If I have breathing problems when running, should I try to get past Basic/AIT (which is a physical rating of heavy) and then go to a doctor?

Jon Sinema — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 18:54:32 -0400

So I signed my Army contract a few weeks ago, and everything is good and I ship out mid May, but...

I feel like I'm getting some breathing problems. Every time I try pushing myself a little harder in my runs, I wheeze for about 20 minutes after then I go back to normal. I can hike and lift and do everything else without any sort of trouble so it's only when I go from a, for example, 7:30 pace to a 7:10 pace. I can sprint 400/800s just fine without any trouble also. Only during .75 miles or up.

And throughout the day, my lungs sorta tighten but if I slow my breathing and breathe deep it goes away after about 30 seconds.

I've never been diagnosed or had asthma or had problems anything like this that I'm aware of.

Should I just try to get past basic/ait (which is a phys rating of heavy) then go to a doctor? I feel maybe if I consistently run at that faster pace it'll be less of a problem but everytime I up my pace this happens.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 16 at 2019 7:02 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 19:02:22 -0400

Let me preface this by saying I am not a doctor.
This COULD be that you are not in as good of a shape as you could be, and it will go away as your lungs and heart get stronger.
But it COULD also be something very serious. Hypoxia is not anything to play around with. My recommendation is to get yourself checked out by a doctor BEFORE shipping to basic.
Yes, there is a possibility that could end your military career before it even starts. Yes, that would suck. There is also the possibility that it is nothing to be worried about, and you waste your time (and possibly money, depending on what sort/if you have health insurance). But there is a small possibility that getting that checkup may save you a LOT of problems down the road, maybe even save your life. (Not trying to be doing and gloom - this is almost definitely not a life threatening thing, but you don't know for sure until you get checked out.)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2019 12:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:21:27 -0400

Seems that your just out of shape. Your lung capacity isn’t strong. Start implementing swimming once a week. Also slow your pace down to like a 8:30 but run 4-6 miles. Military is all about cardio endurance and sucking for hours. Not sprints

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2019 2:09 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 02:09:08 -0400

See a doctor before you leave for Basic and AIT. There could be many reasons for it, but better be safe.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2019 2:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 14:52:53 -0400

You'll likely be sent to sick call while in basic, ad you will run more than .75 mile.
If the medical condition makes you unable to perform to military standards, you'll be separated.
That said, it could be something you should have evaluated before you ship.
Had a Soldier die after a three mile run in basic despite immediate CPR, even though he was an athlete in HS. Not saying that'll be you, but worth the check.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Mar 17 at 2019 9:25 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 21:25:50 -0400

As has been mentioned by other posters here, there are a lot of factors to it. Your age can have a lot to do with it, as well as your lung capacity. As a track and cross-country coach, there's a difference between being in shape for sprints and being in shape for distance races. It takes sprinters a lot longer to get themselves up to where they can run longer distances, than it does for a distance runner to go down. If you're a smoker, then that can have an effect as well.

But definitely get checked out by the doctor. It could just be weather-related as well. Where I live, even as a distance guy, I have about 4-6 weeks when the weather is constantly changing, where my lungs tighten up and struggle.