Cannot Seem to Get My Breath

by Lumpy Legs McGue
(Silverton, CO. US)

Thanks for your time and this helpful site... it's been a big help. So I'm having issues with getting my breath, I live in the Colorado mountains but it's always been an issue even when I was in the service always the slowest one....

No muscular fatigue, always have had very strong legs, 5'7" with 29" quads ... massive legs but useless for aerobic activities...

Your response to a lot of the questions seems to be along the same line... so just let me know if I need to shut up and stick with the program ... I'm not looking to be an elegant runner, I'm a power lifter it's just not gonna happen... Any breathing tips for people with muscular obesity would be appreciated.


Answer by Dominique:


Hi there,
Thanks for your running training question. A little over twelve years ago I spent a semester at Colorado State University, Fort Collins. I still remember my first run, only a few days after I got there, around campus. Boy, that altitude can really knock you off your socks...

So, you are in an environment with less oxygen in the air, which doesn't help. And as a power lifter your body is more geared for explosive work, so (long distance) running is harder for you. Cardio is a little bit like the necessary evil for you, I suspect.

The key with being able to breathe properly during a run is, 9 out of 10 times, the speed at which you run. Try to run slowly, and if need be for a while, take short walking breaks in between. You might have to do one step back to take two steps forward later on. It may just be that you need to take it a bit slower at first in order to make those improvements.

Another component of breathing properly is running with the right posture. If you are running with your head up, straight back and arms rotating along your body you will find it much easier to get that air into your body, than when you slump, face downwards and have your arms in front of you like a boxer.



In the next few weeks, try to focus on slower running and your posture and hopefully you will see some improvements after a little while.

Best of luck.
Kind regards,
Dominique