Breathing Question

Hi all,

I was wondering what your thoughts were on breathing while running, as in..how often per stride etc.

I recently changed from 2/2 (in 2 strides/out 2 strides) to 3/2 and found it has improved my pace considerably!, especially on those long up-hills. I suppose it goes without saying, I am probably getting more oxygen in per stride and hence the more efficient pace?

Any thoughts??

I don't know the current thinking, but about ten years ago I went to a 3/2 for all but intervals, fast pace work and races. For those exceptions I use a 2/2 and usually amuse myself by slipping in a 3/2 every quarter mile or so in order to change the foot I'm pushing off with on the exhale. In fact, I went to the 3/2 in order to insure that I would push off with alternating foot on exhale during most of my training runs. The fuzzy idea being, you push harder on exhale and therefore the alternating push-off will even the wear and tear on the body. I find 3/2 to be unworkable when racing and believe I've heard that most elite racers use a 2/2 when racing, though I may have made that up. I'd be interested in hearing other theories.

One of my favorite topics to think about while running. I find most of my running centres around 2/2, for anything hard. When I run at MP or therabouts, is when I experiment. The norm for me is 3/3 here... gradually becoming 2/2 as I get a bit tired. I have tried all the obvious variances, but my favorite 'odd' one is 2/4. I like this one in the middle period of an AT run. I sharply inhale on the 2, and on the exhale (4) I let it out slow through pursed lips. It's a good 'precursor' to the inevitable 2/2, when 3/3 is not adequate enough anymore, if you know what I mean

What does that mean: 'foot touch' rather than 'foot fall'???

'Ozzie Gontang' replied:

OK, so in the interests of efficiency, form and probably injury reduction, 'don't collide with the ground'. This is like the rowing idea of a clean catch.

The energy of the stomp has to go somewhere - into the ground, the shoes, the foot bones, the stabiliser muscles (ankle, knee, hips, spine), and the tendons. The accommodation of that energy would usually mess up co-ordination (form), UNLESS the running system was tuned to the stomp, and vice versa.

The 'kick''s the thing that keeps you going. All other motions is your body keeping up with itself... ...?