I'm always out of breath and feel like I'm dying when I run. I used to run a lot a few years ago, but not lately. Is there any way to increase my endurance and improve my breathing?
2007-06-19 05:14:17 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Running
I'm betting that you try to run and just keep running. Regardless you need to SLOWLY ease into it. You will make gains much faster eventually rather than if you just keep pushing and pushing. Think of it like guys who lift weights constantly instead of taking breaks to allow the body heal, build and be trained to get better and better.
When you are running run just to the point that you start feeling out of breath. Then walk a bit until you feel better an run a bit more. Just keep doing this and eventually the walking times will get shorter and shorter over time.
Another huge this is breathing itself and establishing a rythym. That means SKIP THE IPOD!!!!! Different songs have different beats and the words don't allow the mind to reach a more "meditative" state. Well if you do a short run in the morning sure its OK as it gets your mind going. But for the serious evening one skip it.
Here's the thing. Run at a slow comfortable pace. Feel the rthym of your feet hitting the pavement. Feel the air rushing by and feel your environment around you. Feel the muscles in your legs working...... slow and comfortable enough so you can do so. Your mind and body will find its comfort zone. Your breathing will be fine and you will get better and better.
Plus the endorphins will kick in and you will experience what is called the "runners high". Mind body and soul feel as one and you feel as if you could run forever. This is how you get stamina and endurance...... not by pushing beyond your current limits.
2007-06-19 06:11:29 · answer #1 · answered by jackson 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Surprise! You're running too hard!
Take a step back from your running; run a little less and make sure you take a day off between runs so you can recover. It takes about three weeks for your body to adjust to a workout routine, you have to give it time. If you run three or four times a week for just a couple of miles, you will see improvement and should not be out of breath.
I hit 38 years old like a brick wall; I developed plantar fasciitis and needed eight months to recover. After that I was spooked and could not get the speed back. Now when I run, I have to just take it easy and be glad I'm running at all.
Get some rest, take it easy, run regularly and in three weeks you'll feel a ton better.
P.S. You're not a terrible runner (or you would have quit).
2007-06-19 05:47:32 · answer #2 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i was a terrible runner, too. i could barely run for 30 seconds, even though i could lift weights pretty well and do plently of push-ups and situps. my problem was endurance. to work on my endurance, i went out early in the morning (5:30 for me) and i took a stopwatch with me. i ran for as long as i could (which the first day, was only 1 minute). i thought i'd only increase my time the next day by a few seconds, but i actually went for about 5 minutes longer. the last time i ran, i ran for almost 20 minutes. it really helps. don't give up. push yourself while knowing and respecting your limits. if you absolutely can't go on, stop and rest, drinking plenty of fluids. water will help to rehydrate you and gatorade will help restore your electrolytes. I suggest drinking them one after the other. That's how they were originally meant to be drunk.
2007-06-19 05:55:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thers no quick fix, you just have to run through it and build up your endurance base again. If you run as far as you can, walk for a minute or so to recover, then run as far as you can again; the time you can run for will rapidly increase. Try and control your breathing, 3 counts in, 3 counts out etc. and take long deep breaths. Theres devices like powerbreath that can help your breathing, they work like weight training for your lungs, but theres really no subsitute for just pushing through. Think once you've got there you'll be able to look back and smile at this period!
2007-06-19 05:33:20 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You just have to keep working at it. Maybe your body is getting used to all of the running again. I also have exercise-induced asthma that I was just diagnosed with. You could get checked for that if you always feel like you're short of breath and cant catch it even when you've stopped. Other than that, its a matter of getting back in shape.
2007-06-19 05:43:46 · answer #5 · answered by xobballxo3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For endurance, try listening to music while you run, running with a group of friends, setting a goal for yourself (maybe becoming more fit), reward yourself by running to your favourite store or restaurant.
Breathing, if you're just starting to get back into running, start slow. Slow running, then as the days go by and you believe you can do more, extend your route.
2007-06-19 05:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by Special agent M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your coach for running tips, it could be that your 'form' is what is exhausting you. Oh, and drink lots of water.
2016-03-14 02:05:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't eat a lot before running, let 2 hours pass before you go running. Stop smoking ifyou do.
2007-06-19 05:35:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Stop smoking.
2007-06-19 06:00:21 · answer #9 · answered by Curious mind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just keep pushing yourself, just say one more step over and over again, and make sure you drink before and after running
2007-06-19 05:40:11 · answer #10 · answered by TTTTT 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋