I have just got in from my second ever 8 minute run. I am still wondering if I can do this cos I'm finding the breathing hard. I'm planning on going out again Saturday. Anyone else on day 2?
I'm with you: I have just got in from my second... - Couch to 5K
I'm with you
You can do this! You've done it once (twice in fact) and you can do it again!
Different people will say different things about breathing - but I found when I was in week 1 and 2 (and 3 .....and even now) that just concentrating on breathing in and out while counting (the count varies depending on the day!) meant that it wasn't so hard.
But i'm sure some more experienced folks will be along with much better advice soon!!
Try "rythmic" breathing as you run. It's a bit like dancing - where you step (dance) in time to the beat of the music - except for running you breathe in and out to the rhythm of your feet on the pavement. Try breathing in for 3 steps and breathing out for 3 steps when you are running slowly - and if you feel that you aren't getting enough air (maybe running a bit too hard for current level of fitness) try 2 in and 2 out. But better at this stage to run slowly using the 3/3 beat or even 4/4 beat.
Bazza1234 has given good advice try it and see. If that is not for you then, as he says try slowing down (I know what you are thinking 😀but it is surprising how slow you can run, slower than I walk is my usual slow pace) try to forget about concentrating on breathing as this can make you tense and create a circle. Let it take care of itself for a while.
Oldfloss always says to kiss the ground with your feet. If you thump too hard you use loads of needless energy. Slow and steady will win out. Good luck for your next run out