Why am I easily out of breath when I run?

Question

I do not have asthma and I'm just slightly overweight. I used to be a couch potato but 6 months ago I started to exercise and lift weights. Results have been good but I find that I still cannot run. I can only last 400m before I get out of breath that I have to stop running. But I can brisk walk for long distances before I get really tired. (i.e. 6km). What causes the breathlessness - is something wrong? Please advise. Thanks.

Answer 1

you could have exercise induced asthma. Assuming you've been the doctor and tested and this isn't it.. then the answer may be simple...

you don't run enough sprints.

marathon runners can't sprint well typically. Most sprinters can't run a marathon.

Your cardio capacity is specific to the type of exercise you do.

LSD - long slow distance - training is good to establish a base of basic fitness but once you start trying to do "speed work" and sprints of any kind (rowing, running, etc.) you'll find that you get winded much faster.

This is why a lot of trainers and coaches today don't recommend that you start with LSD training if you want to get fast and develop a stronger VO2 max (basic measure of lung capacity).

You could go to the doctor's and get your lung capacity tested. this is certainly a safe and smart thing to do. But after that you need to start embracing intervals...

Intervals are where you alternate running fast and then slowing down. Basically, you are doing sprints and then slowing down to recover and then repeating this over and over.

For example

run 30 secs
jog/walk for 1 min
run 30 secs
jog/walk 1 min

repeat for a total intervals.

yes, you aren't "exercising" much here. BUT.. this has been scientifically proven to increase VO2 Max, cardio, and overall strength-endurance. See studies by Tabata and on interval training.

Good luck

Answer 2

Sorry about that. you may not have asthma but you could have allergies whivh by the way is asthma, only someone allergic to something can have asthma trigger. So, just walk at a brisk pace and do the things you have been doing. I wouldn't worry unless the breathing is difficult while doing normal things. Your lungs may take a while to build up or expand due to your new routine. So, keep going and just stop when it becomes hard to breath, don't over do it. you lungs may take a while to grow, stretch to the amount of air you require while running. Next physical you have, ask the Dr. I think you are fine. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well one thing could be are you running too fast when you run or is it more of a jog?? If you are running too fast then you would get burned out after a short period of time. most people go at a jogging pace. Another thing, you have to work up your endurance as you run. Distance runners do this all the time. Ok you can go for 400 m now but next time try for 500 m. even if you run out of breath push for 500m. Then after a few more times at 500m push for 600m. and so on. you should find that you are able to take longer distances after awhile without being too winded. You also need to be sure that you are breathing at a steady pace while you are running. The breaths going to be at a faster pace and more deeper than when you are not running. Running is a lot more excercise than brisk walking. If you are truely not seeing an improvment after working on your resistance, then I would talk to a fitness professional.

Answer 4

I don't think there is anything wrong with you. You are most likely out of shape. You need to build some stamina, which is normal. Unless you experience pain when you try to run or bear weight. If you experience tightening of the chest or sharp chest pains then you should see your physician and have him/ her examine you. Do you have a family history of respiratory or cardiac problems? If someone in your immediate family suffers from such a condition then there is a higher probability that you might also be suffering from it as well. As always you should ask your physician in matters of your health.

Answer 5

Your fitness level equals what you are able to do.

If you can only run 400m and stop each time, then you'll never be able to run more than 400m. Push yourself a little bit more each time.

Condition yourself with other aerobic activity that will tax your breathing capacity.

Answer 6

Well Evely I am not a doctor.but anytime you do any can if exercise like running or fast walking if cause you to use a lot if energy.that will cause you to take in and expel air.you might want to see your doctor to make sure you are not over working your lungs.since you have not done this in along time.and you did say you was a little over weight.you might want to do some other kind of exercise. and please be safe. good luck.

Answer 7

i used to have the same problem. it was what i was eating. mcdonalds, any fast food. i cut it out and i feel so much better im not even kidding. for real, cut out all fast food, but dont starve yourself just make small changes and u will feel so much better when u run. good luck with everything.

Answer 8

i'm really not sure srry