BREATHING

[fightingfit]

Hi Guys i am on week 7 run 2 as from tomorrow! Quick question about breathing techniques.. I struggle to breathe therough my nose whilst running ( anyone else? ) Is it better to breathe deeply through the mouth? Or short sharp breaths? Do we need to inhale more deeply for more oxygen etc? Thanks xxxx

[Plinth Graduate]

I found this too. In the end I just stuck with what felt comfortable, but kept it slow. I've improved since I got to my own music as it distracted me. The more I thought about breathing the harder it got. That said, outside of the running I am practicing breathing more from the tummy.

[Hidden]

pretty much as Plinth - you will find you own way to breathe & the more focussed you are the more it can put you off.

one thing that is for sure is that you do need a massive amount of oxygen, so yes deep (slow) breaths. I find if I go too long with short breaths I get light headed and start getting lead legs.

[roundbutsound Graduate]

I can't get enough air in just through my nose but like Plinth, the more I think about it the more breathless I become. The only thing I try is to breathe more slowly and deeply rather than shallow panting which makes me tense and dizzy.

[runningmam Graduate]

I had trouble breathing and tried lots of different techniques that gave little or no help. so I tried to take my mind away from it altogether. To do this I count my steps! I count every right foot strike and when I get to a hundred, I start again.

Sounds daft but it works for me

[cherimoya]

I also struggle to breathe through my nose, it sometimes feels like I'm just can't get enough air in that way when I'm running. So I just go with what feels right - breathe through my mouth for a bit, then through my nose for a bit. Either way I try to take steady deep breaths, although only a 'normal' amount, not over-exaggerated breathing.