How should I be breathing?

[mrslazy]

I've been reading as much as I can to keep me inspired, but people have mentioned there is a correct way to breathe. I have looked on the web page but can't find it, can anyone fill me in please?

[Mirella Graduate]

The Laura/correct way is in through the nose and out through the mouth, if I do this my noses freezes. Then, counting with your left foot strike, four paces in and then four out, I nearly keeled over trying that one! I am starting to get a rhythm to my breating now (2 in, pause, 2 out pause) which works for me at the moment but I'm sure it will get closer to Laura style as I progress.

[Mirella Graduate in reply to Mirella]

Sorry forgot to say she tells you in the podcasts rather than on the site but can't remember which weeks.

[emzylou Graduate in reply to Mirella]

It's week 2.

[mrslazy Graduate in reply to Mirella]

Thanks, that's really interesting. I hadn't given the panting any thought, putting one foot I front of the other was my main concern. I will give it some thought on my next run.

[juicydee Graduate]

I don't normally use a set rhythm, but when I'm pushing myself and need oxgen, I find that 3 in, 3 out works for me. Not the best to go with the tracks you ususally get on running CDs though......

[mrslazy Graduate in reply to juicydee]

Thanks, I won't worry too much about it, my legs seem to be my main concern as they get tired quickly.

[emzylou Graduate]

In and out! I can't do it the way Laura says. I try to think about my breathing and slow it down and take in plenty of air.

[mrslazy Graduate]

Lol, I will definitely use the the in out method! Thanks

[Katlikegirl Graduate]

If ever you feel like you're not getting enough air, rather than letting it stop you, think about your posture for a moment.

I have a tendency when I'm tired to hunch forwards a bit (this is improving as my fitness improves).

If ever I feel I'm not getting enough air I try to straighten up a bit, shrug my shoulders up towards my ears and let them drop down further back. This opens up the chest and stops the restriction of your airways.

[mrslazy Graduate]

Thanks for your comments, I will give it a go.

[OldNed Graduate]

It really don't matter as long as you keep on doing it!! But "frequently" is good. As for not doing it, ooh, you definitely don't want to go there.

And, being serious for a moment, I can't manage the Laura-approved method either and just concentrate on keeping the oxygen going in any old how. Seems to work; I'm still here and still running.