Monday, September 19, 2011

Day 6

Went to Curves - forgot to breath through my nose until half way through.  I'm on a full liquid diet today as part of my prep for a colonoscopy, so working out was a bit dizzying towards the end of the workout.  I figured it probably wasn't a good idea to be running with dizzy spells and no protein in my blood stream.  I want to keep my muscles healthy! 

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Day 5

Today, I hiked for 6 miles at Mueller State Park - uphills and downhills.  My breathing is getting more difficult.  I think it's because of the new medication I'm on.  It's time to go see my FP to increase my Advair dosage.  I can't run until I get my breathing under control.  I'm out of breath just climbing stairs now.  :(  It was a fun hike though and I used muscles that I don't normally by climbing some of those steep hills. 

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Day 2:  Went back to CURVES.  I don't know why I stopped going or why I didn't think I needed it.  Wow!  It gave me a workout and hopefully is increasing my lung capacity . . . or strengthening them anyway!  It felt good to be back.

Day 3:  A day of rest after a mentally exhausting doctor's appointment.  


Day 4:  Got weighed and measured at CURVES.  I gained 12 lbs since just before Tiff's wedding and gained a half or one inch everywhere.  UGH.  I'm back on track though!  :o)  

I practiced breathing through my nose while working out - hoping to strengthen my lungs. At first, it made me queasy, but then I got used to it . . . and then, because this is Colorado, my nose started burning due to dry air.  I will persevere.  :o)

Started back at the beginning of my program for running.  Jogged one minute, walked 4 for 3 miles, but this time, breathing through my nose.  The goal is to strengthen my lungs (which is a muscle).  If I can get my breathing down, I'll be able to run.  Until then . . . patience, patience, PATIENCE!!!!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Running with Asthma

Running is difficult in its own right, but to run with asthma is even more challenging.  Today, I am starting a blog on my Running With Asthma.  

I began running at the end of July in Monument, Colorado where the altitude is high and the oxygen is low.  I was doing well until my husband invited others to run with us.  Foolishly, I tried to keep up and ran a little over half a mile.  BAD Mistake!!!  My knees felt as though they had been pushed into my hips.  Great!  Resting was called for . . . just what I didn't want to do - take time away from running.  


Finally, after a month of training and purchased knee bands, I was able to run a mile, but . . . shin splints occurred.  Rest was needed once again.  Grrr! 

Then I went on vacation - down to sea level, where the air was hot and humid.  I thought I could run better, but my asthma seemed to kick in just as hard on water to the Bahamas and on level ground in Mississippi.  

Day 1 of my blog:  Back in good Ole Colorado, I decided to try for a run in the Springs while my vehicle was in the shop.  It was a cold, windy 58 degrees.  My lungs felt as though they were going to burst, so I tried to walk fast.  Then I ran for a few minutes and finally had to walk the two miles on trails in Garden of the Gods.  I can't run, but my hiking uphill is getting much easier and faster.  I came home discouraged, thinking I should be doing much better, so I did some research on running with asthma - it takes TWICE AS LONG as non-asthma beginner runners do.  No sense in competing, because I just will not be able to keep up.  TT_TT  Perseverance and Patience is the key to running with asthma.  


I have been an asthma sufferer since childhood, which it is under control with a steroid inhaler, but even so, I guess it's time to go talk to my doctor about running and finding an emergency inhaler that will work for me.  Plus, I seriously need to make a fleece face mask for running to keep the air to my lungs warm.  I've tried breathing through my nose, but when I'm running, that's a bit difficult.  Another obstacle that I need to tackle to help my run be the best it can be.