I can't breath!!! gasp gasp!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2007
I can't breath!!! gasp gasp!!
6
Tue, 04-10-2007 - 7:48pm

So, on Easter Sunday, we happened to trip and fall into my hubby's cousin's church. Hubby and I have not been to church for a very very very long time. But we got through the doors without the walls caving in and I decided that I really liked it there and we were going to make an effort to go.

Now, for the past few years, his cousin has been playing softball for the church league and we would always go and watch him play. Back in my high school days, I played softball and I loved it and i missed it.

So what's this all leading to???

I signed up to play.

So I am now the only girl on a team full of guys playing in a church softball league. I am a very large girl, afraid of mockery and ridicule, but am still going to give it my best anyways.

Today we walked to the highschool track. I had to make sure that I would at least be able to sprint short distances without having a heart attack or dropping over dead. Turns out I can still move somewhat quickly despite my size, but have a hell of a time trying to catch my breath. I don't remember, and if someone could refresh me, Is this one of those things that I am going to have to build up a tolerance for? Is there anything I can do, like breathing exercises, i.e. that will help me build up my lungs a little quicker? Any suggestions, anybody? PLease? HELP!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Tue, 04-10-2007 - 8:09pm

Hon if you find any that work PLEASE let me know.


I have heard so many times that deep breathing exercises will help and the only thing I find they help with is catching my breath afterward, IF i can even take a deep breath at all.


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Angela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2006
Tue, 04-10-2007 - 8:57pm

Jennifer,
I think that you may have to use exercise to build up your endurance. Can you add visits to the track two or three times a week? Even 20 minutes of walk/run (pretend you're circling the bases!) will help. Another thing that I find really good for endurance is climbing stairs. Can you add two-three flights of climbing a couple times a day?

Good for you for joining a team - I am old enough that Title 9 is after my time, and although there were a few girls sports when I was in school, it seems like the same 6 girls from my class played field hockey, basketball, and softball. I had no real desire to play (and no talent) but as an adult I really wish I'd had that experience when I was younger. The first season of the WNBA, I would watch the games and cry, I was so happy to see women being cheered for playing sports.

Have a great time - PLAY BALL!

SJ
225-169-135

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Wed, 04-11-2007 - 7:57am

Wohoooo!!! WTG girl for signing up!!


All I know is that when you do more cardio, it will help with your indurance. I know that I can cycle now faster and longer than I did before. And I can walk faster and longer than when I first started. So I guess it's cardio, cardio, cardio

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Avatar for saej72
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2003
Wed, 04-11-2007 - 9:27am

oh boy do i remember the days of playing softball.. In high school (1986-90) I was into softball, track and volleyball and i remember that the 1st 2 weeks of practice were pure hell. Last time i played softball was in 1992 and I broke my femur sliding into 3rd base ( I was around 200 lbs at the time and still pretty "fit").

just keep chugging along and it'll get easier. the one good thing about softball is that you don't have to run for long periods of time... unless you are a "power hitter" and hit a home run.
good luck

Sara
342 -- 261.6 -- 200
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/s/samanthagrace/

Sara  

342-300-200

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2007
Wed, 04-11-2007 - 10:38am
Jennifer, I think it's awesome that you've taken this bold move.

Annie

"We do not think ourselves into new ways of living.  We live ourselves into new ways of thinking."  &nbsp

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2007
Wed, 04-11-2007 - 12:23pm
Cardio Cardio Cardio. Every day for about half an hour. I know how you feel 100% about fearing ridicule; I've actually been taunted by strangers on the street while I'm trying to go for walks... you would think people would have better things to do than make fun of people trying to lose weight, but never over-estimate people. So I came up with my own regimen of walking on the spot at home. I throw on my iPod, go to my room, and walk on the spot for half an hour, or sometimes more. Climbing stairs is good cardio, I try to do 5 sets up and down 3 or 4 times a week. Other than that, treadmills, stationary bikes, light-sports playing, all will help build your lung-power.
Good luck with the baseball league, and congratulations for having the guts to actually sign up!!! Bonne chance