jogging..lung pain afterwards

[schu]

i just started jogging..i ran a mile yesterday..and a mile today..

i feel ok for the most part..the last bit gets tiring but i assume its just because im out of shape..well anyway..

about 5 minutes after i finish..my lungs begin to hurt really bad ..i smoked cigarettes pretty heavily for like 5 years..but i quit two years ago....

i was wondering if anyone knew any way to reduce this or if i just have to keep running and somehow it will go away..it just burns really bad and feels like someone shot me in the lungs.. are there any breathing methods i can try while running etc??

one more question..is a mile good enough to stick to or should i increase gradually? i just want to be healthier..not looking to run a marathon
thanks

[stellar26]

I just recently started running again, too! Today was day number 3 for me.

I can't speak with absolute certainty, but I would assume that smoking in your past is what is making your lungs hurt, presently. I smoked for about a year and just quit the day that I started running again because my first day running was absolute hell (the pain in my lungs was rediculous- I could hardly make it half of mile).
Mind you, I used to be able to run 5 miles on a normal day and 7 or 8 on a good day (this was about 2 1/2 years ago before I was smoking), so running so little made me feel like a total failure.
I would suggest continuing with what you're doing. Also, push yourself. Add a few yards every time you run. This will allow you to increase your run very gradually- if you run exactly one mile every day then your body will get so used to it that it won't even be a challenge anymore. Try to add to it slowly, over time!

[EmZaf]

Schu,

I would recommend a visit to http://www.coolrunning.com/ Check out their Community tab. There's a lot of good basic info that would be helpful to a someone just getting into running.

I'm not sure about the burning sensation, but anyone starting up cardio activity can expect your lungs to get a workout too. My lungs get sore and tired like my muscles after a hard run or when i return to running after taking time off.

I too was a smoker, but i tossed my camel lights 3 years ago and bought a new pair of running shoes. Boy, am I glad I did. Just did my first half marathon this year. The best advice that I could give to a new runner is get the right shoes to prevent all those little pangs that most runners complain about and very important -->> start out slowly. Your joints, bones, muscles, and lungs need time to adjust to your new activity. don't go for distance in the beginning. Just tell yourself you are going out for 15 minutes... and if you have to walk.. well, walk. Then start up again when your heart rate goes down. After a while you won't have to walk anymore. Your body will be strong enough and in shape. Just give it time.

Good luck. I'm glad you ventured into the running world. It's a great place to be

[kirkjobsluder]

What do you mean by "lung pain?"

[annabanana]

Definitely breathe deeply after you run when it hurts. Short shallow breaths won't make anything better...keep breathing deeply in and out and it should feel a little bit better

[schu]

What do you mean by "lung pain?"

it just feels like someone shoots me in the lungs at the end of a mile jog...i guess it must just be my beat up lungs/out of shapeness

[ebola]

was the air cold outside?

[tearhsong2]

If it persists, I'd go see a doctor. There is a possibility that something might be wrong.

[Jinga]

I used to get sharp cramp like pains under my rib cage, when I ran. There are three things I found to alleviate the problem:

1) Stay hydrated! Just don't drink a lot right before the run.

2) Don't eat a large meal just before running. Besides the sloshing around of food, it always feels like my body is using most of its energy and bloodflow to digest, rather than run.

3) Don't push yourself, but keep trying. I used to run for a few minutes with the pain. It usually stopped so I could continue running. When it didn't I decided to do a fast paced walk instead. Now, I can run 3-6 miles without crampage

[DarknessDivine]

I would if it continues go see a Dr. It could be a sign of Pulmonary Embolism. Then again it might be nothing....I just worry a lot bout PE's myself and that sounds like some symptoms of one...