Running with Asthma

I started the couch to 5K running program because I have always wanted to run a 5K or a race of some sort. For me, running is emotional because I have *never* been able to do it because of my asthma. I have been able to workout inhaler-free on the elliptical, aerobics (as long as they aren't too jumpy), and other types of exercise...but running is a whole other ballgame.

It is hard.
The hardest workout I have ever done.

I used to be the step aerobics queen - jazzercise, Bally's, etc. I could step for hours and then do interval weights. Of course, since having children I have had to work myself back up to being fit again and I have been hitting the gym at least 3 times a week for about 5 or 6 months now. But, even all that work has not prepared me for running!

I find myself with the running bug and I desire to do it. I have a cousin who finished the NYC Marathon yesterday (26.2 miles), friend who ran the Columbus 1/2 (13.1 miles) back in May, a cousin who has run two 5Ks (3.2 miles each) in 3 months (and trained in 3 weeks!), and a few Book Club buddies who have run various length races.

I see how those women succeeded and it gives me motivation. I know I can do it. Yesterday, running was a failure for me and I felt pretty defeated. I couldn't do the 20 minute run on the training podcast. I had to go back and do the run that was two 8 minute runs. I think the problem was that was the first time I ran outside, had various inclines, and it was cold. With exercise induced asthma, cold triggers an attack. I take my inhaler before I run to help keep the symptoms at bay, but today it didn't work like it had worked inside. I think running small hills and being cold, AND I think I was running too fast. I ran an 8 minute mile. I read through some forums about asthma and running an many of them say they run an 11.30 mile and increase to a 10.30. Makes total sense. My second run was so much better because I ran slower - even with the inclines.

I decided I was going to do the 20 minute run today, and that was that. The kids had dentist appointments and then we headed to the rec center. On the way I was telling P that I had a run to do. She said "mama, just be sure to take it slow. don't run fast or you will get out of breath." She listens....even though I accuse her of NOT listening most of the time. Anyhow, I did it! I ran 20 minutes - slow, but sure and am very proud of myself. Today is not a day for me to be humble. haha!