Yes, i have asthma. No that doesn't mean i can't run!
1. Remember your INHALER!!!
Seems pretty simple right. Why do you think there is a cute little pocket on the back of your running shorts/tights aahhhh...
2. Hot Yoga (Bikram Yoga)
Bikram / Hot Yoga consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises over 90 minutes in a heated room to allow the body to stretch, detoxify, relieve stress, tone, and heal chronic pain, joint aches and most importantly Asthma.
www.hotyogadundee.com/ Youtube: What is "HOT YOGA"
www.hotyogadundee.com/ Youtube: What is "HOT YOGA"
3. Buy a Buff
Like now!!! There is so many designs to choose from starting at £10 you'll be raging you never bought one sooner. Total lifesaver. Available at Dundee Sweatshop
4. Avoid Triggers
The Weather, Pollen, Cold Drinks, Pollution, Dust, Road Works, Emotions, Foods, Animals. The list is endless and everyone has theirs. Avoid these at all costs. No one wants to have their day ruined by a tiny daisy. List of possible triggers here: Asthma Triggers A-Z
5. Have a plan
Carry your inhaler and a phone with an updated I.C.E contact. Here's how to do so http://www.wikihow.com/ICE. if possible wear an I'D band like the ones you get from Cram
6. Set Goals
Choose a distance per run and stick with it. Run with a friend or running group, make it relaxed. Don't push yourself to the point you feel uncomfortable. Running is meant to be fun. It doesn't matter how long it took you or how many times you stopped/walked/jogged. The main thing is your out there doing it and for that we salute you.
7. Choose your route
Choose your routes wisely avoiding heavy traffic and road works because of dust and pollution. Also remember the cold is terrible for asthma. Best times to be out are from 11am to 7pm. Treadmills exist too if your super keen.
8. Warm Up
There is published medical papers that indicate a mixed intensity warm up work out can have a great affect on running with asthma. See the findings here.. PubMed.Gov
9. Breathe
Find your pace and stick with it until you get better over a period of time. You are not Usain Bolt. If you can't hold a "comfortable" conversation while running then step off the gas. There's other days to smash that personal best.
10. Warm Down
Remember to warm down. If you suddenly stop your body sometimes panics about the decrease of demand on your lungs. Don't give your self a scare. Here's a great warm down video: Slow-down-breathing-after-running
Congratulations you are a runner
go out and take on the world.
