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Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough!
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 2009-08-29 2:07 PM |
Expert  1203  |  Subject: Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough!So I have been posting on here for a short bit and asking various questions. Just wanted to say thanks for the help. I have been trying to increase my run distance and could seem to get past 3 miles. Lots of advice and help from users here and I just finished 6.25 miles this morning in 1:03. It all came down to breathing. Turns out this is an important part of the whole running thing. I have always worn headphones when I run and today I forgot them. So I took off and noticed that within a .25 mile my breathing was all over the place. I guess I never noticed how erratic it was until I could actually hear it. This would explain the looks of concern I often get as I pass walkers, heh. Anyway, I started a 1 breath in for each of 2 strides and then 1 long out for 2. Suddenly noticed I could breath, my heart rate dropped and I was comfortable. Goal today was 4 miles but there was no way I was stopping because I finally felt good and relaxed on a run. Heck, I may have even been able to have one of those elusive conversation pace's had not been running alone. I would have kept going but I would have been late to pick my son up at baseball. Next Saturday I guess. Long post, sorry but I was excited and had to share and also say thanks for the advice from my fellow BT'ers. WOOT!!! |
| 2009-08-29 3:00 PM in reply to: #2378062 |
Extreme Veteran 664   Minneapolis | Subject: RE: Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough! That rocks! I know a lot of folks out there love their iPods, but when I ditched mine, my running improved a lot. I love the zen-ness of running without tunes - it's not for everyone, but it definitely helped me. Keep it up! Cheers, Chris |
| 2009-08-29 4:24 PM in reply to: #2378062 |
Master 2426 Central Indiana | Subject: RE: Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough! Had a similar breakthrough myself today. I'm avid middle-aged cyclist with good cardiopulm fitness, but non-runner (& non-swimmer) before catching the tri bug this year. My running has been struggling to survive my tri's- 3 sprints then an Oly. After my Oly earlier this month I decided that doing a half-marathon was my next goal. I was pointing towards mid-Oct event but my longest run had been 10k, and my longest WEEK had been 10.6mi. Decided I needed to pace better to go longer so I tried focusing on steady smooth breathing control- 3 strides (foot strikes) inhale, 3 strides exhale. This kept my HR under 75%max. Last week did a 12k & felt good. Today on my long run I was like the freakin' Energizer Bunny. I actually ENJOYED running. Didn't stop (or even walk) for 13.1 miles & had enough left to finish strong. Focusing on breathing control led me to more than double my previous long run from 10k to half-marathon over just 2 weeks. NOT recommending to ramp up run mileage so quick (risks leg/knee injury etc.), but lack of breathing control clearly was holding me back. |
| 2009-08-30 12:03 AM in reply to: #2378062 |
Expert 1118 , North Carolina | Subject: RE: Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough! Brain, Wow... way to go! I've never used an Ipod and was thinking of trying it as the runs are getting longer. But I'm always afraid of not having enough awareness since I run on the street in the dark of the wee hours in the morning. Well common... you're ready for a 10K race! Mine is October 24 <hint, hint>. Edited by maria40nc 2009-08-30 12:07 AM |
| 2009-08-30 1:30 AM in reply to: #2378516 |
Champion 7233 | Subject: RE: Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough! fwiw, i save the music for the treadmill, and and all my nighttime winter runs. makes it that much more exciting hwen i get to use them, and helps break up the longer nighttime runs i do that time of the year. |
| 2009-08-30 8:18 AM in reply to: #2378062 |
Expert 721 Chenequa WI | Subject: RE: Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough! Nice work. Another good breathing technique is to take belly breaths, which means you inhale as your abdomen expands and is the opposite of the short shallow breaths many people seem to find natural. Pretty soon, you won't need to monitor your breathing as it will become ingrained. |
| 2009-08-30 9:32 AM in reply to: #2378062 |
Extreme Veteran 574 Southwestern Ontario | Subject: RE: Thanks for Running Help...breakthrough! It is fantastic to make this breakthrough. You breathe your whole life and don't do it right...lol. I always found within the first 5 min of running I had a racing heart rate and erratic breathing. When I concentrate on breathing, it all smoothes out. Good job. Now you can "enjoy" running.  |
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