Running with Asthma?

[RadioFanatic]

I'm trying to prep for the disney 1/2 marathon in january. really just started this week - also have weight to lose. I'm starting with the couch to 5k. Did fine mon, tues, wed did 30 day shred. Ran today and my asthma really acted up. I made it, but it was really tough. Usually my asthma is winter related (cold affects it), but it got me today.

Anyone have any tips, hints, strategies for running with asthma? thanks!

 

[Lorem Ipsum]

Couch to 5K has resting days imbedded. Did you rest? Maybe you overdid it.

I am doing the half also and overdid it with my trainer last night. I am home today from work with my knees both in pain.

Here's hoping we both make it!

 

[JessicaR]

I'm trying to prep for the disney 1/2 marathon in january. really just started this week - also have weight to lose. I'm starting with the couch to 5k. Did fine mon, tues, wed did 30 day shred. Ran today and my asthma really acted up. I made it, but it was really tough. Usually my asthma is winter related (cold affects it), but it got me today.

Anyone have any tips, hints, strategies for running with asthma? thanks!

What is your daily plan? What is your rescue plan?

 

[jackemail]

Perhaps you also have Exercise-Induced asthma? I do, and always carry my inhaler with me just in case. The more I tried to push the pace, the worse it would get--so now I'm just a laid-back runner and it makes a big difference.

 

[John VN]

Go to the W.I.S.H forum then Events/Competition and ask there.

 

[Lynne M]

You need to start by talking to the doctor who's treating your asthma. If there's a change in what's triggering it, they need to know, and they're the ones who can tell you what needs to change with your running program.

 

[minkydog]

Are you using your inhaler preventatively prior to start or just using it once it flares up? I'm a school nurse and I see exercise-induced asthma all the time. I make sure all my little kiddies get their inhalers prior to recess/ PE and you'd be amazed at how it has cut down on our asthma attacks at school. My DD18 has asthma, too. She's a singer/dancer, so she uses her inhaler prior to rehearsals. Only once this year did she have a problem and that was one day in the early spring when she didn't get her inhaler prior to PE.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Are you on a daily maintenance medicine for the Asthma, not albuterol but something like Flovent or Advair with a corticosteroid in it to keep the airways from stressing? Albuterol is different, it is a rescue medicine, it will open your airways but not reduce inflammation in an ongoing way like the others, it only lasts 4 hours. People who have exercise induced symptoms usually take albuterol 45 minutes before activity, keep it on them at all times, have a phone on them at all times, and maybe try an OTC allergy med like generic Allegra (just went OTC a little bit ago, Wallgreens has a generic) that's where all the Asthma Dr's seem to start everyone.... I don't mean with Allergra I mean with an allergy medicine

Good luck & stay safe.... do not hesitate to call 911 if you are having trouble and by all means, turn on your phones GPS so if you go down and can't speak 911 can find you. I don't mean to be scary but there are times when there is no time, that said, with proper care you should be able to run that marathon without any issues, both of my kids have it and are active athletes

 

[fall08CP]

I second the recommendation of posting on the WISH boards. You will find a very supportive community there.

I used to have exercise induced asthma, but I barely notice it anymore. I started with C25k and did the half marathon this past year, and I swear doing the first few weeks of c25k were harder than my 10 mile runs towards the end. You just have to get your body conditioned and find your comfortable pace. After graduating c25k, I decided to do all of my long runs at 2min run: 1min walk. If I'm ever huffing and puffing, I always slow down immediately. Don't worry how slow you are!! Your run may be only slightly faster than your walk at the beginning, but it's getting out there and doing the time that matters.

Jeff Galloway advice: You should not be out of breath, even at the end of your run. The health benefits are nearly the same if you do 3 miles running or 3 miles walk/running. Don't think you have to run the whole time to be considered a "true" runner. Listen to your body.

For me, the problems only arise anymore if I'm going too fast too soon.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Are you using your inhaler preventatively prior to start or just using it once it flares up? I'm a school nurse and I see exercise-induced asthma all the time. I make sure all my little kiddies get their inhalers prior to recess/ PE and you'd be amazed at how it has cut down on our asthma attacks at school. My DD18 has asthma, too. She's a singer/dancer, so she uses her inhaler prior to rehearsals. Only once this year did she have a problem and that was one day in the early spring when she didn't get her inhaler prior to PE.

once it flares up so I will try doing it beforehand - thanks! today I had no issues.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Are you on a daily maintenance medicine for the Asthma, not albuterol but something like Flovent or Advair with a corticosteroid in it to keep the airways from stressing? Albuterol is different, it is a rescue medicine, it will open your airways but not reduce inflammation in an ongoing way like the others, it only lasts 4 hours. People who have exercise induced symptoms usually take albuterol 45 minutes before activity, keep it on them at all times, have a phone on them at all times, and maybe try an OTC allergy med like generic Allegra (just went OTC a little bit ago, Wallgreens has a generic) that's where all the Asthma Dr's seem to start everyone.... I don't mean with Allergra I mean with an allergy medicine

Good luck & stay safe.... do not hesitate to call 911 if you are having trouble and by all means, turn on your phones GPS so if you go down and can't speak 911 can find you. I don't mean to be scary but there are times when there is no time, that said, with proper care you should be able to run that marathon without any issues, both of my kids have it and are active athletes

I'm not on a daily medicine (only rescue) but do have it and my phone with me.

 

[RadioFanatic]

I second the recommendation of posting on the WISH boards. You will find a very supportive community there.

I used to have exercise induced asthma, but I barely notice it anymore. I started with C25k and did the half marathon this past year, and I swear doing the first few weeks of c25k were harder than my 10 mile runs towards the end. You just have to get your body conditioned and find your comfortable pace. After graduating c25k, I decided to do all of my long runs at 2min run: 1min walk. If I'm ever huffing and puffing, I always slow down immediately. Don't worry how slow you are!! Your run may be only slightly faster than your walk at the beginning, but it's getting out there and doing the time that matters.

Jeff Galloway advice: You should not be out of breath, even at the end of your run. The health benefits are nearly the same if you do 3 miles running or 3 miles walk/running. Don't think you have to run the whole time to be considered a "true" runner. Listen to your body.

For me, the problems only arise anymore if I'm going too fast too soon.

I agree about it being hard. i'm actually going to repeat the first week of couch to five K next week bc I just don't feel ready to go to the next level.

 

[golfgal]

Since you are planning on doing strenuous exercise I would talk to your dr about getting on a daily maintenance medicine for your asthma. That will be the best way to control your asthma. I also agree that your inhaler should be used 20-30 minutes BEFORE you start exercising for best results (but also keep it with you). Humidity can also be a trigger.