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Running
I recently started running and today was my second day to do it. I never was a big runner, but I noticed that I can hardly run at all (actually, I spend most of the time fast-walking) because I get out of breath so quickly and my chest hurts so bad I can't inhale fully and there's really hard pressure on my lungs.
Am I just way out of shape or is there something else wrong? Will this get better the more I exercise?
Thanks!
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Maybe give some free advice about: Fitness?
Running is hard, and very hard at first. Its a very long practice to get better, but if you run a few times a week (or even every day) you can get a lot better. Running is also a mental thing as well. Even if you're out of breath and your lungs and legs ache, keep on running. Try and run further without walking every time.
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Running is always hard when you first start to do it, even if you ran before and took a week off (like me...>.< ). Running is incredibly hard on the body, particularly the knees.
What concerned me a little was that you said there was hard pressure on your lungs. Does your chest feel tight? Like there's a weight on it? Or is it just that you can't catch your breath and your heart is racing?
Out-of-breath and heart racing are normal things to feel while running. Running is cardiovascular exercise, meaning it works your heart. Your heart is a muscle just like anything else. As you curl a dumbbell, your bicep works harder to make the motion. When you run, your heart works harder to beat. It gets stronger as a result. So being out of breath and even your racing heart will, in fact, get better the more you exercise.
If your chest feels tight like there's a weight on it, or if you wheeze, or if you develop a phlegmy cough after running (or during), you may be looking at exercise-induced asthma. It's nothing too serious, and can be controlled with a rescue-haler taken before running. You'll need to see a doctor if this persists.
In the meantime, when you run, make a point to breathe in through your nose for three counts and out out through your mouth for three counts. Your nose will force you to take in the air more deeply, so your lungs will fill and you'll keep breathing. Stay relaxed.
Keep it up! Running is hard to get into, but well worth the effort. Good luck.
Siren
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No there's nothing else wrong. It's clearly because you haven't been a runner in your life & you're body is not used to doing it. When I was 16 I was VERY overweight & could barely run, now I'm 19 - and I've lost 50 pounds since then and I run all the time and I'm so much better at it.
It's the same for everyone, honestly, you start off slow & you just progressively get better & better. Don't worry about it, and keep up exercising!! :)
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