Extremely Red Face After Vigorous WO

There may be a forum for this already. If so, sorry to take up new space, kindly direct me to where I can locate it (the title of the forum).

So, I'm not overweight - 5'5 130lb however, I am 31 and female and new to working out.  I quit smoking after 15 yrs in Dec '08 with one relaps of about 3 cigarrettes back in June '09.

I have began counting calories, weighing my food, and working out for about 3 weeks now. Lost 6 lbs! Whoo-hoo!

My question is 2 part. I am experiencing pain in the center of my chest, dead center between my breasts. Are those my lungs? Should I be worried or are they simply healing after having not had fresh air in 15 years?  The pain comes and goes, I have good days where I don't feel the pain - I feel amazing and healthy.  Then, there are days, like these past two where the pain just feels like a rock stuck in my chest.

I am constantly *ah-hem-hem*ing to clear my throwt (sp?) and the phlem is hard to get up.  It sticks around all day. I drink hot tea for releif, and am constantly swallowing hard to push this crap away.

Now, when I work out strenuously for 45-60 mins.  Running at 6mph or mtn biking 8 through hills for 8 miles - my face feels like its gonna pop. When I look in the mirror, the color is deep red, like a raspberry/tomato mix.

Should I be concerned about any of this or is this my body getting healthy? I guess I just want to know if this is normal or if its suggested I seek a professional's diagnosis.

Thank you for listening!

15 years of tar build-up in the lungs won't go overnight.... I think what you're describing is that you're simply out of shape, unfit.   Going red in the face or having to clear your throat a lot isn't all that unusual but pains in the chest should never be taken lightly.  An hour of exercise could simply be asking too much too soon, so I'd suggest starting with 30 minutes of exercise a day and working up.  If you still get chest pains, then see your doctor.

I'd suggest a visit to the doctor too. You might even have exercise induced asthma.

You should get a complete exam by your physician before starting such an exercise plan.