How Should I Breathe When Running?

Question: How Should I Breathe When Running?

I've heard that I should breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth when I run. Is that correct?

Answer: No, that's wrong. You should allow air to enter through both your mouth and nose when you're running. Your muscles need oxygen to keep moving and your nose simply can't deliver enough.

Make sure you're breathing more from your diaphragm, or belly, not from your chest -- that's too shallow. Deep belly breathing allows you to take in more air, which can also help prevent side stitches.

You should exhale through your mouth and try to focus on exhaling fully, which will remove more carbon dioxide and also help you inhale more deeply.

Here are a few more tips for breathing while running:

• Try to take three footstrikes for every inhale, and two footstrikes for every exhale.
• As a beginner, try to run at a pace at which you can breathe easily. Use the "talk test" to figure out if your pace is appropriate. You should be able to speak in full sentences, without gasping for air. This is also known as "conversational pace".
• Slow down or walk if you're running out of breath. If you relax and slow the pace, breathing problems often take care of themselves. Don't overthink it!

More FAQs for Beginner Runners:

• Should I Eat Before a Run?
• How Do I Get Rid of Side Stitches?
• Why Do I Feel Out of Breath When Running?
• What Should I Wear When Running?
• Where Should I Run?
• Is It Better to Run on the Treadmill or Outside?
• Should I Run Every Day?
• When Should I Replace My Running Shoes?
• When Does Running Get Easier?

Also see: Absolute Beginners' Guide to Running
Video: Don'ts for Breathing When Running