When you run long distances, do you try to control your breathing patter. My old track coach always recommended to breath in counts of 3. Any suggestions, comments?

During my cross-country days we never had specific breathing patterns. We just had to find a good rhythm and go with it.

I agree with dave99ag.

I ran CC & track in HS, and we were told to go with what was comfortable. It is like running stride, everybody has a different form they use, and what is good for one isn't necessarily good for someone else.

I teach my kids to do what they are comfortable with. Of course, if your coach says one thing, you best do what he says, or you might not be running for him.

"It takes a man to be a father....."

Thanks for the comments. I try to keep up the 3-3 but after awhile it starts to feel uncomfortable.

I'll think about it when I run next, but off-hand I think I breath in every second, and exhale the same. Can't imagine stretching one breath over 6 seconds.

In cross country I used the 3-3 breathing technique. It helped to have a steady deep breathing pattern to keep my sides from hurting.

It wasn't 3 seconds though, it was three strides

[This message has been edited by hot_rod_9384 (edited 7/17/2004 9:18a).]