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Ever wonder why your runs seem so inconsistent? If you feel like you have endless energy some days, while others leave you gasping for air, your breath might be the culprit. Although performance can also be affected by your diet, amount of sleep, and stress levels, learning how to breathe when running can make a major difference in your stamina and mindset. With so much to focus on, breath is one of the things that often falls to the wayside (especially for new runners), says RRCA/USATF-Certified fitness specialist and running coach Marci Braithwaite. “I coach new runners, runners in larger bodies, and runners at the back-of-the-pack. New runners have so many things to consider as they get started, and effective breathing techniques are one of the harder skills to master,” she says. Braithwaite adds that it’s important for runners to spend more time focusing on themselves, so that they’re less likely to make common mistakes like running too fast. “It is so important for runners to pay more attention to their own progress and not compare it to others,” she says. “Paying attention to their body’s needs is more important than speed.” Read on to find out how to breathe when running, as recommended by certified running coaches.
How to Breathe When Running
“Practicing breathing can help make your runs feel easier and ultimately, keep your lungs from feeling unnecessarily tired,” says Amanda Katz, RRCA-certified running coach and NASM-certified personal trainer. Still, she cautions new runners from obsessing over the exact frequency of their breath. “Doing your best to run at an effort where you could speak in full sentences is a great way to start.” Braithwaite adds that, for new runners, the best way to breathe while running is “whatever keeps you upright,” meaning whatever keeps you going. That said, there are a few breathing techniques to consider to help you breathe better while running.
Try Diaphragmatic Breathing.
Your lungs are just a bit smaller than your rib cage, but most people only use the top third of this powerful organ. If you struggle to breathe while running, odds are, you might be breathing with your chest instead of your diaphragm, Katz explains. Diaphragmatic breathing (also known as belly breathing) means inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, often utilizing the abdominal muscles to actively push air out. “Research suggests diaphragmatic breathing is best for taking in more air,” Katz says. Deep breathing can also increase blood oxygenation and improve your motivation, according to the University of Michigan Health.
When it comes to proper technique, Harvard Medical School recommends inhaling through the nose and out through the mouth, placing one hand on the chest and the other on your stomach. As you breathe in, the belly should expand and your hand should rise, while the hand on your chest remains still. Exhale through pursed lips. Katz suggests trying diaphragmatic breathing lying down first, so you’re more prepared during your run. If you’re having a hard time using belly breathing on your runs, you may want to check your posture, ensuring that you’re not actively compressing your diaphragm. Cross-training with yoga and Pilates can help you practice diaphragmatic breathing, as can meditation.
Match Your Breathing to Your Steps.
Once you have the basics down, try pairing your breath with your steps to find a rhythm that works for you. This can help with pacing and overall mindfulness as you start to think about your breath. “As runners start out, I tell them to focus on breathing in and out in an offset pattern with their steps. That means to breathe in for three steps, out for two, or a similar comfortable pattern,” Braithwaite says. “The goal is to land on a different foot each time you breathe in or out, so both feet receive an equal impact with the breath.” Katz agrees that breathing with your foot strike can be helpful. “Majority of runs should be done at a conversational effort. On these runs, try to inhale for three steps, exhale for three steps,” she says. A study from Science shows that many runners prefer a 2:1 rhythm (inhaling for two steps and exhaling for one), but you can adjust this framework depending on your specific pace and personal preference.
Consider Temperature.
It’s important to breathe through your nose while running in colder weather because cold air is dry and the nose humidifies air more effectively than the mouth, per the American Lung Association. Avoid breathing through your mouth in order to protect your lungs, prevent irritants from entering your airways, and make your runs easier in the colder months. You may also consider adding a layer over your nose and mouth — like a scarf or bandana — to warm the air and calm your airways.
Is It Better to Breathe Through Your Nose or Mouth?
Considering that the nasal airways are so much smaller than the ones in the mouth, it might not feel natural to breathe through your nose at first. But research shows that, while you can still choose which airway to use while running, breathing through your nose may increase diaphragmatic function. It also suggests that this deep breathing can improve your overall running economy (aka, the amount of energy and oxygen you’re expending to run at a certain pace). Nasal breathing can even decrease your risk of upper respiratory tract infections because of the nose’s built-in filtration system, called cilia, and humidification. That said, the specific airway you use does not seem to significantly impact your power output or performance.
Given these findings, Katz agrees with Braithwaite, advising new runners not to stress if they find themselves breathing through the mouth. Katz says it’s better to focus on intentional diaphragmatic breathing and easy effort running.
Why Is It Important to Learn How to Breathe While Running?
At the end of the day, it comes down to running economy. “Finding a rhythm, at a pace that is good for your current fitness level, helps you to develop a pattern to your breathing,” Braithwaite says. “This, in turn, allows your body to effectively use the oxygen you breathe, which helps you power through each run.” But while deep breathing can be advantageous for endurance and stamina, ensuring your muscles get the oxygen they need to function, research also suggests that specific breathing techniques may be most useful on a psychological level, helping people improve their exercise tolerance and curate a more positive mentality.
Additional Reporting by Chandler Plante