Running issues

Hi,

I'm a total newbie on here and this is my first thread, so forgive me if this has already been covered.
I'm 51 and only started running about ten years ago when I stopped smoking, and even now I'm having difficulty in breathing during a moderate run, and if I don't run for say a week, the first run back is always very tough and I end up walking some of the 5K that I normally do.
I'm not sure if it's my age, being a former smoker, or something else that seems to be halting any progression, but it feels like I really have to push myself hard to make any progress!

I've had tests done and I've been told I don't have any form of asthma, and my lungs are healthy, but I just don't feel I'm making any progress at running and that something is holding back my breathing.
I have a couple of health issues which are Post-Nasal Drip (excess mucus hence the username) and I also suffer from IBS (I get regular cramps, worse on my return run from a short break).
I also drink too much tbf, usually wine maybe 3-4 times a week and I wonder if this can cause inflammation which in turn effects my breathing.
I try and do the occasional 'HIIT' class with my partner and that just almost kills me! I have to stop regularly just to catch my breath!
OK, I'm harping on a bit now, but I hope you get the jist.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has similar issues/symptoms when running and could help me out with some advice.
I really don't want to be getting out of breath forever every time I run!

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    How often do you run?   
    If you only run occasionally, say once a week that's not enough to really improve your aerobic fitness.   You should be running so you are not seriously out of breath and slow down or walk if you need to keep your breathing under control.   
    If you do that 3 or 4 times a week, no fast running you should start to see improvements and you will need to walk less and running will become more comfortable.  

    Lots of runners have IBS, I've never heard them mention that it affects breathing but it is trial and error what you can eat before a run.   Lots of runners drink too, don't think the wine would affect breathing.  Is your general health good?
  • Hi Shades and thanks for replying.

    I try and get out twice a-week and more when I have the time. I usually do the same 5k which does have a couple of gradual ascents, which I often find myself having to walk to catch my breath, especially after just a week off, which is the frustrating part! (maybe an age thing or the fact I smoked for 27yrs).

    Don't get me wrong I did feel great improvement when I ran more regular and when I played football, but I've always felt that something is restricting me. Sometimes football was great, but more often than not I'd totally get out of breath and have to sit out for 30 secs in order to catch it, even when I was at my fittest (for 40+).

    I'm generally healthy though I've been going to the doctors for 11 years with this 'post-nasal drip' which just won't go away, so having snot streaming from my nose whenever I run doesn't help!

    It effects my voice and in turn somehow my chest/throat/voice box which sometimes feel as though they're tightening, and I feel myself getting out of breath when I speak for too long. So maybe that has something to do with it along with some kind of inflammation?

    The doctors have done all the tests and are baffled, but there's definitely something going on!

    I'll get allergy tested next when the hospitals become less busy and hopefully get some answers from there.

    Thanks again.
  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    It does sound like it's a bit more than a runny nose.

    Q+A: Why this runny nose whenever I run?

    It's unfortunate that you can't proceed any further with medical investigation right now.

    From the link above it seems very common but your case is obviously extreme.

    My nose runs when I run, worse in winter but does not affect my breathing, it's just a nuisance.  I did mention it once to a doctor who told me that steroids would stop it but not recommended to take steroids for that reason alone, I wouldn't want to anyway.
  • This is great advice! Thank you
  • TBH I'm sick of going to the doctor/hospital for tests etc as for years now they've just been telling me what I 'haven't got' and not what I have.

    Post nasal drip is something that there is no cure for, just advice on how to help the symptoms. I really wish there was a simple solution just to stop my body producing so much mucus, but unfortunately there isn't.
    It must somehow congeal overnight and I get this thick clear/yellowy stuff during the mornings. When I run it is more runny, probably how it is overnight when it's 'dripping' on to my chest.
    I've normally cleared my chest by the time I go for a run and then it becomes runny again, and as you say it's just 'a nuisance' when running and being seen blowing snot out without a tissue can't be pleasant for people to see. (Should I stop every 30 seconds to blow my nose?)

    I don't think it's that that is causing me to get out of breath so easily, I think it might be a combination of the things I mentioned earlier. A strict healthy diet and regular running looks to be my only options, and to cut down the vino!

    Cheers,

    Gary.
  • > @Snottyrunner said:
    > TBH I'm sick of going to the doctor/hospital for tests etc as for years now they've just been telling me what I 'haven't got' and not what I have.
    Yep, unfortunately GPs at least in my experience have become little more than walking search engines (i.e. they will tell you nothing you can't find out from the internet). Got to do some personal digging or see a specialist.
  • > Yep, unfortunately GPs at least in my experience have become little more than walking search engines (i.e. they will tell you nothing you can't find out from the internet). Got to do some personal digging or see a specialist.

    Yeah you're right. TBH, I feel guilty to keep on going back for something that's far from serious.
    It just frustrates me that I seem unable to breath properly and even get short of breath when just talking sometimes, yet the NHS have no answers as to what it might be and tell me that everything is 'normal'.

    It will have to be the healthy living option from now on me thinks!
    One thing I did try a few months back are the turmeric shots, and they did actually work. I ran my quickest 5k and my breathing was much better (which is helped by the beetroot mix I believe).
    They say they mainly help with inflammation which is why I'm thinking that's my issue.

    Anyway, thanks for all your help.
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