ATP: Catching Your Breath

Dear Penguin,

I’ve been running/jogging for 30 plus years and started enjoying distance training in my 50’s with 4 marathons completed.

Now at 58 I’m having to start the walk/run at mile 2 due to the
breathing issue. It doesn’t matter if it’s a dry winter’s day or a hot humid summer’s day the issue is the same.

It’s a great question, and, one that may not be answered easily. You’ve already done the most important thing you can do, check with your doctor. If he says you’re OK then let’s take a look at some other factors.

You don’t give your age but if you’ve been running for 30 plus years it’s safe to assume you’re well into you’re not a youngster. That being the case, you may simply be experiencing the affects of the natural aging process.

Make sure that you’re being realistic with your pacing. What was an easy pace even 5 years ago may not be easy now. It sounds like you’re still pushing yourself, which is OK, as long as you’re honest with yourself.

My other suggestion is to put in some walk breaks into your runs to help bring your respiration and heart-rate down as you run.

Waddle on,
John

John “the Penguin” Bingham, Competitor Magazine columnist
Author, The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed, Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals.

Have a question for John? E-mail it to thepenguin@johnbingham.com.