in the ER for 9 hours. 2 weeks after that, I was still having trouble breathing (I had quit smoking to let myself heal) and sought advice from my doctor. He informed me that I had developed asthma. I quit for a while, started smoking again and than managed to quit for just about a year (Thanksgiving 2006 to just before this past Thanksgiving). I had some stuff happen and used it as a sorry $%^ excuse to start again. Although it was only about 10 days, the effects were lasting. And enter today.

First, I want to say sorry for the long read, but I wanted to give you a little history behind how I caused myself this aggravation and only have myself to blame.

A few months back, I was able to run fine without my asthma acting up, but now it's aggravating me again while I run. It's gonna take a few months before I can get my lungs working stronger again, but until than, I wanted to know if anyone here had any advice or ideas I could try until than to replace/substitute for my cardio for the time being?

As it stands now, I get on the treadmill and walk at a 3.5-3.7 mph pace with a 5-10% incline (I adjust as I walk). I don't use the bikes there and I'm not too fond of the ellipticals as I find my feet sliding and have to adjust their position constantly.

 

[Time For Me]

If you want to do something else while you build up the strength in your lungs, there are a number of things, but most will require some degree of cardio fitness, even just doing a straight pin loaded shoulder press may leave you breathless (depending on your fitness level). It will really depend on you. You could try something like tai chi, that targets relaxation and breathing, but not sure if that is something you'd enjoy.

 

[Spartan300]

I feel you mate. Asthma really is a bitch to have. Though, you can only play the cards you are delt, so moving on.

Firstly, see a doctor. Are you currently on a preventive? So many asthma sufferers only use their ventolin, but dont use anything to prevent the attacks in the first place.

What time of day are you doing your roadwork? What routes are you taking? Running along busy roads during sunlight is probably the worst possible thing you can do. Sunlight reacts with car fumes and other pollution to make ozone. Ozone is very, very bad for your lungs. Running at night, or early in the morning is probably the best time to run, and not just for asthma sufferers.

As you said, it will take awhile for your lungs to strengthen up. Thankfully, asthma really only affects us when we are just starting out. After you get to a good base of aerobic fitness, asthma symptoms are barely noticable.

Have a good few bursts of ventolin, and get your ass on that road.

 

[skyblue60]

Asthma and exercise-induced Asthma

Hi Lettuce,

The previous post from Spartan300 was good. This post is to maybe add in a little detail or two.

Think about your diet. Vitamin C, Omega-3 (fish oil) and caffeine all help. Getting your intake of all three increased will help more than just one of them.

Next, warm-up for you is very, very important. Start very slow - it should feel like crawling along for the first 5 minutes. The most common time for an asthma attack when exercising is 5 to 8 minutes after starting. If you can get through these first few minutes by warming up very slowly, you have a good chance of getting a decent workout. Cool down slowly as well because some people have an asthma attack at the end of the workout i.e. do not just flop after working out.

One more thing - if you do have an asthma attack, do not just stop, keep walking slowly and there is a better than even chance that you'll get over the asthma attack. Once the attack is over you are then into what the doctors call the Refractory Period. This is at least an hour long when you are very unlikely to have another asthma attack.

Because my wife has asthma and I'm somewhat prone to exercise-induced asthma, I did the research and wrote a small ebook. You can look at it for free at: