Breathing Troubles While Running

[_Vitaly_]

Hi everyone,

I'm struggling with my breathing while running. I'm following a 5k app that suggests inhaling for 4 steps with my left leg and exhaling for 4 steps. It's really tough to keep up with this pattern and I find myself getting out of breath quickly.

Does anyone else have trouble with this? I'm worried it's affecting my running form and overall performance. I'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have.

Any advice or recommended resources would be greatly appreciated!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi  HAPPYPLODDER18 …yes..I have advice…just breathe…just breathe naturally…your body needs as much oxygen as it can get and if breathing through your mouth is the only way, do that…try breathing from your diaphragm…The best way to practice this is to lay on the floor, put a book on the lower part of your stomach and breathe so the book goes up and down..let us know if this helps…you don’t mention what week you’re on but maybe just slow down too? You should be able to hold a conversation while you’re running ..you can never run too slow

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

My advice is that breathing is recommended. How you do it is totally up to you! I’ve never managed to breathe to any prescribed pattern. I do what comes naturally and that’s served me well all the way up to half marathon distance.

Often breathing problems are really speed problems from going too fast. You might find slowing down helps. Couch to 5k is best run at a pace where you can hold a conversation out loud, even if that feels slower than you’d expect. It’s counter intuitive but it’ll help you build a great base.

Good luck!

EDIT: Snap Mummycav ! Great minds think alike and all that!!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Yesss!! X