I can't run like I used to/slight chest pain

[MightyDT]

I'm a little scared/freaked out, but I hope it's over nothing.  First off, I will say that I am 29 years old and I do have serious heart problems on my mother's side, so I'm always aware of my own heart issues.  I am not overweight:  I'm 6'3'' and 205 pounds -- most people would say I look skinny.  I am afraid I may have a developing heart issue, so I wanted to ask everyone's opinion.  A few months ago, I started feeling some slight discomfort in my chest during stressful times at work (I work a high intensity, deadline-driven job = much stress).  It came after I had been neglecting my workout regiment for several weeks.  A little freaked out, I vowed to start running every day.  For the last 5 months or so I have been running 4 days a week.  But I have noticed that I really cannot run like I used to.    I can run about a mile and a half, but I always get exhausted at that point.  I get pretty tired early on, but I can force it for about 1.5 miles -- that's it.  

I've been at this for 5 months now and I cannot for the life of me extend my distance.  I always tap out at 1.5 miles.  The good news is, since I have been running, the periodic discomfort in my chest has disappeared.  But I fear that if I get lazy with my running it will come back.  


My question is, am I just getting older or is this an early warning sign of heart disease?  Sorry if any of this sounds stupid, but I have genuinely been freaked out over this.

Thanks

[ireneo]

29 isn't exactly over the hill but yes, you may notice some difference from when you were 16. Since there's been a change in your stamina, ability to run longer, it would be good to see your doctor, mention the difference. It may be as simple as a bit of anemia or as serious as a heart problem. But the doctor can pinpoint the problem for you.

[MightyDT]

thanks for responding.

is that a common symptom for anything heart related -- just noticing that you are limited in your physical exertion?  I want to believe that I am just out of shape, but I literally have been at this -- dedicated running -- for 5 months now.  and i'm seeing no improvement.  and worse, every day i start again it's like i haven't run for a couple weeks (even if i ran the day before).

in my younger days, i'd be a marathoner by now, with this type of dedication.  but now, i'm stuck at a mile and a half, and i can barely make it through that.  this is just very weird.  like i said, i'm hoping this just happens to everyone when they hit 30, but it definitely feels like there's something wrong.  although i have no other pain or any other real symptoms.  my chest pain has gone away for now.

[Flycaster305]

Ireneo gave you some excellent advice, see your doctor.  I would tell you from personal experience, breathlessness and exhaustion after exercise is a sign of of heart problems.  However, it is also a sign of thyroid and diabetes issues, and a whole lot more.  You need to see a doctor in my opinion, and soon.  It may just be stress, but I'd strongly urge you to get these symptoms checked out.  

Keep us informed.  

[MightyDT]

Flycaster, thanks.  I will.  Appreciate the advice.

[ireneo]

And remember, there are men and women doing marathons in their 70's and 80's. Maybe not 5 minute miles but they're still able to run long distances. So turning 30 should not be limiting you so much.