Mouth breather when running

MyiahRose

I have always been a mouth breather when running. I find it impossible to just breathe through my nose.
I have to always breathe through my mouth and nose at the same time or i get cramps, which is sign of improper breathing or not enough oxygen. Problem is my mouth gets dry all the time because of it and i dont like to drink when running.
Any tips? Is anyone else a mouth breather?

Eric_DeCastro

when i feel like I have to breath through my mouth to get in more air, I slow down. I try and inhale through my nose and when I go up hills i inhale through my mouth. the only thing I can suggest is take a sip of water when your mouth gets dry. I don't really know of any other way. what is the problem with drinking while running? the mechanics of physically reaching for the bottle and replacing it? I know even with my fuel belt it can be a little cumbersome but It works for me. I use a nathan's speed 2 belt with two water bottles. You can try a camabak which has a hose that you just put in your mouth and swish some water in your mouth and spit out the water. hopefully someone can help you with other ideas.

ekat120

Why on earth would you only want to breathe through your nose??? I'll take as much oxygen as possible, thankyouverymuch.

Eric_DeCastro

Why on earth would you only want to breathe through your nose??? I'll take as much oxygen as possible, thankyouverymuch.

I agree with you, but when the santa ana winds are blowing in san diego the air is super dry and my mouth gets super dry. I just breath through my nose and exhale through my mouth. if that means running a little slower than I run a little slower. I don't run for time just distance. so if it takes me an hour to run 10K so be it.

JDubIsShrinking

My mouth also gets quite dry - I started stashing a mint or jolly rancher in my arm band that holds my phone (or a pocket if I have one). It may not be the *best* idea to run with something in your mouth, but it has helped me a great deal. When I start running longer distances while training for a half, I'll probably start carrying water with me.

3dogsrunning

I have always been a mouth breather when running. I find it impossible to just breathe through my nose.
I have to always breathe through my mouth and nose at the same time or i get cramps, which is sign of improper breathing or not enough oxygen. Problem is my mouth gets dry all the time because of it and i dont like to drink when running.
Any tips? Is anyone else a mouth breather?

I also only breath through my mouth. If I breath through my nose, it dries out my nasal cavity and it is quite painful.
I don't have a problem with dry mouth, but have you tried chewing gum? Just don't choke!

SaraC1977

I run with gum. Always have....it helps.

josavage

I run with a belt and bring liquid with me or stop at a water fountain. You don't need to drink a lot. I actually do most of my drinking on my cool down walk but it's nice to have water or gatorade with me for when I do need it.

Skye_NS

I was having the same problem until I started chewing gum. Works like a charm.

Ilikelamps

Chew gum

End thread

Go jump in the lake

JoRocka

I have always been a mouth breather when running. I find it impossible to just breathe through my nose.
I have to always breathe through my mouth and nose at the same time or i get cramps, which is sign of improper breathing or not enough oxygen. Problem is my mouth gets dry all the time because of it and i dont like to drink when running.
Any tips? Is anyone else a mouth breather?

I also only breath through my mouth. If I breath through my nose, it dries out my nasal cavity and it is quite painful.
I don't have a problem with dry mouth, but have you tried chewing gum? Just don't choke!

this.

nasal breathing kills me- I only do it when I'm sucking wind after long sprints to try to get my breath/heart organized.

skullshank

embrace sipping water once in awhile while running. or swish n spit.

capnrus789

Mouth breathing? You mean just breathing? You mean not keeling over dead? Yeah, I'm on board with that.

wheird

Oh wait, so I dont have to struggle to breathe through my nose only when running? This is good as I have sinus issues and usually only one nostril is working.

Factory_Reset

mouth breather asking for tips *snort*

good luck on your journey OP :flowerforyou:

Zx14chick

I am going to have to try running with gum. Makes me giggle a little bit to think of the old saying about being so clumsy they can't walk and chew gum at the same time.

MinnieInMaine

I'm a mouth breather too - narrow nasal passages. I try to bring a little water with me and at least take a quick sip when I need it. Some folks chew gum but I've never tried it.

SonicDeathMonkey80

Simple, as others said, chew gum so you make more saliva. I am a mouth breathing runner (that's the only time, I swear), and if I don't have gum or a drank, I just spit a lot. It's fun to try to hit signs and stuff too.

merisaOct3

I don't think this is a dumb question... I remember that I or someone else asked a running coach this question when I first started training for a half marathon. The coach said (and I paraphrase), breathe however you can get the most oxygen in your body! Mouth, nose, both, whatever!

CitizenXVIII

I've seen people suggest inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. To me, good breathing while running is deep and slow, no matter where the air comes in. I try to inhale over 3 steps and exhale over another 3. The hardest thing for me to learn was to breathe deep down, not shallow. Shallow breathing is a major cause of side stitches. I can go much farther with deep, rhythmic breathing.