Asthmatic Joggers

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Titchou

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I'm a long time jogger who has had asthma for about 15 years. In the beginning, I tried one puff of albuterol before jogging but found that wasn't good enough. So, for many years I've been doing 2 puRAB and it has worked well. Earlier this month at my 6 month check, I asked if I could try going to one puff as my peak flows are higher and I have no trouble regulating my breathing when jogging. Doc said give it a try but take the inhaler with me just in case!

So, today I tried it. I got thru the 2 miles without resorting to a second puff but regulating my breaths wasn't easy. I continually had to make myself inhale and exhale properly without gasping. Didn't cough when done and everything settled down.

So, should I try it again with just the one puff? Has anyone backed off their meRAB like this? I'd really like to make do with less if I can but do plan on doing the 2 puRAB before any 5Ks - don't think I need to risk it during a race.

Your thoughts? Thanks!
 
Sorry Titchou. I can't help you with this one. I'm far from getting to your point in asthma control. Good luck. I hope your body is able to learn to adapt to the use of one puff. It is good to know that the 2 puRAB does work wellf for you though. Just don't let your asthma get too bad before you switch back. That said, you might try it a few more times to see how you do.
 
Hi,

That's great that you are able to knock off a puff!

I've done a lot of long distance (cross country) running in my years. I haven't been running regularly for about 4 years, as running has been miserable for me. I'm probably at a point where I can start running again...at turtle pace...since it's been so long...lol.

I'm not sure what your pace is, but perhaps you could try slowing it down for a few runs to give your lungs time to adapt. I remeraber when I first started cross country running, I felt a bit like that and I'm pretty sure I didn't have asthma then. I had asthma as a child, but it went away in my early teens and came back to haunt me again in my 20s. (In case you were interested...haha.)

Another thing you might consider is running on easier terrain than that on which you normally run. If you're like me and you like running up hills, jumping over twigs, tree stumps and little streams, ducking under fallen trees, etc...then maybe you should ease up and run on a local park path ;) That way you're lungs will have some time to adapt because their load will be easier.

I hope this helps.

Take care and happy trails.
 
Thanks, ahhchoo. I live in a fairly flat area so am already doing a flat run. I did not slow my pace so that may help till I get this regulated. Thanks for the idea. I run fairly slow (35 minutes for a 5K) but am 64 so am not as fast as I used to be! And really don't want to be any faster. Though, I do want to try to better my time for the 5K I have on 3/13 as I run it every year. And I will do 2 puRAB then.

Thanks for your ideas!
 
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