Mouth breather when running

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MyiahRose
MyiahRose Posts: 183 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
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?

Replies

  • Eric_DeCastro
    Eric_DeCastro Posts: 767 Member
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    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
    ekat120 Posts: 407 Member
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    Why on earth would you only want to breathe through your nose??? I'll take as much oxygen as possible, thankyouverymuch.
  • Eric_DeCastro
    Eric_DeCastro Posts: 767 Member
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    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
    JDubIsShrinking Posts: 207 Member
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    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
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
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    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
    SaraC1977 Posts: 51
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    I run with gum. Always have....it helps.
  • josavage
    josavage Posts: 472 Member
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    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
    Skye_NS Posts: 214 Member
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    I was having the same problem until I started chewing gum. Works like a charm.
  • Ilikelamps
    Ilikelamps Posts: 482 Member
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    Chew gum

    End thread

    Go jump in the lake
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
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    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
    skullshank Posts: 4,323 Member
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    embrace sipping water once in awhile while running. or swish n spit.

    ibdPhjvOBSHo7f.gif
  • capnrus789
    capnrus789 Posts: 2,736 Member
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    Mouth breathing? You mean just breathing? You mean not keeling over dead? Yeah, I'm on board with that.
  • wheird
    wheird Posts: 7,963 Member
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    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
    Factory_Reset Posts: 1,651 Member
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    mouth breather asking for tips *snort*

    good luck on your journey OP :flowerforyou:
  • Zx14chick
    Zx14chick Posts: 255 Member
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    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
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
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    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
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
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    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
    merisaOct3 Posts: 197 Member
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    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
    CitizenXVIII Posts: 117 Member
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    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.

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