Is there a reason my throat & lungs burn when I run, but not when I do cardio @ the gym?

Question

I work out at the gym three days each week. I do one hour of weights each day and thirty minutes of cardio on either the Elliptical or the treadmill. I usually run 2-3 miles on the treadmill at around 6 miles per hour or 2.5 miles on the elliptical on a high resistance setting. I sweat a lot, wear myself out, breathe hard, etc. My throat and lungs do not hurt at all. When I run outside, even when the weather is perfect (65 and sunny), my entire respitory system burn and feel constricted. I sometimes cough after the run. Why just when running outside and not while doing even more intense cardio in the gym?

Thanks for the help...

Answer 1

I have always had the same problem. At one point I was running 5 miles in 40 - 45 minutes 3 times a week on a treadmill at a good speed and mid elevation and still felt like I could run much farther no problem. Then I went jogging, a slow jog, with my neices boyfriend. Slow not because he was out of shape, although he kept warning me before hand that he, but rather that I, supposedly inshape, was on deaths door. I felt like such a wuss when my throat and chest were on fire not even a block down the road. Rediculous! It seems like this burn happens all year round without regards to weather. Ever since then I pass when they all want to go for a run. Any ideas let me know. I guess I need to get a berometer and check if its humidity. Thanks for the idea. Its glad to know your not alone in this!

Answer 2

When you run, your rate of breathing increases to get more oxygen to the rest of your body.  Most people breathe through their mouths because it allows for quicker bursts of air than breathing through the nose.  When you breathe through your mouth, the cold, fast moving air dries out the natural mucus in your throat and lungs and lo and behold you feel like your throat is on fire.  Try teaching yourself to breathe in through your nose and out your mouth.

Answer 3

When you run, your rate of breathing increases to get more oxygen to the rest of your body.  Most people breathe through their mouths because it allows for quicker bursts of air than breathing through the nose.  When you breathe through your mouth, the cold, fast moving air dries out the natural mucus in your throat and lungs and lo and behold you feel like your throat is on fire.  Try teaching yourself to breathe in through your nose and out your mouth.