Does anybody know any good running programs for people with asthma? My doctor said I'm allowed to start running again in 2 weeks.

Jill

Well, all I did was walk for a few minutes to warm up, then jog for a while, then walk, alternating as I went. I built up to jogging 2 miles (which was my goal). Took me about 6 weeks to do it....going 3 days a week. Be sure to use your albuterol (2 puffs) 15-20 minutes beforehand. Now I jog 2-3 miles 3-4 times a week. Good luck!

I keep saying I want to start a walk/jog routine and TODAY I AM!! I am overweight with asthma and I think all I can do at first is jog 1 minute, walk 3 minutes. I will continue that until I have been on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I also lift weights. My asthma/allergist told me something strange. She said she thought all I needed to improve my asthma is to lose weight and exercise. Do you all think weight and exercise affect asthma that much?

Yes, I agree completely with your doctor. I have asthma and am a former competitive runner. While I was in my best shape, I was significantly smaller, and healthier. I rarely ever used a puffer (maybe once a week). Since I stopped running, I've had bronchitis 6 times in 9 months, I have asthma attacks frequently, and my overall lung performance (for lack of a better word) sucks.

The only problem is finding a way to get in shape that doesn't make your asthma worse... Running, or any physical activity for that matter, triggers my asthma, so there's a fine line to follow while training. If you can find that balance and get in shape, your asthma should almost definitly improve.

Jill

And I agree also...bring in shape puts less of a strain on all body functions and your lungs will appreciate not having to pump so much air thru so much body tissue. It took me a while to get the dosage and timing of the albuterol figured out but I have no trouble now. Just watch out during colder weather....that can cause breathing problems too. I jog with a bandana around my nose and mouth in cold weather. Good luck to both of you!

For reason exercise doesn't cause a problem for me. I am winded because I'm overweight and out of shape. I can be jogging and get out of breath quick but when I stop, I'm breathing normal in about 1 minute. I have to watch my heart rate. It goes too high even jogging 1 minute - it can get up to 160 bpm. So today at the gym, I jogged one minute and walked three until I went almost 2 miles. So really for the whole time, my heart rate was anywhere from 132 bpm to 160. I think my lungs got a good workout today! I don't think I could ever jog 2 miles!! But maybe with patience I could, do you think??

With proper practice and proper diet you could jog 10 miles.

That would just take some hard work and a bit of time though.

Sure you can...like Jill said...it just takes time and patience. You'll get there! It was so funny when I finally jogged the whole 2 miles....I did the "Rocky" thing in my driveway and hummed a few bars of the theme song! My neighbors surely thought I'd lost my mind! But it just felt so good!!!!!! Keep us posted...

I'll be 49 in December and I have been making some goals for myself by the time I'm 50. Maybe running could be one of them. I have been really healthy until this asthma came on about 4 years ago. I have had a problem with sinus and hayfever though all my life. My asthma is different than most I have read about. But my doctor says that asthma is very unique with each person. I have no attacks, just some shortness of breath and tightness. I also get bronchitis fairly easy, but even then only get it once a year. I take lots of vitamins and supplements to keep it away. Cold air doesn't seem to bother me and I don't wheeze. But my lung function test showed asthma even though I didn't get overwhelming results with the bronchodialator. My small airways are the biggest problem. My large airways are low normal. It is scary for me to have any lung problems because my father died when he was 48 of heart disease related to alcoholism and emphysema. My aunt died two years ago with a lung disease. Even though they both were heavy smokers and VERY overweight, I have never smoked. I still think sometimes that maybe the asthma diagnosis is incorrect and I have some othe type of lung disease. However, I have been on Advair for 2 years and have had improvement, so I guess it is asthma afterall. I just wish my lung function test was normal, then I would be relieved. Thanks to both of you for the encouragement. I worked out today and feel great - have a tremendous amount of energy!!

If your asthma is well managed, you can exercise, which improves your lung function.
According to "Reversing Asthma" by Richard N. Firshein, before doing aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, cross country skiing, climbing stairs, jumping rope etc, you should attain a target heart for at least twenty minutes three times a week. Your target rate is determined by subtracting your age from 220 and multiplying the result by 65 percent and then by 85 percent. These are the low and high range of your target heart rate.
Also, the book says that aerobic activities fall into two types, low-impact aerobics and high-impact ones. The author says that high-impact aerobics such as running and jumping rope can be uncomfortable for some individuals and low-impact aerobics such as swimming, cross country skiing and cycling are easier on the joints and just effective.
Exercise improves lung functions, reduces stress and increases immunity, all of which are good for asthma sufferers. About 10 percent of our Olympic team was asthmatic in the 1988 Summer Olympics, so we can do it!!! One thing I'd like to add to that, however, is "do not push yourself too hard!". :nono:
I also am planning to start an exercise program, but I believe that monitoring is the key. Good luck. :)