Breathing : Hi I’m 61 in April this year and... - Couch to 5K

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Breathing

gwenpens profile image
8 Replies

Hi

I’m 61 in April this year and would love to be able to run 5 k as a birthday pressie to myself. I’m fairly fit as I’ve been doing HIIT classes twice a week since January and a good mountain hike at least once a week. But I do get out of breath and sort of panic when this happens. Will I ever be able to get past this? If so what’s the best way?

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gwenpens profile image
gwenpens
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8 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Slow down.

It really is as simple as that.

The optimal pace to run/jog at is one at which you can speak aloud clear ungasping sentences as you go.........if you cannot, you are going too fast.

Have you completed C25K?

gwenpens profile image
gwenpens in reply toIannodaTruffe

I did it this time last year but i was very slow and hated the breathlessness so when I did the full 5 k once I didn’t ever do it again. Thinking I’ll give it another go as I’m fitter now. Thanks for the advice

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply togwenpens

As I said, if you are breathless you are going too fast for your current fitness level. The body does not adapt and develop nearly as effectively if you are not giving it a good supply of oxygen.

This post about breathing may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

gwenpens profile image
gwenpens in reply toIannodaTruffe

Wow. Thank you. That article made so much sense. I’m so grateful. I’ll let you know how I get on. Heading out for my first run tomorrow am. Minding my lovely grandson today.

gwenpens profile image
gwenpens

Thank you bunnyrabbit1. I’m hoping that being fitter and stronger because of the HIIT training I’ve been doing will help. My first run will be tomorrow so I’m sort of psyching myself up for it. And yes I think I probably over focus on the breathing. I’ll try with music and see how it goes. Thanks for the advice.

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate

Watch this - and pay attention to how easily they can chat as they jog:

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...

gwenpens profile image
gwenpens in reply toJohn_W

Hi John-W That’s great news for me as I can jog 5k about 10 mins faster than walking it. I’ll remember this when I’m out tomorrow. This site is so good for motivation

gwenpens profile image
gwenpens

I’ll let you know. Feeling v positive with the support this site offers

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