Hey all
Hope everyone is well.
I started running a few months back to try and improve cardio fitness, and discovered a new passion because I can’t believe how much I enjoy it. It genuinely makes me want to go to the gym.
A little bit of history.. I have asthma and had lung and heart problems at birth, and used to be a smoker and currently vape (although gradually weaning off at the moment!). I don’t like running outdoors, I find the outdoor air triggers my asthma and I’m working with my doctor to trial some alterations to my medications to improve this. Running indoors on the treadmill I feel relatively successful with, but after about 7/8 minutes at 7/8/9 KM/H, I feel like my chest (presumably lungs) is aching and feel like I need a break. At the moment I tend to do intervals of running at 9 km/h for 7 mins and walk at 4kmh for 3 mins, generally about three reps of that 3 or 4 times a week. I was hoping to start seeing improvement and I’m not, so I’m convinced it’s either a result of my asthma, or it’s just a psychological barrier I need to break through.
The reason I’m posting is to ask the opinion of others - is this common? Is it a psychological barrier? If not, of course I’ll just continue to work with my doctor to figure out improvements to my asthma medicine, I just wanted to ensure it’s not a ‘normal’ thing and it’s all in my brain before I pester them with it further.
Thank you all in advance!
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Comments
What improvement are you looking for? To run longer? Extend the 7 minute running slices to 8, 9, 10 etc at the same pace? And you've been stuck at 7 for several months, unable to extend due to this aching sensation setting in each time you attempt an 8?
I'd say you do need to explain that to a doctor. Usually you would expect to extend that relatively easily without any discomfort. In your sessions you seem to be running about 1km with a bit of a walking break doing that 3 times at a nice steady pace. So you aren't putting yourself under a great deal of stress. If you look up a typical couch to 5k programme you will be able to see how a running beginner would expect to progress beyond the point of your limitation.
I've not had anyone describe your symptoms before, psychological or otherwise.