I never thought that I’d be in my late 30’s and saying that I needed to learn how to breathe. Breathing is one of those things that you kinda know or you don’t, right? Babies breathe – so why can’t I? Every time I run, I find myself struggling for more air fairly quickly. It’s so frustrating.
Little did I know that this question has been asked – frequently – and many articles have been written about the subject on RunnersWorld.com, Active.com, and PopSugar.com, to name a few. There’s even this video on YouTube teaching runners how to breathe. The video is kinda long (4 minutes), and the guy is holding his own camera so the video is bouncy and a little annoying, but I love how he demonstrates what people are probably doing – like I was – and what you should be doing instead.
PHEW! I’m glad I’m not the only one Googling “how to breathe when running”. Lots and lots of resources are available on the subject.
I’ve always thought that maybe my short, shallow breathing could be due to the fact that I used to smoke, for many years, and maybe to an extent it is. I haven’t had a smoke on almost two years, though, so I was hoping this whole breathing thing would be a little easier. I did learn a few things from the various articles and videos I watched like:
Take belly breaths. Concentrate on expanding and contracting your stomach when you breathe. Breathing from your belly can help prevent side stitches and maximize your oxygen intake.
Match your breathing to your steps. This is an easy way to concentrate on breathing in and out, without really having to concentrate on your breathing. Counting your breaths with your steps is a little easier.
Keep your breaths even. If you breathe in for 3 counts, breathe out for 3 counts. This is really hard to do sometimes, especially if you’re pushing your body to the limit, but it gets easier with time.
I’m currently in the middle of C25K’s Week 4 training where I have to run for 2 five-minute stretches. This might seem like small potatoes to most of you, but it’s a big deal for me. I’m just hoping I can stop struggling so much. I mean, as long as I’m improving each time (even if it is a little bit), I’m doing something right, Right?
I am curious though, how did you regulate your breathing when you started running? Did it just come natural? Or did you have to make a conscious effort to change the way you breathe?
