breathing while running

You can get a stitch due to your breathing, I think the better your breathing become, you will get less stitches.
Stitches Could also be due to eating to close to when you go running.
Well done on becoming a new runner x x

Use the c25k program, it will get you where you want to be a lot faster than trying to do intervals by yourself. I finished it about 3 weeks ago and yesterday I ran for 60 minutes with no problem.

As far as breathing, discipline is very important. For me, I was breathing too much, too fast. I didn't need as much oxygen as I was trying to get. Slow, deep, easy breaths got me more oxygen and after a while I got used to it.

Not sure if I am the ideal person to help you but...here goes!

I had similar problems when I was getting started in running. Turns out my breathing was simply too shallow for my needs. A friend helped me find a breathing rhythm by focusing on my footfalls... four counts in, four counts out. I keep my lips pursed a bit to allow air to come in through both nose and mouth.

Now, a word from some experts...
"Most runners, says Solkin, are "chest breathers"-not "belly breathers." To help her clients see the difference, she has them run a mile at a pace that gets them huffing a bit. Then she has them stop and place one hand on their abdomen and one hand on their chest and watch. The lower hand should move with each breath, while the upper hand should remain relatively still (usually the opposite occurs). "Every time you breathe in, your belly should fill up like a balloon," says Solkin (see "Breathe Right"). "And every time you breathe out, that balloon should deflate. When you chest breathe, your shoulders get tense and move up and down. That's wasted energy-energy you should conserve for running.""
( http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12989-0,00.html )

Hope this helps a little.

I had terrible stitches, and wheezing problems when doing C25K. I found the best remedy was to breath out, as far as you can, then a little more, til it feels like your lungs are going to collapse, then take a huge deep breath in. Do this a few times, to 'oxegen-load' you lungs. Also, in nose, out mouth doesn't work for me, I'm a total mouth breather when running

Gives the term "mouth-breather" a much better connotation! :laugh:

I can't help with the stitches (I agree that making sure you're hydrated and breathing evenly seems to help!) -- But as far as breathing, from my personal experience (I'm not an expert), it really helps to develop a steady, even pace--and a steady, even breathing pattern to follow.

This might seem like common sense, but if you're like me and you blast music while you're running, you might not be as in-tune to your breathing and pace as you think. It really helped me when I turned off the music one day and just focused on the beat of my feet on the treadmill (for a few minutes, anyway. Music saves me.) It was then easy to measure my breaths by my footfalls. I could only develop a steady breathing pattern once I found a pace that I could run steadily and comfortably at for an extended period of time. If you're running at a sporadic pace, it's harder to regulate your breathing, and easier to get short of breath or start wheezing. If you're doing extreme intervals, this might just come with the territory.

I really recommend just taking a few minutes to try and sync your pace and breathing. If it helps, count your footfalls and consciously breath at a constantly measured time. Somebody said they breath every 4 paces--Well, I jog a rather slow mile at an incline, and I measure about a single breath every two footfalls. (I think. If I remember, I'll pay closer attention tomorrow. Already got back from my jog today.)

I started running back in February and I just recently figured out my breathing. I was going way too fast for my body. Since slowing down a little bit, my breathing is under control. As for the stitches, make sure you are hydrated enough throughout the day as well as the days before.

any tips? I run in bursts of running combined with jogging and walking as needed as I am a new runner. My problem is about a mile and a half in I start to breathe heavy and wheeze a little. No known asthma or other breathing problems. Is there some way to work my breathing in better? in nose out mouth or something? any tips appreciated.

also stitches...I have been getting them since I doubled my running distance. I am doing a 6 mile trail and about halfway through I start getting stitches in my right side. I normally slow to a fast walk until it subsides, I don't stop completely, but I wonder if this is something I can prevent, will it get better with time or do I just need to learn to deal.

Yup, this will get better with time as you build endurance. Just do the best you can. Your whole body is adjusting, your muscles, your lungs, everything. The only way to get through it is to get through it. Great for you. Keep up the great work of improving your health and your body.

Forget the spurts, run slower until you get your breathing regulated. Usually for me I have a little difficulty for the 1st qtr mile or so but once I get going then the breathing is regulated.

Since you are just starting running, walk or jog lightly to warm up your muscles and then increase speed a little. Once you are used to it your breathing should be easy, if you are breathing heavily, your legs aren't getting the oxygen they need. No rush, you will catch on in short time.

Basil

I don't run but I do quite a bit of cardio...I chew gum to regulate my breathing.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/MireyGal76/view/running-my-bs-and-cs-to-breaking-through-the-wall-357514

It helped me and seems to have helped others.