It's been so long since I have an asthma attack that I started to forget I even had the stupid disease. I guess it's only been a couple months. That's not that long I suppose. It still irks me every time though. Got up at 5:30 this morning (I'm working on getting up earlier and earlier with the goal of waking at 5:00 a.m. on regular days, and 4:30 a.m. on long run days). I was really excited for this run, hoping I could ease some of my recent life anxieties with a 4 mile run, some tempo runs and drills. My lungs, however, weren't feeling down with that plan.
Within 1/2 mile my breathing became tight. My type of asthma causes me to have trouble getting air out rather than in, so sometimes I don't notice that I'm not breathing properly. So I tried to keep running. Maybe the preventative inhaler puffs I did prior to running haven't kicked in yet. Maybe I just need a longer warm-up than usual. Nah, optimism FAIL. I had to walk and catch my breath near the end of the first mile. I tried a couple more times to get into a good pace, but nothing was working. So then it became Create Your Own Work Out time!!!
From miles 2-4.5 I did approx. 45-60 second all out sprints (or until I was gasping for breath) and walked about a minute in between. I know this type of workout doesn't really help long distance runners. We should jog in between sprints so our body learns what it feels like to not fully recover. I know, I know, I know. But try telling my asthma that. My asthma is a spoiled, stubborn brat that does whatever it wants. My asthma does not listen to simple, logical directions. My asthma throws temper tantrums instead. GUH! I hate you asthma!
I also did a few drills, 100 squats (bad ass right?) and a few upper body resistance band exercises.
Do you guys ever make up a work out? Or do you stick to the traditional routines? Do you recommend any speed play routines? Or strength training routines? I'll take all I can get.
OH! One more thing. I'm doing this:
And if you are thinking about doing it too please email me so we can train together. Fabulous. kahavens@gmail.com.
Toodles!
I have high admiration for runners who overcome their asthma as it presents an added layer of challenge. My eldest son has mild asthma. He has recently taken up running and we are monitoring his health carefully since he's still so young.
ReplyDeleteI love speed play and cross-training. The latter not only helps reduce injuries, fight boredom, and speed up recovery, but it can improve your running by strengthening your core and leg muscles. My favorite cross-training regimen is the 'Spartacus' workout (see my previous blog post). It is an interval workout that target a lot of the leg muscles and core.
I sooooooo want to do that race, too, just for the sweet medal/necklace/charm. :)
ReplyDeleteI have so much respect for you. Any workout is good for any type of running. So well done!
ReplyDeleteI love my resistance band and medicine ball....I usually make up my stregnth workouts, keeps it interesting! Great job pushing through.
ReplyDeleteRunning is hard enough when i can breathe...good for you that you keep going! Currently I love kickboxing as a cross training workout and started working out with a trainer at work for strength training. I occasionally try and put hill work/speed work in, but it's new to me and hard to do. Guess I should man up and get it done!
ReplyDeleteFunny about your asthma being a spoiled brat:) You are doing so awesome running and dealing with your challenging asthma! My hats off to you...you are a rock star:) I love that you got all hard core and did sprinting drills! Go you!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the weekend!
Good job not letting the asthma stop you! It can certainly be frustrating when it acts up. I've never really make up my training, but sometimes I slightly modify what I'm supposed to do. Hang in there!
ReplyDelete