I know my lungs won't actually explode but ...

[Reiltin]

Just started couch to 5K this morning. Never been a runner but, seeing as I'm out walking with 3.5mo baby every day, thought I'd get some running in to try and get fit/lose weight. Issue with running has always been that my chest feels like it's going to explode! Does this get better? Are there any special ways I should be breathing? Any advice would be very gratefully accepted!

I'd say just keep at it and your cardio vascular system will adapt and become more efficient, I dont think it's necessary to push yourself so hard that your lungs feel very uncomfortable, just challenge yourself a little.

We all respond differently to exercise and we all start with varying degrees of cardio vascular capacity, it's fine to go at the pace that feels right for you

Thanks! Tbh, that's what I've been doing. My first run should have been 'jog 1min, walk 1.5mins'. It was more like 'jog 30sec, walk 20sec, jog10sec, walk 1.5mins'! Though I did have a buggy as resistance, which the app does not take account of!

I think we are often given the impression that one size fits all with exercise programs, then it feels as if something is wrong or you arent working hard enough if you dont progress at the rate indicated by the schedule.

In reality we are all different.

I think it's always good to keep a record so that you can see you are improving!

I think the cold air makes a difference to the breathing pain too!

Come over here Brilliant bunch of people who have been really supportive to me and loads of us

I'm an asthma sufferer and a runner and I can tell you the cold air definitely makes a difference! If your lungs are hurting, throttle back and build up more slowly. You'll still get there even if it takes a bit longer than advertised - you've recently had a baby, remember!