15 Comments
Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Having done Hatha Yoga since I was 22, (now 74), I re-learned belly breathing at a pretty young age. I've never been a mouth-breather, thanks to my Dad telling me to close my mouth, the flies will get in! (Course we come into this world belly breathers, but somehow forget it!)

Yes, I've tried various other Kindalini exercises, some people claim they make a difference, I don't really get much out of them, but that is me.

Endurance Running does increase lung power and slows your breath. This is noticeable especially in training for a Half Marathon. I run 5 days a week, my breath matches my cadence on the metronome (177 BPM), yes, it is nose-breathing . . .all training through chi-running.

Golly, it's hard for me to conceive of a runner being a mouth-breather! Your mouth would get really dry!

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Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Love this topic. Very important to healthy living and our well-being. At age 20, I took a yoga class and learned deep, relaxing breathing. Then a few years later I joined a women’s running class and learned a different breathing technique for endurance. I’ve continued to rely on these methods to this day and I’ve been fortunate to maintain pretty good health (if only I didn’t indulge in so much chocolate and coffee).

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Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Thanks for this! I am sometimes intentional about breathing when I run (my aim is around 140 BPM) unless I’m running sprints or racing. Otherwise the only time I’m intentional about breathing is if I’m super stressed or getting my blood pressure checked. 😬 I had never thought about breathing thru my nose as more relaxing, but I can see that! I bet that was an interesting book!

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Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I thought your comments made great sense so I ordered the book on Amazon this morning........at this point in life one would think we know how to breath but obviously there is always room for improvement!!! This year has been exceptionally challenging with high humidity and smoke from the fires in Northern MN (I am in NW WI) plus the usually pollen........all have made running more of a challenge. I love running in the cold weather which unfortunately will be here soon............I think this book will help with these past and future breathing issues. Love this site, thank you for the information and thoughts you provide!!!!

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Sep 14, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Love this discussion. I read about breathing differently when I run but every time I tried, it was a terrible experience. Who can think about timing your inhales and exhales anyway?? I have learned I can take very long deep breaths while relaxing - deeper than I thought. I would be interested in learning more from a yoga instructor. I, also, have never been a mouth breather

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Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I have become increasingly aware and learned better breathing from my yoga instructors. Especially yin yoga which is so beneficial for runners as you hold poses for slow, deep release by breathing into your stretch which helps your muscles recover. I’ve also used the type of breathing you describe to build my immune system, alleviate stress and anxiety since the pandemic started. It has definitely enhanced my well-being and quality of life. A friend told me about the art of breath book and loved it.

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Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Good morning. Great topic. Unfortunately, I do. M wife has long-haul Covid [got Covid 2x's, though debate as to whether it was two or just went inert for a while]. It's actually made running easier for me, particularly when I [as we all get] start to feel a little labored with breathing during my long runs. I've really been able to appreciate it more, especially when I help her as she goes through her "moments"... I'm now gonna look into that book as well!

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Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I didn't realize how much of a shallow mouth breather I was until I read this. I can feel myself calm down the moment I take deeper breaths. I need to pay more attention to how I breath. As always, thank you Terrell.

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Sep 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Yes. I started it a couple of years ago. I do purse lips breathing and deep breathing (10 times each method)At least 2 or 3 times a day. Not sure if I should do more

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