Breathing

ysienkiewicz

I would love to be able to jog, but I get so out of breath. I also get out of breath and light headed when I swim. Is it that I just need to keep plugging to get get better in shape, or am I breathing wrong? I quit smoking 2 1/2 years ago. As far as I know, I am healthy (clear chest xray, good stress test, etc.)

JenMc14

I don't know about the swimming, but before you started attempting to run, did you have a good walking base? As in could do a brisk pace for 30 minutes? If not, start there. Then progress to Couch to 5K. You may also want to talk to your doctor to make sure you don't have any sort of asthma or lung issues, if those weren't checked for already.

Lisa_Rhodes

^^ Definitely check to see about Asthma. I have exercised induced Asthma, but I did read somewhere to breath in and out of your mouth (not shallow breathing, deep belly breathing) when jogging/running as it helps w/ the side stitches. I started jogging 4 weeks ago and it helped me greatly. Only recently have I started to feel pains because I just upped my speed.

fromnebraska

Try running slower. When I first started my c25k I was "running" very slowly. It was more like a...very fast walk. Eventually your body gets used to it and you'll be running 3 miles and be able to have a conversation with someone. It's truly amazing how your body can adapt. Stick with it!

holothuroidea

Unless you have asthma or some other lung disease, you're not breathing wrong you're just out of shape.

The more you push your limits, you will start to breath more efficiently out of necessity. Your body will learn, you don't really need to think about it too much.

I've found that focusing on my breathing freaks me out during runs so I just put the lungs on autopilot and keep my mind in my legs.

fromnebraska

I've found that focusing on my breathing freaks me out during runs so I just put the lungs on autopilot and keep my mind in my legs.

Me too!

ysienkiewicz

Thanks everyone! I think I am just more out of shape than I thought, LOL!

:blushing:

holothuroidea

Thanks everyone! I think I am just more out of shape than I thought, LOL!

:blushing:

You are not alone!! When I first started I was seriously concerned that I might have asthma and I thought for sure something was completely wrong with me.