OK, here's a running thread . . .
I've long wondered how everyone breathes during their runs. I'm rigidly set in my ways, and can't really remember when or why I decided on my current protocol.
I breathe in for four footsteps (left, right, left, right) then out in two (left, right) and repeat. This holds for all paces, all types of terrain etc. I call this 4x2 breathing.
The only time I vary is when I'm really hurting. When I just can't take the pace/effort anymore, I switch to 2x2: breathe in for two footsteps, and out for two. However, I see this as my sign of caving in and not being able to hold form/pace etc.
This morning I cracked on the last hill up to my office of my 6mi run to work. First time in a month that I've been able to run to work twice in the same week instead of ride the bike, so I was expecting problems. Went out too hard this morning, and hit the wall on the hill. I went from my 4x2 to 2x2 and struggled up the hill. That got me thinking about the breathing.
Which is more efficient? 4x2 or 2x2?
Does it matter?
How does everyone else breathe?
Is there any science to it?
Any thoughts?
T
"The mind can calculate, but the spirit yearns, and the heart knows what the heart knows."
I've long wondered how everyone breathes during their runs. I'm rigidly set in my ways, and can't really remember when or why I decided on my current protocol.
I breathe in for four footsteps (left, right, left, right) then out in two (left, right) and repeat. This holds for all paces, all types of terrain etc. I call this 4x2 breathing.
The only time I vary is when I'm really hurting. When I just can't take the pace/effort anymore, I switch to 2x2: breathe in for two footsteps, and out for two. However, I see this as my sign of caving in and not being able to hold form/pace etc.
This morning I cracked on the last hill up to my office of my 6mi run to work. First time in a month that I've been able to run to work twice in the same week instead of ride the bike, so I was expecting problems. Went out too hard this morning, and hit the wall on the hill. I went from my 4x2 to 2x2 and struggled up the hill. That got me thinking about the breathing.
Which is more efficient? 4x2 or 2x2?
Does it matter?
How does everyone else breathe?
Is there any science to it?
Any thoughts?
T
"The mind can calculate, but the spirit yearns, and the heart knows what the heart knows."