Breathing technique

[Jopanni]

I’ve been on and off 5k for a while and competed weeks 8 run 1 this morning, thing is I’m struggling to breathe properly. I’ve tried counting inhale and exhale but fins my body panics and breathes quicker.

I breathe from my chest and not my diaphrame I just can’t do it any hints or tips to help me conquer this.

Thanks

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice about breathing........forget about counting, relax and do what comes naturally and if you are still having trouble then slow down.

Enjoy your journey.

[Jopanni in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you I found the guide am reading it now 👍

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Diaphragmatic breathing takes a little practice but is definately worth it imo. I was taught it many years ago when I practised Yoga, so luckily I do it quite naturally now.

I have posted a link below - but there is lots of information out there.

Other than that, I try not to think too much about my breathing - trust that your body will generally do the right thing! 🙂Also, I don't know if the app is still the same but it used to erroneously tell us to breathe 'in through the nose and out through the mouth'. Do what feels right for you - most runners actually breathe in and out through their mouth. 🙂

runnersconnect.net/how-to-b...

[Jopanni in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you for your reply and link I shall have a read 😁

[DrEdFullyunfit]

Maybe you’re thinking about it too much?

Do you listen to music while running? I do and I find one of the benefits is that it takes my mind off my breathing! If I’ve not got that audible distraction, I start to pay too much attention to my breathing and everything goes to pot. In fact, when the app even mentions breathing it can send me a bit off (even with music playing) as I turn my attention to it.

The way I see it, my body has been breathing subconsciously for some time, I reckon I don’t need to concentrate on it too much unless a disaster is occurring and I need to calm down! If you’re running at the right pace a disaster is not occurring!

I also ignore the app’s instruction to breathe in through the nose - tried it, definitely did not work. I breathe in and out through my mouth

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to DrEdFullyunfit]

Completely agree about the positive distraction of music!🙂🎶

[Jopanni in reply to DrEdFullyunfit]

Thank you, that does make sense i went out this morning and focused on the views and didn’t pay attention to breathing and it was so much more enjoyable 👍👍