Breathing problems

[Cpop3]

I’m on Wk4 (due to do R3 today) and I am really struggling to get my breathing right. I don’t have asthma or breathing restrictions, but I can’t seem to get a regular rhythm established. I’ve followed the advice on the app by spend too much time counting my left foot and totally lose it (if you know what I mean) Is this something that will improve with time? And does anyone have any advice?

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

I found counting at that stage was rubbish. Best advice is slow it right down and look around as you run. All day every day you breathe without thinking about it, running slowly you'll do the same. Happy running

[Cpop3 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

I like that idea! Maybe I have been overthinking it. Thank you.

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Cpop3]

Good luck

[Cpop3 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

I slowed down and looked around me as I went. I won’t say it was a breeze but I certainly forgot about when and if to breathe in/out and didn’t get overly puffed. Great advice for me at the stage I am!

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Cpop3]

Fantastic, so pleased for you. Keep going - slowly and happily

[Dowat Graduate]

I didn’t get the hang of that counting steps/breathing bit either. Even now doing c25k second time around I didn’t get it. I do however focus for a minute or so, on taking some good deep in long out breaths ( if that makes sense) as I push up a hill or start to feel tired and that’s useful to me. I guess we’re all different and so it’s about finding what’s comfortable and helpful for you.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

I never managed to do it like the app said either but it never stopped me. Just breathe as best you can and when you can, try to get a good deep breaths in too to help get that much needed oxygen to your muscles 👍🏻😊

[Hidden]

I think it’s more likely that you’ll find your own rhythm. What works for me is IN - out out where the in feels like a continuous drawing of breath to just two steps and then I kinda go puff puff on the out breaths. I find that soothing! But I also think it’s ok to just run!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Please read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which includes advice on pacing and breathing........slow down and just breathe normally is the most effective advice.

[Hidden]

Nope, I didin't get the app breathing suggestion either.

I was doing fine on my runs until the particular one where it said about breathing, then it put me off completely. I just could not work to the four steps rhythm and I found it interrupted my stride too. In the end I just had to focus on something else and then I realised the breathing came naturally without me thinking about it, just as it had before the app made me panicky ! 🙄

[Roxdog Graduate]

Mmm. Breathing. Perhaps don't count but breathe in when you need to and not over think it. Breathing out properly seems more important than breathing in somehow - like swimming breathing. You could perhaps do some yoga which is all focussed around breathing deeply? Experiment... Well done