how to breathe

[arreyonskyy]

im a new rider, and right now im going about 2 miles. near the eand of my ride either my nose is running or im breathing so heavy it feels like my chest is burning. how can i control my breathing so i don't pass out or get dry mouth.

[KnottedYet]

It's not your breathing technique that's the issue. Take more breaks as you ride! Your lungs are already running full speed to keep up with your muscle effort!

Ride a little slower if you don't feel like stopping, but take a "break" of some sort. When I get beyond my lungs' ability, I get off the bike and walk a bit. My lungs get stronger as I get stronger, and I need fewer breaks as I go on.

[Grog]

im a new rider, and right now im going about 2 miles. near the eand of my ride either my nose is running or im breathing so heavy it feels like my chest is burning. how can i control my breathing so i don't pass out or get dry mouth.

My nose always runs as I ride or run or make a high aerobic effort. That's what the soft cotton is for on bike gloves!!

Sorry not to be of any help.

[DeniseGoldberg]

My nose runs too - and I use the method of turning my head to the side (making sure there isn't another rider behind me), pressing one nostril closed, and blowing (into the air). Then I repeat with the other side. No need to carry kleenex or to use my gloves.

OK, OK, it did take me a while to get used to this method of clearing my dripping nose!

[arreyonskyy]

lol, thats a good one. but knowing me it would probably fly all over my face.

[DeniseGoldberg]

lol, thats a good one. but knowing me it would probably fly all over my face.

Nope, it wouldn't! Just turn your head a little to the side so when you blow the stuff heads to the back. (Please make sure there's not a rider just behind you though, wouldn't make them too happy...)

[hirakukibou]

Do you have a hard time catching your breath? You should make sure that you don't have athsma. I do and exercise induces it. My inhaler helps with it. Just something to consider.

[latelatebloomer]

I was just like you when I started last year - good thing I was on back country roads, 'cuz if anyone had heard me breathing, they would have called 911. There's not a drop of exaggeration there, either. My lungs still conk out on some hills, but they have gotten much stronger over time. Also, lungs warm up same as muscles. My breathing always improves after about 20 minutes. Your rides are short now, so you don't get the benefit of the body "opening up" as much as you will later. And don't worry, your miles will increase, sure as shootin'.

Something that also used to help ( not needed too much now) as I face an incline soon no matter which way I turn out of my driveway- a trainer suggested I take a short brisk walk to help warm up legs and lungs.

Spin classes helped me a lot with breath control, though I can't bear to do them April - October, when I can be outdoors. In spin, though, I can focus on breathing - no worries about road hazards! - and work on breathing through the nose, not panting, etc. If you work with a heart-rate monitor, it's almost like biofeedback!

[Grog]

Nope, it wouldn't! Just turn your head a little to the side so when you blow the stuff heads to the back. (Please make sure there's not a rider just behind you though, wouldn't make them too happy...)

I also do that, but make sure I'm also pushing my shoulder back as much as I can.

However for the simple drip it doesn't really work for me. It's just a continuous, faint dripping... Hence the gloves.

(Too much information.)

[redrhodie]

A yoga class (or dvd) can teach breathing techniques that will help. I always try to get my breath into an even, slow rhythm, especially while climbing. Of course, I end up huffing and puffing, but I try to slow it down and even out the breath as soon as I've gone over the top. Really focus on bringing the air into your belly, not way up in your chest. If possible, stay seated with your hands on the top of the handlebars on climbs, and try to relax.

As for the runny nose, tissues up your jersey sleeve, down your bra, and in your pockets.

[Brandi]

My nose runs too! Yea I am part of the club.lol! We all start out thinking we are going to die cause we can't breath. I agree with taking more breaks or riding slower. You will improve with time. But challenging yourself is a good thing too! If we never did that we wouldn't get better. But give yourself time. It will happen! Oh welcome by the way.

[Lise]

In fact, I introduced myself to this board by asking how to manage the drip.

I use an allergy nasal spray before I go out (over the counter Cromolyn Sodium), and a prescription spray in addition, if it's really bad: Ipratropium bromide. I carry Kleenex with lotion. The constant wiping has rubbed the skin off below my nose and made me bleed in the past. I must have the most acidic snot! I also always carry a Chapstick-type thing and rub it under my nose frequently.

Hope that helps! And welcome. This is a great place. L.

[Tuckervill]

A tissue in my bra would be a pulpy mass in no time! Thankfully, I don't have the runny nose problem.

Karen

[KnottedYet]

Bandanas area great. You can blow yer nose a gazillion times, wipe sweat, etc, and they don't fall apart. Not quite as handy as the terry-wiper on gloves, though.

Reminds me, I'd better wash my gloves....

[Starfish]

A few months ago I bought the Breathplay CDs, and I especially love the one called Zooming, for cyclists. It provides about 75 minutes of guided breathing for cyclists, with background music all set up for (I think) about a 90 rpm spin.

I use it on my trainer and find it meditative, strenthening and great for my spin. The other two CDs have different rhythms more set up for walking.