I recently received this question from a new runner: "I always feel out of breath when I run. What am I doing wrong?" It's very common for beginner runners to feel like they're having trouble breathing when running. Here's how to avoid that.

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I recently spoke with a new runner who couldn't understand why her 3-mile run felt so difficult, despite the fact that she had easily run that distance with no problems the week before. I asked her about what other exercise she was doing and she told me that she was strength-training six days a week! I explained to her that she wasn't really helping her efforts by strength-training on that many days.

While strength-training is beneficial for runners, your body actually needs days off from strength-training so it can repair and re-build your muscles to get stronger. If you strength-train every day or several days in a row, you're going to end up feeling worn-out and sluggish during your runs. You're much better off supplementing your running with two or three sessions of strength-training per week.

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• Do Runners Really Need Rest Days?
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• Why Do I Feel Sluggish During My Runs?

Ever feel like you're getting bored or burned-out from running? It's very normal. Some runners go through periods when they feel like they need a break -- both mentally and physically -- from running. It sometimes happens after completion of a big race that they've been working toward for months, like a marathon. To help avoid reaching that point of burnout from running, try some of these strategies.

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• What If I Have to Take a Break from Running?
• Tips for Staying Motivated to Run
• Ways to Get Out of Your Running Rut

Dogs can be great running buddies. They don't complain about your pace and they won't bore with you stories about their latest running accomplishments. With summer approaching, it's important to take precautions when running with your dog in the warmer weather. First, make sure you carry enough water for both you and your dog. Teach your dog how to drink from a water bottle or carry a portable doggie dish to put water in.

And be familiar with the signs of fatigue or heat illness, which include panting, slowing down, foaming at the mouth, weakness, inability to stand, uncontrolled movement, agitation and glazed eyes. If you notice any of these signs, cool your dog immediately by thoroughly wetting him with cold water and getting him into the shade or an air-conditioned area.

Get more tips for running with dogs.

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• Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
• Tips for Preventing Heatstroke in Pets
• How to Run Safely

_{Photo by Michael Blann}