W2R2- guidance on breathing

[Urleh]

I was a bit astonished by the breathing guidance of 4 steps breathing in and 4 steps breathing out.

I had learnt that you should do a different number of steps, ie., 3 in and 2 out to avoid always having the same leg hitting the ground when you start breathing out as it has a higher impact on the leg.

Any thoughts?

[Mamtor]

Hi, coming back after 10 years of not doing very much. I used to find counting independent of steps worked for me. So far this is not working, guess it is a mixture of being unfit and only running for 90 seconds at a time.

[Ripcurlrana71]

The whole breathing thing was too complicated for me - so just breathed! As long as I could still hold a conversation I was happy. 😬 Now post graduation it’s just found its own rhythm, as my pace is now under control.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Just breathe. However you can. It’ll sort itself out once you get through about 8 minute runs 👍🏽

[sallenson Graduate]

Don't over-think it. For the time being just breathe. Your breathing will sort itself out when you're fitter

[nbanbury Graduate]

I do the in for 3 out for 2 thing and it works for me

[Hjdrunning]

I’ve tried but not been able to do 4 in 4 out. Glad to see i’m not the only one!

[theoldfellow]

Good question. I really can't get into counting. I tried the 4/4 thing and it almost made me trip! I just run, and thank God that I still can.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

It might be a useful thing to learn... later. I never got it myself. I just breathe and try to ensure an amount of deep breaths to keep that oxygen coming in as my body asks for it.

In the early weeks it can be a struggle but it does naturally sort itself out as you get fitter and more accustomed to running. 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yep...just breathe

Like you do all the time.... breathe normally and if you are struggling during runs, then you just slow down

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As suggested in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... just do what you have to do to be relaxed and comfortable as you run.

[Hidden]

If I think about my breathing, it gets messed up, and not just when I run.

Last week when I was doing the W2 runs, I deliberately distracted myself so as not to listen to the bit about breathing. I knew from a previous attempt at C25K some years ago that it would cause problems to try and do what was being said.

I guess as with everything else, the advice given will help some people and hinder others. In the end, no one knows a body and what it needs better than the person who is inside it.