Problems when Running

I’ve been practicing the mile in preparation for the CFA and a couple problems have arised for me.

Information
-I have been running outside at ~9 p.m. when its ~30-40 degrees out.
-I wear earbuds while I am running
-I wear a hoodie, sweatpants, and sneakers
-I run on the road

Problems:

-As soon as I walk inside (to a heated area), my ears are in tremendous pain, lasting for 5-10 minutes.

-When I’m running, so much saliva forms in my mouth, and I feel the need to spit while I’m running more than just occasionally.

-My chest sometimes burns along with my ears.

-It gets harder to breathe and I begin coughing a lot.


I don’t know how to fix these problems or why they’re occurring. Any advice?

You could try wearing a beanie to help with the ears and running tights for legs, but I'd probably suggest running indoors on treadmill if possible. Is 9pm the only time you can run?

Running in colder weather can be tougher on your lungs which may attribute to your chest pain and difficulty breathing. It also gets a bit easier once you get into more shape. To train for the CFA, I did sine treadmill running but a lot of other cardio (Swim, rowing machine) to keep my fitness up. It’s starting to get warmer out soon, so you’ll have plenty of time to run outside before the CFA. I didn’t really train running wise until a month before my CFA and I still performed well. Try wearing ear muffs meant for running— you can find them for pretty cheap online, your ears are probably adjusting to the wide temperature difference when you come in, the earmuffs should keep them warm the entire time. They should fit comfortably over your earbuds. If these solutions aren’t good enough, keep in mind you’re training to be in the Army, so it’s never too early to start sucking it up and toughing it out.

Yes, I have one of those Russian furry hats that I’d rather not wear due to how it looks on me.. but I’ll probably utilize it more now. I was just hoping it wasn’t out of the ordinary, or a problem that I may need to see a doctor for. Thanks for the input, I’ve just started back up after doing it in the summer. Hopefully my body will adjust.

Do not, do not, do not wear earbuds when running in the road. That’s a serious safety hazard, as you may not hear vehicles approaching. And always run facing traffic. CFA only matters if you’re alive to take it.

Might be sinus related?
Lots of technical clothing options for runners including underarmor balaclavas for head face and neck.
I use those as base layers for cold weather hunting etc and they help a lot. Super thin and wicking, that and a hoodie may help. I find breathing thru a layer really helps keep nasal and sinus tissue from drying out. Cold air is dry air.

I spend a lot of time out in super cold Michigan air, coming inside after can cause funny things when your body returns to equilibrium.

And don't wear headphones while walking or running please!!!

OP: what is your fitness level? To me, you are describing symptoms of someone out of shape and not used to running. 30-40 degrees is really not a temp range that should have dramatic affect on your lungs, ears, or whatever. You could be experiencing some exercise induced asthma related to poor physical shape and cool temperatures.

Fitness level isn’t terrible. I play a varsity sport, and lift weights regularly. I’m short statured, and running hasn’t ever been my strong suit (hence why I’m practicing).

I’m also in Michigan, and I usually want to stay outside for like 5-10 minutes with little clothes on after my run, because my body temperature is extremely hot, and going inside makes my body feel terrible.

I live on a dead end road, you’ll rarely see a car. But I can take your advice and run on the sidewalk.

OP - let me preface by stating I am an old guy and NOT a doctor. I lived and ran for several year in the winter in the UP and I now live where it does not get above zero for up to a week at a time in Januay. The cold weather running issues you are having sound like simple adaptation problems. Don’t worry about being heated at the end. I, for example, sweat through my hands and cannot wear gloves when I run in cold. And the temps you are running in are not cold. Keep at it and improve your cardio- it will get better. You can do it.

ders_dad said:

I lived and ran for several year in the winter in the UP

Click to expand...

How did you run in snowshoes ?!?

Well, here's some more advice. I'm not an expert either, but I have trained for many races and helped my niece train for her first 5K. The mile is a tough distance, because you never really get into a good pace. You just have to push through it. I wear earbuds when running and my son who completed his CFA last year wore earbuds while practicing. I like music while running and I don't think it's an issue, as long as you are running in a safe way (facing traffic, low traffic streets, and/or track). I also have discomfort running in colder weather (and I live in Michigan). So, maybe the upcoming weeks will help. I would suggest a beanie hat while running. Personally I think a hoodie, your big Russian hat, and earmuffs are not the best for head coverage. Comfort is important. Wear what's comfortable for you. And, try to relax with your breathing and let your heart rate return to a normal rhythm before going back inside when finished. Above all, don't start out too fast. Practice on a track and really push yourself in the last lap. Good Luck!

What varsity sport do you play? Is it possible you have sub-clinical Asthma?