Breathing Tips

[Jubyjane]

Hi

New to the group Ive just done 1st run week 4.... 🙄 man that was tough big jump to 5 minutes pathetic as it sounds. I struggle with breathing anyone have any tips ?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome... please check the post for Newbies out

Breathing.... just breathe like you do all the time... if it is a struggle, then slow down..if it is still a struggle slow down even more... Slow and steady is the mantra....because it works!

[Granspeed Graduate]

I found I gradually developed a more even breathing pattern after I had found a comfortable stride and rhythm. I think part of it was improved stamina, which is where the programme is aiming anyway. But do go slowly. Trying to rush is totally counter productive. 😊 Snail pace is fine 🐌 and better for everything than hustling along.

[BishyBarnabee Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

I agree with you, Granspeed. My breathing seemed to sort itself out once a comfortable pace clicked in. A nice, slow one! 😊

[Pegasus75 Graduate]

Well done for getting to week four! I’ve just finished week four and I felt exactly the same as you after the first run! I realised the trick was to slow down. For the first three weeks I was gradually getting faster but when I tried to maintain the speed I’d built up for five mins, I was exhausted! I slowed down for the second run of the week and then felt great for the third run!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Running isn't easy everyone thinks oh I could run for 5 minutes no problem but they would be pushed to do 60 seconds as we all were at the beginning so great for getting that 5 minute run done , as for your breathing slow it down even more than you think possible it should help. Good luck with the rest of wk4

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on breathing.

Basically, if you cannot great deeply and fully, you are going too fast.

Enjoy your journey.

[Setters Graduate]

I would say try to relax your shoulders, I find that when I am struggling to breath I tense up and my shoulders rise, which reduces your lung capacity. Also have found that after around 4 mins for me I realise that I am not getting more breathless, and then as my body sorts itself out for oxygen demands it magically gets easier and stays around that level. Good luck

[Boolie3]

Week 4 is huge jump. It defeated my husband and me and many other new runners I know..

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Best advice I had was... “Relax, go slow & don’t even think about breathing- it will come right.” It did! It will for you too. 😀