W2

[saladbowl4]

I completed week 2 last week, but I’m really struggling with my breathing. I’ve tried breathing in then out for 2, 3 and 4 steps, but I just don’t seem to be able to get into a rhythm with it. Any tips?

[telford_mike Graduate]

Hi, Don't over think it. Breathing is a natural thing and your body will do whatever's necessary to keep you going. I tried the 1,2,3,4 thing and it didn’t work for me, so now I just put it to the back of my mind and get on with the running. Good luck!

[AnnieW55]

Ignore the tips! 😮😄 I think the majority of people have tried them and not found them useful. Just breathe (don’t worry about nose or mouth anyway you can get the air in is fine). If you are getting out of breath then slow down. You will find it sorts itself out, usually around weeks 4/5ish and you only realise afterwards that it has settled all by itself.

[saladbowl4]

Thanks both - I’ll see how tomorrow’s run goes!

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Its really hard to follow any pattern - just let you body do it's thing - if you are struggling with it - slow down. I found the more I thought about it the more I struggled getting the air in😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I agree with all the other replies. Just breathe however you like, no set rules. Your body will find its own rhythm and you’ll be fine! 😀

[Jell6 Graduate]

Don't worry about counting the breaths.

Just in and out when your body prompts you to.

I did find deep breaths on the warm up walk helped, especially when you get to the longer runs 🤗

[saladbowl4]

Thanks. I ran this morning and although I was out of breath, it wasn’t as bad as when I was trying the breathing technique!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to saladbowl4]

That’s good news! It means you’ll be able to settle in and enjoy your running more!

Go smash the rest of the programme! 👏👏👏👏😀😀😀😀

[Highamred]

Like everyone is saying just do whatever comes naturally to you, I think breathing is something that you have to master the technique for and in the early stages of the app it’s enough to concentrate on actually running!!! I found that it helped me to listen to music when doing it as I wasn’t then obsessing about my breathing being correct, it takes your mind off it. One tip that did work for me was to try and breath from your sternum, so for breathing in your stomach should expand and retract with the exhale. Good luck and keep going!!!!!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Highamred]

I agree about music too! It also means you can’t hear yourself gasping for air! 😅😅

[Highamred in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Agreed!!!!! Haha........I also like it turned up quite loud to drown out the sound of the traffic as I find that can be a bit distracting too lol 😂