I've been asked about breathing techniques lately, and also about things like coughing after a run and how to get rid of a cough that doesn't seem to go away. Anyway, I thought I'd share a bit of what I've learned here... from my own unique perspective. (Runner, vocalist, [amateur] herbalist, outdoor enthusiast, etc.)
Let's start with this evening. My brother very kindly accompanied me on my 5 mile run this evening. He's not used to running a lot, and not particularly in the snow or cold. It wasn't terribly cold--high 20's, perhaps--and it had snowed a bit last night, so personally, I really like these kind of runs.
As a random side fact, I find that my evening runs tend to be a bit slower. Not sure always why. Sometimes I think perhaps because I'm tired from the day. I do so enjoy the company in evening runs particularly!
Sean was having a harder time breathing off and on during the run in getting the right breath. He said he felt like he was sort of almost having asthma or something. It's fairly common for a lot of people to have this happen when breathing harder outside--particularly in the winter for some. What I told Sean to focus on is his breathing out.
Because you are automatically going to breath in. You just will. It's the focusing on breathing out evenly that help the breathing in even out as well. And try to stand up a little straighter, and don't be always looking down. Sometimes that's a little harder in the winter when the ground is uneven and mushy or icy (or all of that). But try to look up a bit more.
And now the breathing AFTER the run.
I was asked this recently (and I actually get asked it quite frequently), and the question usually goes something like this, "whenever I return from running--no matter what the temperature is out--I cough like a smoker, and it is really annoying. Do you know any remedies?"
And my answer is YES!
I have dealt with it in the past--affects me randomly. What has worked best for me time and again to help with the coughing is Wild Cherry/Petasites Compound by HerbPharm. I'm not a medical doctor, but what I do is take a rather large spoonful of LOCAL, raw honey, a dose of the Compound on the spoon and swallow. I'll take up to 2-3 servings if I need to within an hour, but I never have needed more than that for the cough to go away. It is soothing and warming usually. I like it.
Staying hydrated is really important, too. The source of the cough can be a combination of things. My thought is that if you're breathing in really harshly with a lot toward the throat instead of a deep lung focus, whatever is in the air--mold, pollen, ice, moisture, dust, etc.--can hit the back of your throat and lungs. Then when you stop and your body's primary focus is no longer just the intake of oxygen, there can be some muscle spasms in the throat that may have been meaning to happen all along. It can be exacerbated if you are even somewhat prone to any respiratory things--allergies, colds, asthma, various versions between, etc. So... Focusing on your breath may help, too. Also, a simple extra dehydration and dry air and depletion of minerals make it more likely. Try to breath evenly, drink plenty of good fluids, eat your greens (haha) [minerals], and have the compound and honey ready after the run to help soothe if this is a habit.
Ooh, and look into allergies. There's lots of good tips on helping to naturally cope with allergies. Hydration being one of the key things.
And, if it's an oxygen intake level, try using something to help oxygenate your blood, or help your blood respond better. Sound weird? Wanna know more? Just let me know!
Hope your breathing comes back to you!
P.S. At this point in my blogging, NO ONE pays me to promote anything. This is just me talking about what has worked for me, and what I like. Ta da!
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