What do you do with your inhaler when you run?

HardyEustace

Having an inhaler with me on a run is now a necessity rather than a handy optional extra.

Anyway, I normally tuck it into the little coin pocket of my shorts (if there's one there). However, it does tend to rub with the result that I'm now covered in charming little nicks and chaffs around my midriff.

Have other people had this problem? How have you overcome it?

Basically the coin pockets are normally smaller than the inhaler so you invariably end up with one end of it poking out and rubbing against your skin for the run. You don't even notice till the shower water hits it and you wail like a banshee and leap two feet in the air. Not nice.:(

Krusty_Clown

As a life-long sufferer, I always had to carry mine every time I went running. The first time I made the leap of faith was the connemarathon earlier this year, and I haven't bothered carrying it since. I don't suffer from exercise induced asthma, rather i'm a full-timer (life induced asthma?!). The breakthrough was when I went to an asthma-specialist/nurse, who re-taught me how to use the inhalers properly (bad habits since I was a 4yo), switched me to the easy-breathe variety and increased the strength of the dose of the preventer. Now I don't need to take the blue-pill (ventolin) at all.

But to go back to your original question, I always bought shorts that had decent pockets (where carrying inhalers dictated the type of shorts I bought), but soon I'd end up with holes in the pockets and cuts on the legs. A couple of sheets of kitchen paper (which is like the Hitchhiker's towel - it has a mutitude of uses!) seemed to address the problem.

So, after a really long-winded answer, here's the brief response:
1) Make sure your asthma is properly controlled - most GPs aren't too bothered/knowledgable in this area
2) Big pockets + kitchen paper

dtf

I find that you have to be more fussy when buying running shorts to make sure that the coin pocket is big enough. You can normally fit the barrel part of the inhaler into the pocket leaving the mouthpiece sticking out at the top. Buying shorts a size bigger than normal used to help me with it rubbing against my leg.

I have started to take two puffs of the inhaler before I run, and then not take it around with me. So far I haven't had any problems, but I suppose that this would depend on your own circumstances. My asthma is mild and I felt that it was more of a psychological / just in case thing for me to have the inhaler rather than a necessity

hunnymonster

I see quite a few people with inhalers in race belts
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/run/8/Hilly_Race_Number_Belt/5360042608/

shanagarry

I usually carry mine in an arm pouch so it's not bouncing around and is easy to get out. Otherwise I wear shorts/running tights that have zip pockets in the small of my back. I find they're a good snug fit so it doesn't move around, though it does dig in a little bit. If it's a long run I'll just put some body glide on my back as well.

HardyEustace

dtf wrote: »

I have started to take two puffs of the inhaler before I run, and then not take it around with me. So far I haven't had any problems, but I suppose that this would depend on your own circumstances. My asthma is mild and I felt that it was more of a psychological / just in case thing for me to have the inhaler rather than a necessity

In my case it used to be sufficient but the severity of the asthma has accelerated rapidly in the last two to three months (apparently this can happen in about 10% of cases and the colder weather can exacerbate it).

Having suffered a few asthma attacks/panic attacks whilst exercising I don't feel very comfortable heading out without it.

I went for a walk with my friend last night, didn't bring it and was wheezing up the hills. She has very bad asthma as well (hence the walk rather than run ) and couldn't believe how badly I was affected.

Hills just kill me.