I dont have asthma, but...

Question
Hey
I'm going to be a junior in high school this coming year, and ive been dying to joing the winter/sprig track programs for a while.
However, I've been running recreationally on and off for a year or two, but because ive been experiencing difficulties, I've not been able to do itas often as i like, and i feel that because of these difficulties, i wouldnt be able to compete with the other runners in my scholls highl competative programs.
I *love* to run. Love it. I always get a thrill when I'm starting out with a good pace and good breathing. But...
Even though my legs can last a very long time ( i have very strong muscles) I always get extremely short of breath very quickly.

I usually breath two counts in through my nose, three counts out through my mouth, and this works for a bit. But after about 10 minutes, regardless of weather, my nose will start to burn, so I'll start breathing through my mouth. I can usually breath better through my mouth anyway, but when running i instantly srart breathing very poorly through my mouth and having to stop and sit because even though my legs are barely aching, i cant breath (ill start breathing extremely hard and rasping, and i cant keep walking because i get dizzy. This usually comes on suddenly, so i dont think to slow down because there arent too many warning signs. I'll just start breathing through my mouth and then WHAM!

You'd think, because I play a wind instrument in both marching and concert bands, that id have good lungs, but apparantly not.

I usually eat  about half a cup of shredded wheat before running because i want to avoid the dizzies, but thats it, because i know from experience ill cramp up horribly at the very end of my run.
but even if i dont eat, after the "stopping and sitting" period, the moment i get up to walk home i get what feels like menstrual cramps in my lower abdomen - kind of a squeezing ache around my pelvis - when i know my period isnt due for some time.

Please help me, as i really want to be able to run better and more often, and i would LOVE to be able to join track THIS year. ugh. thank you for your time.

If you hadnt guessed, I started typing this soon after I got home from thios mornings run. Its 5.48am now, I've been home 15 minutes, and I'm still breathing hard.

=/
Thanks


Answer
Hi Raquel
You are the kind of athlete i just love to work with and are hard to fine.I really got a great sense of your burning desire and excitement with a clear vision of what direction you want to travel and what you want to accomplish.The things i saw and just mentioned to you are the NUMBER ONE ingredients for tremendous success and taping your god given genetic ability along with a great focused work ethic and a plan of action that your committed to.Forget what you just wrote to me about your troubles,breathing,cramps,etc,etc.You were just pushing yourself to hard.You were not training.You have plenty of time to prepare for the winter and spring season and see what is inside that body of yours.The number one thing to prepare the body for optimal performances in the winter and spring is building a the highest quality foundation,just like the foundation of a house.Then and only then do you move into the framing of the rest of the schedule with a focus on the specific event or events you will compete in.With out getting into a lot of detail,most all of your running at this point for the next 3 months should be quite relaxed easy miles being well within your self and gradually building up your miles.Just let your breathing come,don't think about.If your laboring slow down.I would strongly reccomend to work with a coach to set up everyhing so you have a daily plan to work with over the the next six months.You want to make sure he has a qualified background.Your full potential in running won't be realized for another 8 to 10 years so just relax and focus on the moment,the future will take care of itself.I work over the phone all over the country and world if you would like to talk about that at some time If you like.If you have any other questions Raquel just get in touch.You now have a vision and and a jumping off point.Relax on your runs and enjoy the process.This foundation your building is about the  musculature,energy systems,tissues,tendons,cells,and a powerfull mind body connection with a true vision and disciplined action.

All the very best to
your success.Go get it
it's yours.

John