Hi Phil, I'm also an asthma sufferer although as a trained singer (this is relevant honest!) I found that using the same breathing exercises I do when I'm warming up my voice help a lot with running - and actually conversely my running has improved my breath control while singing - I guess because I am strengthening my diaphragm. I still always carry my inhaler - and I find if I do a really tough session I end up needing it (or coughing my guts out). 

As many other posters have said, your GP should be the first point of call - mine said I should be fine as long as I was careful to carry the inhaler and because I do use my crappy lungs efficiently (I paraphrase!).

Good luck!

I always resented the fact that some Asthma sufferers will not share advice or tip about thier ilness. I have found as kate mentions that sitting around make my asthma worse! I have found that cycling my bike is not enough exercise as it does not get my lungs streaching enough (not really sure what it does but i feel better when im running regularly).  Up until the time I ran the london Marathon things were really good and my stated doses have been reduced but im sure if i have an appointment right now that i would be bacik again to be reviewed again.. I suffered really badly when i  was growing up having to be on machines and tke steroids etc i guess at 30 my lung capacity it still at its peak so nothing to worry about...

maybe i should be running for asthma uk! :/

i have ventolin as a reliver and becotide as a preventer. I hardly ever take the preventer anymore and just take the reliever before physical activity which usually works a treat for me. i did the whole london marathon without suffering one bit..woohooo. I am a lot less daunted by long distance running now..

Thanks Kate,looked at web sites,i am still reading between the lines?,but i do suspect that i have E.I.E,will keep up the jogging/walks,appt two weeks with GP,hopefully i can start on medication that will help and improve my running ( ?),and be able to reach full marathon distance ,in the future,thank you.

Hi does anybody suffer with exercise induced asthma?.The reason i ask is i am still struggling to get further than a mile before i have to slow to a walk for about 3 mins,then i can begin to jog again after getting breath back,have been reading that some top runners suffer with this condition,and i suspect this is what is preventing me from progressing.Have only been exercising for 5 months,and expected to be able to run a lot further by now,ok if walk and jog,have done 4 personal half marathon distance,90% walking,no problem with breathing,hr average 115-120bpm,time 3hr 20min,made appt. to see GP,to establish whether this is my problem.Entered for a walking half ST.ALBANS June, 5k race August,and in ballot for 2012 london marathon,any advice greatly appreciated. :)-