Shut your mouth and run

marathon64

So I have read a lot especially from endurance runners about breathing through the nose rather than the mouth while running. I worked on it during my run today and noticed my breathing was slower and more controlled. Anyone have experience/tips about breathing/nose breathing during running? I'm especially interested in building endurance.

MaraDiaz

Been trying to breathe more through my nose (I have lifelong sinus woes and being a mouthbreather plays havoc with my sleep and my teeth, and makes me a prime bug catcher when I run!).

Noticed also my HR seemed to slow a little when I managed to breathe through my nose. I was doing in through nose and out through mouth for some of it because I felt stifled otherwise, but not sure if that's even right.

So yeah, I'd like some advice on this, too!

Scoobiesnax

I always try to breathe through my nose and work hard to control my breathing that way. I do my best to maintain a "2 steps in and 3 steps out" rhythm, it helps me keep a steady pace as well. It also will assist in keeping your mouth moist to by not breathing in through it and drying it out. And...the best part ? Less bugs to chew as well

marathon64

Tim these are great comments-thanks!!

meagalayne

I always try to breathe through my nose and work hard to control my breathing that way. I do my best to maintain a "2 steps in and 3 steps out" rhythm, it helps me keep a steady pace as well. It also will assist in keeping your mouth moist to by not breathing in through it and drying it out. And...the best part ? Less bugs to chew as well

^^ This. Tim's got great running advice, as always!

FrenchMob

What and where is the science behind this? I've read ALOT about endurance training/racing and I've never heard of anything like that. I can't see restricting your oxygen being a good thing, unless of course your're training for a race at higher altitudes.

amberaz

I'm not a big runner, but when I do run, I always try to breathe through my nose for as long as possible. I find that it actually allows me to run for longer periods of time without having to take a walk break. Just a mental thing maybe? It works though.

bulbadoof

What and where is the science behind this? I've read ALOT about endurance training/racing and I've never heard of anything like that. I can't see restricting your oxygen being a good thing, unless of course your're training for a race at higher altitudes.

Breathing through the nose is just better for you.

http://www.breathing.com/articles/nose-breathing.htm

Noses are just meant to breathe through. The mouth is really just there for when the nose is congested.

marathon64

Given all the chatter about this it would be nice to find something with the science-there is nothing that appears from a Google search that cites research. Great topic for Runners' World to cover!