Running is a great way to improve your fitness, health, and mood. However, many beginners struggle with breathing when running, which can make the experience less enjoyable and more challenging. If you find yourself gasping for air, feeling dizzy, or getting side stitches, you may need to adjust your breathing technique.
Breathing when running is not as simple as inhaling and exhaling. You need to consider factors such as your pace, intensity, rhythm, and posture. You also need to practice and experiment to find what works best for you. Here are some tips and techniques to help you breathe better when running.
• Breathe through your mouth. Your mouth is a larger opening than your nose, which allows more oxygen to enter your body and fuel your muscles. Breathing through your mouth also helps you expel carbon dioxide faster, which can prevent fatigue and cramps. Try to breathe deeply and evenly through your mouth, especially when running at a moderate or high intensity.
• Breathe from your belly. Many people tend to breathe from their chest, which can cause shallow and inefficient breathing. To breathe more deeply and fully, you need to engage your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest and abdomen. To do this, expand your belly instead of raising your chest when you inhale, and contract your belly when you exhale. This can help you take in more air and avoid side stitches.
• Breathe in a rhythm. Breathing in a rhythm can help you regulate your breathing and coordinate it with your running cadence. This can improve your efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. A common breathing rhythm is to inhale for two steps and exhale for two steps, or 2:2. You can also try other ratios, such as 3:3, 2:3, or 3:2, depending on your pace and comfort level. Experiment with different rhythms and find what suits you best.
• Breathe through your nose occasionally. While breathing through your mouth is generally more effective for running, breathing through your nose can have some benefits as well. Breathing through your nose can warm and filter the air, which can protect your lungs and throat from irritation. It can also help you slow down your breathing and calm your nervous system. You can try to breathe through your nose during warm-ups, cool-downs, or easy runs, or alternate between nose and mouth breathing during your runs.
• Relax your upper body. Tension in your upper body can restrict your breathing and waste your energy. To breathe more freely and comfortably, you need to relax your shoulders, neck, jaw, and face. Keep your shoulders low and loose, and avoid shrugging or hunching them. Relax your neck and jaw, and avoid clenching your teeth or frowning. Keep your head up and look ahead, and avoid tilting or turning it too much.
• Practice breathing exercises. Breathing exercises can help you improve your breathing technique and capacity, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. You can practice breathing exercises before, after, or between your runs, or on your rest days. Some examples of breathing exercises are:
• Box breathing. This is a simple exercise that involves breathing in a square pattern. To do this, inhale for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold your breath for four counts. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes, and try to breathe deeply and slowly.
• Lion’s breath. This is a yoga exercise that involves exhaling forcefully and making a roaring sound. To do this, inhale deeply through your nose, and then exhale strongly through your mouth, sticking out your tongue and making a “ha” sound. Repeat this a few times, and try to relax your face and throat.
• Alternate nostril breathing. This is another yoga exercise that involves breathing through one nostril at a time. To do this, sit comfortably and use your thumb and index finger to close and open your nostrils. Inhale through your left nostril, close it with your finger, and exhale through your right nostril. Then inhale through your right nostril, close it with your finger, and exhale through your left nostril. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes, and try to breathe smoothly and evenly.
Breathing when running can be challenging, but it can also be improved with practice and patience. By following these tips and techniques, you can breathe better when running and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful activity. Happy running!
