Question for Ted - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 11-09-2005, 09:12 PM

Hey man, is it normal to feel like I can't breathe too well when doing aerobic activity in cold weather? This evening it was 38F when I went out. I was done in 30 minutes because I didn't feel like I could breathe properly.

Austin85 · #2 11-10-2005, 01:08 AM

From what I remember of cold weather living, it may have been that to do vigerous outdoor stuff in cold wether you probably should start out slow to get you body ; and heart warmed up before going too quickly.....

Azimyth · #3 11-10-2005, 01:12 AM

Hmm... it's 11 o'clock pm and 65 deg. f. outside here in beautiful Mesa, AZ.

Kuan · #4 11-10-2005, 06:45 AM

I'm the epitome of taking it easy man. I'm one of the slowest runners you'll see out there. The only people I pass are old people with walkers. Nine minute miles is fast for me.

Kuan · #5 11-10-2005, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w126

What do mean by can't breathe properly?

Short of breath, wheezing, painful to inhale cold air?

I don't like to diagnose probs on the internet, but this is pretty specific.

Try warming up inside for 5 minutes before heading outside. Jumping jacks, skipping rope, or push ups to increase your body temp.

It sounds like you might be sensitive the cold air, so breathing through both nose and mouth should ensure enough oxygen for exercise as well as warmer air temperature. Nose breathing has a greater air-warming effect (actually that's still up in the air), but it's difficult to get enough air through your nose alone to sustain rapid breathing. Also, keep yourself hydrated, just as you would if it were a warm day.

Nothing major, just felt like it required more effort to breathe, as if my lungs didn't fill up. As if I had to consciously make an effort to fill my lungs, a little like running on an allergy day.

You're right about the internet diagnose thing. I'm gonna go out tonight and see how I feel after warming up a little inside.

Botnst · #6 11-10-2005, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w126

As a kid I had intrinsic asthma (not allergy-related) and would wheeze like a beat up old 240D when running outside.

Esp. remember it during gym class outside in the late fall.

It went away after puberty, but now I notice that if I work out inside for a few months, then suddenly switch to the cold WI environs, my wheezing has resumed. Not bad at all, but it's present -- so I think it's just a matter of adjusting.

So, when Kuan (finally) gets his hormones....?

Somebody better warn Mrs Kuan.

cscmc1 · #7 11-10-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by narwhal

Kuan, no doctor here, but what you are experiencing is brochiospasm (narrowing of the airways) caused by the cold air. If you wear a ski mask that "warms" the air you shouldn't have a problem. I used to run cross country and our team doctor did a good job of describing this. When I ski if it is below zero I breathe through a 'turtle' for the same reason. If you google bronchiospasm it should turn up that I'm not bsing you--it is very common.

I am kind of suprised if you have lived up there for a long time that you are not acclimated to this--my father in law (surgeon) relates that most people who can't acclimate to cold weather bronchiospasm may have asthma, ect....

Sounds like good advice. As long as you're not struggling to breathe or in pain, of course. I run year-round, too. The air always feels "thicker" in wintertime. I'm wondering how I'll do today after work; it really cooled down here, so I'll probably have the same problem for the first time this fall!

Kuan · #8 11-10-2005, 04:39 PM

Last night was the first night it was that cold so maybe it's the acclimation process. Contrary to popular Southern belief, it's not below freezing here all 365 days a year! We actually have a summer here you know?

Running in the cold is new to me. I tried it couple years ago and never got into it, even after more advice from Ted. This year I bought myself some icebug shoes and I've been buying gear as it got colder. I made a promise to myself to not wimp out.

mzsmbs · #9 11-10-2005, 05:00 PM

yeah kuan, acclimatization kind of thing.. i only get it when super cold. the scarf thing helps but being/warming up in the cold air before hitting it is definately a must.. just walk a bit.. find a hill.. those are the best.

the air maybe warm when it finally gets to the lungs but restricions happen in the brioncal tubes and the air can still be cold there.. just my own experience..

learn to leyer and how to work them.. avoid heavy sweat.

Kuan · #10 11-10-2005, 05:04 PM

Yep I XC skied two years ago and I loved it. No breathing issues but it had already been cold for awhile so.... Last year there was hardly any snow! The parks and trails systems here make it a total breeze and I could ski out my front door because we live on a very low priority street. This year I'm hoping for early snow and a nice base all winter.

I'm totally prepared for winter this year man. I got studded running shoes, studded bike tires, HID bike lighting. I'm going to ride the chain of lakes this year when they get nice and frozen.

No winter wimps!

mzsmbs · #11 11-10-2005, 05:17 PM

trachea is what i was really looking for but didn't know how to spell it.. that's where it hurts me sometimes.. about the middle or lower.. maybe it's a muscle thing but there isn't much there besides the ribs and some skin.

Botnst · #12 11-10-2005, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzsmbs

trachea is what i was really looking for but didn't know how to spell it.. that's where it hurts me sometimes.. about the middle or lower.. maybe it's a muscle thing but there isn't much there besides the ribs and some skin.

Not enough ganga.

B