Shut your mouth and run

marathon64
marathon64 Posts: 378 Member
edited December 2024 in Motivation and Support
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.

Replies

  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    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
    Scoobiesnax Posts: 148 Member
    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
    marathon64 Posts: 378 Member
    Tim these are great comments-thanks!!
  • meagalayne
    meagalayne Posts: 3,382 Member
    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
    FrenchMob Posts: 1,167 Member
    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
    amberaz Posts: 328 Member
    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
    bulbadoof Posts: 1,058 Member
    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
    marathon64 Posts: 378 Member
    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!
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