Problems breathing while running.?

Question

I've started trying to get into shape again, and I've been having trouble getting my running up to the speeds and distances I used to have.

I'm 20 years old, 5'5'' and 150 lbs. Not overweight, but hardly in shape. In high school, I played soccer, and could run a mile and a half in under 9 min. I've been neglecting my cardio for over 2 years now. The past 6 weeks, I've been trying to run about 3 times a week for 1.5-2 miles, but I've been noticing very little improvement.

The worst part now isn't the fatigue but the breathing. Far before my legs give out, I run out of breath and almost have to force myself to stop. I've never been diagnosed with any lung problems, I dont smoke, and this was Never a problem in the past.

My main questions are: Is this a common occurance for people who are trying to get back into shape? Is there any kind of exercise that will help with my breathing? And how much cardio is too much for someone trying to get back into a competitive form?

Answer 1

The problem is that you're 5'5" and 150 lbs. It will all come back to you gradually as you lose some extra weight and continue to train. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED. Gradually build up your exercise to an hour a day by adding walking when you get tired of running.

Change your lifestyle and do this forever. Drink lots of water, walk, run, or swim an hour every day except 1 then do stretching and upper body toning. Eat fruits & vegetables.

No alcohol
no bread
no burgers
No candy
No chips
no corn
no fried foods
No pasta
No pizza
No potatoes
No sodas
No sugar

Good Luck

Answer 2

Doing less than 2 miles 3 times per week is not going to get you into shape very fast. If you have been running for 6 weeks you should be seeing some improvement. Try doing 3 miles at least 3 times per week, and then increase your days to doing 5 times per week. You have not done anything for 2 years and it is going to take a little time to get back to where you were when you quit. Running is the best exercise for cardio and you are not going to do too much. Depending on how much you want to run you should be able to increase your mileage again after a month. To improve your cardiovascular condition you must run for more than 15 minutes and doing about 30 is much better, so if you are staying under 2 miles you are not running long enough to get much improvement.