Running question
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Just curious if anyone can help me with a running question/problem.  I would like to start doing some running on my treadmill but, when i try I have almost like a panic attack and feel like I can't catch my breath... Does this feeling go away as you continue to run? Any help would be appreciated!!  Thanks in advance!

hi Lisa!
i don't have any experience with that sort of situation, but i'm thinking distractions might help some. do you try to watch tv, read or listen to music while running? anything to get your mind off of the task at hand? i have heard that a great music playlist, upbeat and fun stuff, makes a world of difference for joggers. maybe start at a fast walk with some bumpin tunes?? then if it seems to be going okay, up the speed some more? like wean yourself into a jog while being distracted! a really good book might very well do the trick, too. they have an uncanny way of taking your mind somewhere else completely, and to me it sounds like your issue may be, at least partially, "in your head," so to speak, ya know??

just a thought. good luck, sista!

I do listen to music while I work out but, seem to get tired of it after about 30 minutes but, maybe a book on cd would do the trick! I never thought of that! I used to have panic attacks and I think that is part of my problem.... I'm afraid I won't be able to breathe!  I will try the book on cd and see if that helps and try out your other suggestions... Thanks for the help!
Hi Lisa, I'm curious how fast you run on the treadmill? Do you warm up with a light jog before working up to your usual speed?

From personal experience, I feel that when I get distracted or just starting to run, my breathing goes all over the place and the run gets ruined quickly.

Try to keep a regular breathing pattern when you run. Or try to turn your mind off. I find that I run longer when I don't care about anything other than what is infront of me.
Are you putting too much pressure on your performance? As long as you do better each time; that's what counts. Right? It has to hurt, but feel good, too. If not that, maybe it's a breathing thing, like the others suggested. Army, Marines...etc...sing as they jog. It regulates their breathing. Lets them catch a rhythm. Just some thoughts:) I like my treadmill, but I speed-walk mostly.
Last edited Mar 5, 2010
Thanks guys...  I try and focus on other things but, that never seems to work.. Maybe the singing will work. I will have to try that.   I walk at around 3.6 on the treadmill then up it to at least 4 or higher to jog. I never get very far tho.  I like walking but, just thought running would be more benificial in the long run.  I warm up with the walking and then try and jog but i quickly feel like i can't breathe.  I do have high blood pressure so maybe that is a factor? Not sure... Will try some of the things posted here and see if it helps/works.  Thanks for the advice!
Lisa, good for you for not giving up. i admire your determination. if you do, in fact, have high blood pressure, you may want to "run" (tee hee hee!) your issues past your doctor and see if he has any suggestions, advice, or even warnings you may want to heed. and until then, you may want to stick with a fast walk after all. it is still a very effective way to burn calories!! smiley-wink.gif
Lisa, I've heard - and I like to believe - that walking at a brisk pace is as good for you as running. I can't run because it sets off my asthma. I'm assuming that your high blood pressure is being treated and you know that you don't have asthma or similar problems...?
whoa!! that DOES kinda sound like asthma!! yikes! yeah, talk to your doctor, sista!!
Yes! Definitely check with your GP. If he gives you the all clear, I would try the elliptical instead of the treadmill.
Yes, my high blood pressure is being treated and I don't have asthma.  I may have to stick with walking instead of running. :(  I have had a run in with plantar fascitis and could hardly walk until recently so I have to start out again with walking.  I will not give up tho! Thanks guys for all the concern/advice for me! You guys are great!















Hi Lisa! Sorry about your setback. I hope you're feeling better. It's good to see you back here!
Thanks Debi! Taking it one day at a time right now. It's pretty slow going so far but, I'm not giving up! :)

Hi Lisa!  I hear what you are saying on the breathing!  It is hard to get that in check when you are running.  I suggest that you try intervals to start out- walk at a brisk pace for 2 minutes and then jog/run for 30 secs.  Do short intervals like that and then you can increase your jog/run as you go along.  That might be better than trying to run all out and getting discouraged!  Good luck!

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