So, yesterday was my first run after my initial meeting with Coach Tim. Like he suggested, I set the treadmill for a 1% incline and began jogging (with a little walking in between) without the aid of my iPod so that I can hear and control my breathing (quick side note - this is cruel and unusual punishment, I never noticed until today how awful the music piped into my gym truly is).
Anyway, Coach Tim suggested a breathing technique where, if breathing deeply enough, my inhalation would be a bit longer than my exhalation (in for 3 steps, out for 2 steps or in for 4 steps, out for 3 steps etc...). And, once you pattern it correctly, the exhalation will sync with alternate legs so that you are not always exhaling while landing on the same leg, which can lead to increased pressure and even injuries. Who knew that even mattered!?!? Certainly not me!
So, the main thing for me with today's run was to focus on deeper breathing and get away from hyperventilatng.
I gotta say, when I was focused on it and really thinking about it, it definitely helped! But, I found that I would start off strong, then revert back to my old ways after a minute or two. Having my headphones off helped me to really notice when my breathing was becoming labored again. I think a lot of this will be building up good habits and pretty soon I won't have to think so hard about my breathing. YAY!
Unfortunately about 2.5 miles into my treadmill session Mr. Doesn'tBelieveInDeodorant took up residency next to me on the line of treadmills. Wow. The stench was incredibly overpowering! I tried breathing through my mouth but then felt like I could almost taste it! **puke** So, I hopped off short of my 3mile goal and did some stretching before heading home.
At home my husband could tell that I was a little off so I told him about Captain Stinkypants ruining my workout. He suggested doing a quick circle of our block (which, according to MapMyRun.com is .6 mile) - great idea! So, off I went. The hill was tough, but I'm so glad I put in that little bit extra!
Tonight is spin class - one of my favorite things in the whole world! I still don't know how I can manage to do that for over an hour nonstop, but be so terrible at running. But, I'm not going to quit! Eventually I'm bound to get better, right?
Don't forget to sign up to Run for the Woods with me! Not a runner? No problem! You can make a donation, in my name, to the Connecticut Forest & Park Association here.
Anyway, Coach Tim suggested a breathing technique where, if breathing deeply enough, my inhalation would be a bit longer than my exhalation (in for 3 steps, out for 2 steps or in for 4 steps, out for 3 steps etc...). And, once you pattern it correctly, the exhalation will sync with alternate legs so that you are not always exhaling while landing on the same leg, which can lead to increased pressure and even injuries. Who knew that even mattered!?!? Certainly not me!
So, the main thing for me with today's run was to focus on deeper breathing and get away from hyperventilatng.
I gotta say, when I was focused on it and really thinking about it, it definitely helped! But, I found that I would start off strong, then revert back to my old ways after a minute or two. Having my headphones off helped me to really notice when my breathing was becoming labored again. I think a lot of this will be building up good habits and pretty soon I won't have to think so hard about my breathing. YAY!
Unfortunately about 2.5 miles into my treadmill session Mr. Doesn'tBelieveInDeodorant took up residency next to me on the line of treadmills. Wow. The stench was incredibly overpowering! I tried breathing through my mouth but then felt like I could almost taste it! **puke** So, I hopped off short of my 3mile goal and did some stretching before heading home.
At home my husband could tell that I was a little off so I told him about Captain Stinkypants ruining my workout. He suggested doing a quick circle of our block (which, according to MapMyRun.com is .6 mile) - great idea! So, off I went. The hill was tough, but I'm so glad I put in that little bit extra!
Tonight is spin class - one of my favorite things in the whole world! I still don't know how I can manage to do that for over an hour nonstop, but be so terrible at running. But, I'm not going to quit! Eventually I'm bound to get better, right?
Don't forget to sign up to Run for the Woods with me! Not a runner? No problem! You can make a donation, in my name, to the Connecticut Forest & Park Association here.