Help with breathing

[mcnary21]

Hey guys and gals. I recently enlisted in the Marines, hoping to go Recon. I went for a 1.5 mile run, and I'm breathing rather uncomfortably. I don't have asthma or anything, just I have a weird breathing pattern, in my opinion.

So here's my point, should I breath as comes naturally to me, or should I breathe in a pattern, ie breathe in 4 steps, out 4 steps.

Thanks

mcnary21

[scskowron]

Breathe naturally. Any sort of abnormal breathing techniques and you're not going to be able to perform at your best.

More important question....do you run regularly? You should run 20-40 miles a week if you're planning on a career like this.

[rsctt83]

The way you breath is an involuntary function that is governed by the PH level of your blood. When the brain senses a higher level of CO2 by virtue of PH level of blood it will increase respiration rate to "blow off excess CO2".

I would get phyical exam, tell your doctor exactly what you were experiencing while running, perhaps he/she will put you on treadmill to replicate situation. Once cleared you should try and establish a base milage at comfortable pace {where you can talk while you are running} before you start higher intensity training.

Hope this helps

[mcnary21]

scskowron:

I got done with football about a month ago, and I've ran about a dozen times since then. I'm starting to run regularly now. Will my breathing get better?

[snow85]

when i go on distance runs, i breath in for two footfalls, then out for two. keeps me from getting out of breath, from breathing too much and essentially holding my breath, or from breathing too little.

in-in, out-out. all my buddies to the same thing, including those with asthma. at this point, there's no point in randomly going to a doctor. your count is too long, and you're essentially holding your breath which is what is throwing you off.

personally, i breathe through my mouth. i don't feel like i'm getting what i need when i only breathe through my nose. now, that could have something to do with the fact that i played a team sport so having extra air to be able to communicate was always important. as far as "in through the nose out through the mouth, or in and out through the nose or mouth," that's really a matter of personal preference.

the only time, as a runner, that you should hold your breath is during sprints, and depending on the distance, not even then.

[mcnary21]

I'm not holding my breath, just I'm not sure I'm breathing correctly to the the most out of my runs.

[snow85]

if you're breathing in for four counts, yes, you are holding your breath. when you go out for your run today, do both and you'll see the difference. then, breathe in for 6 counts and out for 6 counts. there's a huge difference.

[mcnary21]

Ok. Confirm this for me: breathe naturally as my body allows me to, don't think about it.

[snow85]

not necessarily. you have to breathe in a way that works for you, but that might not be the natural way, and you might have to train yourself to do it.

it's similar to breathing every right armed freestyle stroke, and people have to train themselves to breathe every other right armed stroke-- which is what you're doing when you're running.

when i first started seriously running at the tender age of 12, i thought that the in-in, out-out (taught to me by a marathoner), was too much and that i was "over" breathing, if that makes any sense. what i know now, is that it was right. it provides ample o2 to working muscles, allowing me to run faster longer. NOW, it's normal to me. i can't imagine breathing differently. the fact that it also works for friends of mine who have severe asthma, is just futher first-hand proof to me that it's on target. but yes, in the beginning, i did have to think about it.

as to whether it's natural or not, if i let my mind wander and then come back to thinking about my breathing, yeah, i'm in-in, out-out, so it would seem natural, but it's the way i run. believe it or not, your body doesn't always default to the most efficient form of movement. if it did, you wouldn't have posted here stating that your default form of breathing is uncomfortable.

[mcnary21]

All right. I'll just have to try breathing different somehow. To me, it sounds like I'm gasping for air, even though I'm not.

But I think it may be something along the lines that I'm a bit out of shape. I've been in better shape before, and I've breathed comfortably during those times.

[snow85]

how your breathing sounds and how it feels are two different things. what matters the most is how it feels.

try the in-in, out-out for an entire run for a few days. you'll have to focus on it, for sure, but see if by the end of the third run, it feels better.

if not, we'll have to think of something else.

[mcnary21]

So by in-in, out-out, do you mean in for two strides then out for two strides?

[Jen_MV]

Mcnary, just a few questions:
When was the last time you had a physical exam by a physician?
Do you have any history of lung problems?
(I just want to role out pathophysiologic reasons why you would have breathing difficulties.)

So by in-in, out-out, do you mean in for two strides then out for two strides?

Snow, I also want to know the answer to this question. I run just for cardio exercise, not to compete. Thanks for the tip.

[mcnary21]

My last physical was Oct. 29 at MEPS, and I've never had a lung problem.



I've been thinking about it, and I've concluded that I'm just out of shape.

[snow85]

if your feet go: left, right, left, right,
you breathe: in, in, out, out.

they're obviously shorter breaths than the ones you take when you're walking around or sitting at your keyboard. sort of like lamaze breathing.

it looks like this:

1. left (in)

2. right (in)

3. left (out)

4. right (out)

make sense?

(and jen, they don't test your lung capacity at MEPS unless you've indicated that you have a problem, just fyi.)

[mcnary21]

All right, thank you very much Snow. Helpful as usual.

But how does this differ from "in for three, out for three", which you advised me not to do?

[snow85]

well, to test it, you can do it sitting at your computer.

in-in-in, out-out-out

requires that you actually hold your breath longer than in-in, out-out because you're not exhaling between "in's"... does that make sense? to an extent, you do hold your breath.

in-in-in, out-out-out

requires you to hold your breath longer on the ins and outs than

in-in, out-out

does, which requires you to hold your breath longer than

in, out, in, out.

the in-out, in-out, is too fast for running-- try it and see.

[mcnary21]

All right. Thanks again for the help.

[snow85]

sure, no problem. if it doesn't work for you, let me know and we'll come up with something else.

[Jen_MV]

if your feet go: left, right, left, right,
you breath: in, in, out, out.

they're obviously shorter breaths than the ones you take when you're walking around or sitting at your keyboard. sort of like lamaze breathing.

it looks like this:

1. left (in)

2. right (in)

3. left (out)

4. right (out)

make sense?

(and jen, they don't test your lung capacity at MEPS unless you've indicated that you have a problem, just fyi.)

Thanks, Snow. I'll give it a try. Yes, pulmonary function tests are not part of the routine physical exams unless there is an indication.

Out of curiosity, does anyone else use breathing techniques when they run?

[scskowron]

Out of curiosity, does anyone else use breathing techniques when they run?


Not at all. I've found I've only had to change my breathing during exercises like dips, L-Pullups, and pushups because they constrict your diaphragm and the rest of your chest. Running keeps your chest free generally. I've done many miles running so it comes naturally. The only time I've ever noticed a change in my breathing was during a mid-distance sprint like a 400m.

[mitty140]

At first when I was reading Snow85's In-in, Out-Out breathing technique I kept thinking how dumb that sounded but actually without realizing it that's exactly how I breath when I am seriously pushing the pace. I'll support his claim by saying that is really is very effective and efficient!

[snow85]

that's all i'm sayin' people. don't knock it 'til you've tried it.

[SeaSpectre]

This is one of the forums that I was referring to when I posted the original "if you don't know what your talking about" thread.

jen, I see that you actually have some medical background and you seem to have legitimate advise.

I'm curious, snow---are you a medical professional? Or are you a fitness expert? I only ask because I am trying to get aquainted with some of the new faces to me.

I have said before. Be very careful giving health advice to our prospective operators. It would be very easy to steer a guy down the wrong path and thus put his health in terrible trouble.

[snow85]

actually sea, i've read your many "if you don't know what you're talking about posts," and it's clear you're talking about me. if you want my creds, do a site search.

i've listed them many times, and while your cronies have proven that they're perfectly capable of using it to find conversations i've had with friends, they just can't seem to find the credential posts that are in at least two or three places.

i do have med/fitness creds. they're out there for you to find.

ps. while you're at it, why don't you do a snow85 post search and read EXACTLY what i write re: medical issues. i've sent more than one person on this site to more than one physician that i personally know, with positive results. i can't help it if NICU nurses and massage therapists don't have the same training that i have, that's their choice, not mine.

[SeaSpectre]

WOW!! Is someone a little paranoid? Actually I was just trying to figure out who knows what----it's funny, I like to know who to go to when I have a question.
Maybe one should re-evaluate ones' attitude before just assuming the worst.

[snow85]

i'm not assuming the worst, and it's not paranoia. i'm just not interested in typing the same information 4,5,6, times, ad infinitum for every single person who posts on this site. nor am i interested in typing it for people who are obviously capable of using the search feature, or for the ones who read it the first 3 times around and have selectively forgotten it.

it's there. if you want to find it, you can. in fact, search it w/ skip, 'cause i even listed it out with numbers 1,2,3... for him. if you have questions about it, pm me.

[Jen_MV]

jen, I see that you actually have some medical background and you seem to have legitimate advise.

Snow85
i can't help it if NICU nurses and massage therapists don't have the same training that i have, that's their choice, not mine.

Sea, I'm a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor Degree. Unfortunately, my specialty is not orthopedics or sports medicine. I can only help to a certain extent. I'll help in any way I can . . besides, I'm here for fun, not to work!

:D

Snow, I searched the threads for your credentials since the last time it was questioned. You are an athlete and athletic trainer who took pre-med classes. It was not clear from the thread what collegiate degree you hold. Let me know if I missed your other credentials.

[SeaSpectre]

You see? Between the two of you, there is some really good stuff! Why not just try and get along for a while---might be interesting to see how that pans out.

Spectre out

[snow85]

jen can correct me if i'm wrong, but i don't think we've ever not gotten along, although i've seen the snipes. i just don't care about them. = )

[Jen_MV]

jen can correct me if i'm wrong, but i don't think we've ever not gotten along, although i've seen the snipes. i just don't care about them. = )

You are correct, we've gotten along. If I was snippy with you or anyone, it's because I see something I don't like and I feel compelled to post.

[snow85]

i find your chastising amusing, especially since you don't know much about me.

ps. cold up there? got into the 40s here last night.....but pretty all day today.

[Jen_MV]

i find your chastising amusing, especially since you don't know much about me.

ps. cold up there? got into the 40s here last night.....but pretty all day today.

LOL, Ok, I'll take that as a peace offering . . .

Same temperature here in Dallas . . . yes, it's my day off and I enjoyed the weather.

[snow85]

a peace offering for what? i haven't said anything "mean" to you.

[Jen_MV]

Sheesh . . . OK . . . Whatever . . . LOL

[SeaSpectre]

My GOD!! snow, your attitude is just amazing! "I find your chastising amusing". What the hell is that?

You need some serious social skills exercises.

[snow85]

why don't you read jen's comments to me, but more importantly about me, where she jumps in, and to whom the comments are directed. once, when i didn't respond to her b/c i didn't see the post (several people had posted since her question to me but before i got back to read), she deleted the entire post saying that if i wasn't going to respond to her, well, by golly, she was deleting what she wrote! please, don't punish me so!

btw, i thought i was on your ignore list.


jen--

i've watched your comments for a while. if you think i've been mean to you, i invite you to publicly repost those comments here. i'd like to see them.

[Jen_MV]

You are correct, we've gotten along. If I was snippy with you or anyone, it's because I see something I don't like and I feel compelled to post.

You were the one who used the word "mean". This is what I wrote.

[snow85]

because you used the phrase "peace offering," which i only know to be associated with "conflict," historically speaking.

[Jen_MV]

because you used the phrase "peace offering," which i only know to be associated with "conflict," historically speaking.

I consider this thread a conflict, minor, but a conflict nonetheless, hence the peace offering at the end.

[snow85]

ah, i see. thanks for clarifying, i think. the chastising comment wasn't about this thread. it was about others, but still, if you think i've been mean, post it, or pm it to me.

oh, and "peace offerings" that i know of, or am thinking of at the moment, involve... alternate states of consciousness, inhaled-- something i'm not up for right now. but, i might be up your way in a month or two, so maybe a drink?

[Jen_MV]

Sure, I'm always ready for a drink. . . . if I didn't have a flight to LA tomorrow, I'll be out right now!

Let me know when you'll be my way. . . .