How should I be breathing?: I've been reading as... - Couch to 5K

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How should I be breathing?

mrslazy profile image
mrslazyGraduate
11 Replies

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?

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mrslazy profile image
mrslazy
Graduate
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11 Replies
Mirella profile image
MirellaGraduate

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 profile image
MirellaGraduate 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 profile image
emzylouGraduate in reply to Mirella

It's week 2.

mrslazy profile image
mrslazyGraduate 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 profile image
juicydeeGraduate

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 profile image
mrslazyGraduate 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 profile image
emzylouGraduate

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 profile image
mrslazyGraduate

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

Katlikegirl profile image
KatlikegirlGraduate

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 profile image
mrslazyGraduate

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

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate

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.

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