What's Wrong With the Way I'm Breathing?

[Birdlady64]

Week 2 run 1 and I'm finding a nice rhythm. Then Michael Johnson tells me to think about my breathing. Why? What's wrong with the way I'm breathing? Should I be breathing differently? How am I breathing actually then? Now I've lost my rhythm. It takes me until almost the end of the run to get it back. Grr!

Week 2 run 2 and I'm finding a nice rhythm. Then Michael Johnson tells me to think about my breathing. La la la! I can't hear you. Now I've lost my rhythm. Again! I've no idea what he said. Let's just carry on anyway. It takes me a few minutes to get my rhythm back.

Week 2 run 3 and I'm finding a nice rhythm. Then Michael Johnson tells me to think about my breathing. What is it he is saying exactly? Count to 4. In 2,3,4. Out 2,3,4. Hmm. That's exactly what I'm doing. There's nothing wrong with my breathing! I'm maintaining a nice rhythm.

I see other people posting about breathing struggles. I can only assume that, as a regular swimmer pre lockdown, I must be used to regular rhythmic breathing and that this is helping in my running.

I'd still much rather be back in the pool but I am now looking forward to week 3 (a little bit)

[Gannet1 Graduate]

I know what you mean about the breathing! Then I read one of the administrators (Ian) comments saying he found it off putting too and not to worry about it, so I don’t. 😀 Sounds like you’ve totally got it anyway! Enjoy! 👍

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Gannet1]

Thanks. Good to know I'm not alone. 🙂

I'm not sure I'm quite at the stage of enjoying myself yet, but it's certainly keeping me fitter, healthier and more sane in these crazy times.

[Gannet1 Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

Yes, totally keeping me sane too! One of the best bits! 😀

[MarkyD Graduate]

Ignore breathing advice. So long as you are breathing OK, do your own thing. Changing the way that you breathe during a run is practically impossible.

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks. I will ignore and carry on.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in the guide to the plan, if you are comfortable with the way you are breathing, just carry on regardless...........certainly don't overthink it.

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the tip. I was doing it without even thinking about it but it just threw me out for a bit.

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Haha, I found that with Michael too, try to count and match your breathing to your stride? What the heck are you on about Michael? I'm running and breathing at the same time, don't ask me to count as well!! 😂

Don't worry, he will stop, so as long as you're happy with the way you're breathing, keep it up ☺️ I'd say the swimming 🏊 background definitely helps ☺

Good luck with week 3 🏃 ☺

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Joanney69]

Thanks. Good to know he stops with that advice. It certainly threw me out for a bit.

[PollensaPal]

I used to worry about my breathing (& having a constantly dry mouth) but after putting something on the forum & being told not to stress about it, I’m far more relaxed about it. I’m finding that I’m enjoying my running a lot more too!

Enjoy your Couch To 5K journey!

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to PollensaPal]

Thanks. You too

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to PollensaPal]

Yeah - I'm getting a dry mouth too which always seems to be more bothersome in the first half of a run for some reason. Weird.