W2R2

[ckp82]

My run was late today, I didn't fancy running in the rain. I guess I'm more of a fair weather kind of guy.

I think I'm getting used to the running part, my breathing on the other part definitely needs working on. I try breathing in for 4 steps then breathing out for 4 steps but I feel more out of breath when doing this, maybe it will come in time?

[PMcL1966 Graduate]

Stick with it. It becomes easier. If you can distract yourself you’ll find you breath naturally.

[ckp82 Graduate in reply to PMcL1966]

I'll have to download some podcasts I think!

[Goldilocks82 Graduate]

I'm at a similar stage to you. I completed W2R3 today and I'm the same. Really struggling to get to grips with my breathing. Breathing has always been the issue for me when it comes to running and is the reason I have avoided it at all costs my whole life. Gotta say I'm quite worried at the prospect of week 3 and 3 min runs 🙈

[ckp82 Graduate in reply to Goldilocks82]

Seems like we are definitely at the same level!

[Talkhopper]

I found the four steps breathing thing virtually impossible to coordinate and more hassle than it was worth! I just concentrated on breathing slow and steady and trying to find a natural rhythm and haven’t had any issues.

[ckp82 Graduate in reply to Talkhopper]

Its definitely a work in progress, I guess what works for some may not work for others.

[newbie-nick Graduate]

I did W2R2 yesterday and I can say that I didn't even think about my breathing. I'm not saying that I am a perfect runner🤣, but I just ran. Maybe you are spending too much time thinking about it? I know that I am hill walking or cycling, it just happens, and that seems to be the same for me with running. Where do you run? Town, countryside etc? I am in the country and I spend's most of my time looking around which keeps me occupied and my mind off such matters. Good luck, and here's to W2R3 tomorrow!! EEEK.

[ckp82 Graduate in reply to newbie-nick]

I run around town, there's plenty to see but the breathing just happens whether good or bad, maybe you are in better shape so it doesn't effect you? I used to smoke like a chimney but gave it up 7 years ago, maybe the damage is already done?

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to ckp82]

I can assure you that I am not in a good shape - much to my discredit! Whatever happens, keep going, and I'm sure that you stopped 7 years ago will go in your favour. The one thing I have found awkward, is what to do with my hands. Open or closed; part closed or clenched. In the end I just decided to cary something, be it an unneeded water bottle or a small towel to mop the rain off. As I'm only a W2 runner, this may well change again.

Let us know how you are getting on after your next run, and try counting paving slabs or manhole covers; work out words from car reg numbers or see what people have written on the back off dirty cars - anything to keep your mind off your breathing.

[TwiggyL Graduate]

I was just like you making regular 4 steps breathing my priority, making sure I breathe through nose only, stressing myself about it as it was not happening. It was just distracting me enormously. Around week 5, as the runs started to get longer, and as advised by IannodaTruffe on this forum just to relax, I gave up on it and went with what felt natural for me. And it appears that during runs I prefer to breathe through my mouth and I stopped forcing myself to breathe otherwise or count. Maybe better technique will come later, but for now it is much more enjoyable to go in tune with my body.