I'm a firm believer than physical activity and exercise substantially minimizes asthma symptoms. I believe this for a number of reasons, but the most recent being that since I have started running by asthma has improved greatly. I used to have attacks weekly, and I was constantly using my inhaler, and now I rarely have a major attack and for the most part, I only use my inhaler before and after runs.
Well that was until winter came. But for some dang reason the cold air really gets my asthma riled up. (that may not be a scientific statement... but I swear it's true!). And this has really affected my running routine. I'm trying to incorporate speed work into my running schedule (did a fartlek workout yesterday-- so much fun!) but it's difficult when I start wheezing within a half a mile with no other logical explanation besides the cold air is making my lungs angry.
So what's a girl to do? Just keep running.
So now I'm learning to continue running, even after I am wheezing and slowly bringing my shoulders to my ears as it becomes difficult to breathe.
Well it's always good to have a new challenge to over come :)
And that's all, I just wanted to share. Any one else have trouble breathing in the cold (especially any of you asthma folk)?
(Disclaimer: I'm on my lunch break and therefore didn't have time to proofread this thoroughly so I apologize for any typos or poor grammar).
Admittedly, I don't have bad asthma at all - but for what it's worth, I try to ease into it. If I were to sprint out into the cold, it would not be pretty.
ReplyDeleteI've been basically cured of my asthma for 2 years... Except for running in the cold. Some people say breathing mostly through your nose helps, but mine is usually stuffed up anyway. A bandana or neck gaiter in front of your mouth, while feeling slightly criminal, does warm up the air a fair amount. But- how cold can it be in AZ?!
ReplyDeleteI have exercise-induced asthma myself. I have bring my running inside if it's too cold. I also have to do major acclimating to get used to it. The one tip that I have is to carry your rescue inhaler with you. Plus wear a cold air face mask while you are running to warm the air that you breathe. I have done some winter marathon and half-marathon training in MN where it really gets cold and snowy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I just moved from Arizona to Virginia and the cold air is really affecting the way I breathe... and I dont like it! Its something I am definitely going to have to get used to.
ReplyDeleteI live in a pretty warm place now, but when I was younger and experiencing colder temperatures the air would cause pain to my throat. It would dry it out and I could kind of taste blood. Sounds awful, but for some reason I didn't really seem to care back then. Now I would probably be a bit more alarmed.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up and good luck with running!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I rarely have to use my inhaler anymore, not even when I run (most of the time). The cold is brutal though. I cough and my throat hurts even to go out and sled with the kids, which is one of the reasons I'm on a running hiatus until I can figure out an indoor solution. The other reason is cause I'm a wimp and hate the cold. :)
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