Can’t seem to get a deep breath when running

[Andimcc]

Just started c5k on week two run two, I’ve a long way to go but enjoying it at the minute, don’t have any bother with being tired or sore legs but have a bit of trouble breathing anyone got any tips?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Simple.........if you can't breathe easily you are going too fast. Slow down to a sustainable pace. You should be able to hold a clear, unfaltering, ungasping conversation........any faster is too fast. As a new runner your body will adapt perfectly well at a slower pace. C25K is about building stamina and strength on which you can later build speed.

This guide to the plan may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

As IannodaTruffe says... slow down... taking it gently will get you there

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You'll get more used to it and it'll get better as you go. I know the podcast had a lesson on breathing in one of the weeks, but I found it was more of a hindrance than a help. Slow down and it should be a little easier, don't wait until you're out of steam before dropping the pace.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I found getting my breathing comfortable difficult in the first few weeks. The best advice I had was to stop thinking about it and just breathe! It will just sort itself out sometime over the next two or three weeks. Go slowly, relax & it will come right! 😃

[Fishypieface Graduate]

A wonderful piece of advice given to me by Jannowruns when I was having breathing issues, when I first started, was to breathe/blow out heavily a couple of times. By doing that it automatically makes you breathe in deeply, without trying. It still helps me take control when things sometimes go awry. But before that, I always slow down too.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I really agree with Fishypieface (and, by implication Bluebirdrunner )... long breath out. The answer (or at least start of one) to most of life's problems to be honest.

Coupled with this: try taking smaller steps.

[Babs24 Graduate]

I had exactly the same problem! First of all - I tried not to get stressed about it, and calm down. Because it does feel as though something was wrong. And I tried to get into the habit of breathing deeply in and out - because I realised I usually took just short intakes of breath. I sit at a computer all day, so I don't suppose that helped. I think the further you get on this challenge, obviously the fitter you get - and you just HAVE to breathe deeper and deeper as you are running - just to survive. And Tada!! One day it happened. Deep breath right to the bottom of my lungs. Beautiful. And easy. And normal. I did find that when I missed a couple of weeks due to a bad cold, I did have the same problem - but only for a run or two. Hope this helps! xx