Out of Shape or Bigger Problem?

[theshootmaster]

I just joined the National Guard and am leaving for Basic Training in a month. I'm 6'1 and 150, so I'm not overweight, but I do get winded easily. So I started running to get back in to shape. But after a couple minutes, I get tightness in my chest, chest pains, light headedness, and my heart starts hesitating. Like its off a beat. I also developed a rasping cough for a couple hours. Is that just because I'm not used to running? Or is this all a sign of a bigger problem?

[cindy707]

You should definately see your doc with these symtoms just to rule out that there isn't something else going on just for confirmation especially if it is happening during physical activity.  Personally if you were my son i would tell you to curb the activities until you see the doc just to make sure that all is well.  You have alot of things on your side including your age and conditioning but sometimes life throws us all a curve ball...better to be safe then sorry....basic training is no walk in the park....i have a couple of nephews in the National Guard over in Bagdad now and i remember their stories of what the paces are that the service puts you thru during those six weeks of training......call the doc

[Jerry_NJ]

Hard to say given you provide very little information on the details of your run and the general physical condition you are in.

It is clear that even a young person can not just start running if they have been mostly inactive in recent years.  On the other hand, if your "run" was only a fraction of a mile (a few minutes) and you  were "running" at maybe 5 miles an hour (12 minute miles) I'd think the symptoms you describe could be worrisome.

We all, no matter what are age is, have to slowly build/increase our workout level over a period of weeks and longer.