A Runner's Guide to Exercise Induced Asthma | Fitness, Health and ...

Jackie Joyner-Kersee
This track-and-field star, four-time Olympian, and three-time gold medalist was diagnosed with asthma as a freshman at UCLA.

Paula Radcliffe
Running a marathon is difficult, winning one is?very?difficult, and winning one with asthma is near impossible. ?But that?s what British long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe has done?seven times. The current world record holder in the marathon, Radcliffe was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma as a teenager.

What do I have in common with both of these athletes?

Last weekend my husband and I were talking about knowing how to breathe, while running, in a way that helps prevent asthma symptoms. That quickly lead to a conversation about what professional athletes have accomplished despite being diagnosed with asthma. At the time, neither of us could name any but we were sure they existed.

After an asthma attack during a run (about 6 months ago) I experienced a fear of it happening again. That fear [temporarily] changed my running. I waited for perfect weather conditions to run outside, I hesitated to increase my pace and I wouldn?t run by myself. With time that fear subsided and was followed by a [temporary] frustration of feeling limited. Then, there was determination. For about 6 weeks I?ve been determined to figure out how I can run with asthma. If Olympic medalists can do it so can I. I?m learning my limits and how to work around them. If I have to slow down to keep running I slow down. Slowing down is always better than having to stop. I still have a lot to learn but I?m determined to not let asthma keep me from running.

What Has Worked For Me || Tips for Running With Asthma

1. Be honest with yourself about your limits and work around them. I know I can?t run outside when it?s 16 degrees or colder particularly if it?s windy. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology,?people with exercise-induced asthma have airways that are overly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially when breathing colder, drier air.
2. Warm up before you work out. Warm up for about 10 minutes with a gradual increase in intensity.
3. If it?s cold and you?re running outside, cover your mouth and nose to warm the air before it enters the lungs.
4. Use an inhaler and know the timing that works for you. I use my inhaler 30 minutes before EVERY workout.
5. Know your body.?If you?re running and you notice that you?re breathing is becoming labored and shallow, slow down your pace dramatically and walk. Concentrate on taking long, calm, and deep breaths.

Did you know either of these athletes had asthma? Is there anything that you have learned how to work around and keep running?

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Tagged: asthma, inspiration, running, Top 5, training

Source: http://jillconyers.com/2013/02/a-runners-guide-to-exercise-induced-asthma/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-runners-guide-to-exercise-induced-asthma