Chest hurts when running?

**kygirl** · 09-27-2010 07:05 AM

I've been trying to really get into the running thing lately since I have a 5K coming up in a couple weeks, but I notice everytime I work out really really hard or especially when I run at a decent pace for long, my chest hurts. It's like a burning sensation and it makes it hard to breathe and sometimes it stays that way for a while after I stop?

Is this something I am going to have to push through with the running until my body adjusts or is it me and should I get it checked out?

**sourpuss** · 09-27-2010 10:23 AM

You'll adjust. I went through the same thing when I started running. Try to do more interval stuff. Start off on a slow jog and then up your pace until you are uncomfortable and hold that for 30+ seconds and then slow it back down until you catch your breath. Eventually, you'll be able to run nonstop without all the breaks to catch your breath.

**kygirl** · 09-27-2010 11:34 AM

Okay thanks SP! I was hoping it was just something I was going to have to adjust to. I"ll just work more on intervals until I can do it without stopping I guess. I was stoked that I finally was breathing right so I didn't get side stitches but I guess this is the next thing to work through!

**Chrissle64** · 09-28-2010 10:16 PM

You will get that feeling when you are really pushing yourself, it means you are actually working hard. Push through it and you will get into better shape and it will go away.

**Beautiful Disaster** · 10-01-2010 01:11 PM

It gets better.

I'm still experiencing it some, on certain days...maybe I'm more tired on those days. I've also noticed that if my food hasn't had quite enough time to digest, it makes it worse. It can feel a little scary, being that it's your heart area and all, but for the most part I believe it's pretty normal. Like SP said, try to push through, but if the burning is too intense, slow down to a fast walk for a bit then pick back up on the running. Eventually the walking gap will become shorter and shorter.