The Running Woman

What is the coldest temperature you will run in? It's been down to the 50s and 40s lately and I've been trying to keep up with running, but sometimes my lungs get so affected by the air, and I start wheezing and gasping like crazy and feel like it's such a struggle, and then sometimes I will have a cough for like half an hour after I get back. But the thing is, I don't want to give up running outside, because I get too bored running inside a gym and I have a really good rhythm going with the outside running.

So any thoughts on coping with the cold? Suggestions? Do you think it's okay to just push through it or is it actually bad for you?

I agree with you!

Does the cold air hurt your lungs at all or cause any wheezing? I'm not sure if I just need to adjust or get in better shape (though I don't usually have this problem in warmer weather), or if it's a bigger problem. Just trying to gauge what is normal!

I ran this morning and yesterday morning in the low 30's.  It was still dark outside, so there was no warmth from the sun to help those low temps!  I plan on continuing no matter how cold it gets, as long as the wind chill does not drop too low.  I don't think the cold air is actually "bad" for your lungs.  Here's an article from Runner's World: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267-269-7442-0,00.html  It starts out about a runner's frozen genitals, but then it discusses lung health!  ;)  It's more important that you warm your outer body with moisture-wicking layers.

I also wheeze while running in cold air and cough for 30 minutes or so afterwards, but it goes away and feels fine again. 

      

 

I'm in Texas so I am pretty much a wimp when it comes to cold weather and I won't run outside if it's in the 20s or colder.  Fortunatley it hardly ever gets that cold here so I'm in luck!  The key to staying warm is layers like Sarah said.  You actually should feel cool or even cold when you first start out - if you feel warm or comfortable you are going to get too hot while running.

As for wheezing, I don't have that problem but I do notice when it's colder that breathing is more difficult.  The air is usually a lot drier in the winter when it's cold so that could have as much or more to do with it than anything.  The dry air could be really irritating to your lungs if you have any kind of health or breathing problems.  You might also check with your doctor just to be on the safe side to make sure it's not something like exercise induced asthma but if you don't get it all the time, just when it's cold, chances are it's just your lungs getting used to the drier, colder air and you'll notice an improvement with some time.