I have read in RW about breathing techniques and have tried some but I have come to use breathing as a guauge or limiter to the effort I am putting in. I stand to be corrected if it is not good technique. Being a fairly new serious'ish runner there can be a tendency to run too fast. If I want to go for a really easy jog I make sure that I can breath comfortably in then out every 8 strides 4/4 (in) left,right,left,right (out)left,right,left,right. As my effort increases to a normal mid tempo outing I reduce the length of in/out to 4/2. I don't find 3/3 particularly good. (I never was much of a waltzer)Then when I am running at 80%+ my in/out quickens to 2/2. I am sorry if you are bored by now but after the articles I am interested in how others breath. Also, does long slow breathing increase lung capacity/fitness?
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I also breathe 4/4 having developed this to exhale on 2nd left footstrike as I've found it does help to avoid/cure stitch. (I also count my breaths as I run until I lose count, then start again, but I think I may just be strange obsessive/compulsive sort!)
I think this is a personal thing where advice can be counter-productive if taken too literally: do whatever you are comfortable with.
You are not on your own, I also count my breaths to 100 then start again unless I loose count,
I usually breath every 3 steps but when I remember I try to breath every 4 steps.
Gaz, (strange and confused runner)
Seriously though I just aim to keep me breathing relaxed but do not concentrate on it that much – If you hold your posture and a good running style, breathing takes care of itself
I have to inform you that you are definitely weird. Hope that's not a problem.
I always breathe in time to my footsteps - I find rhythm in everything is important to keep relaxed. And I believe there are good physiological reasons to do it. I've varied over the years, but I typically run 2/2, except on a long run I'll do 3/3 to keep my speed down.
If I find myself counting to 100 tomorrow, I'll be VERY angry! ;-)
Don't know about you Gaz, but I'm proud to be weird. Freaks everywhere: count your breaths!!!
Steve (I don't count sheep either)
Went out running this morning and found that while running on the flat and downhill I exhaled every 4th step breathing in the other 3,
now going uphill I exhaled every 3rd step breathing in the other 2.
I dont concentrate that much on my breathing (just counting and singing to myself, Rock DJ at the mo) I just breath according to the conditions, ie, went out in wind the other day and didnt breath at all till I got home ! ! ! ! ! ? ?
Right on Helen, lets be proud.........
Gaz..........