Hey Y’all….

Tomorrow’s Track Workout is a little different. As a group, so far, we have been talking about and working on Run Economy; what that means and how to improve this critical component of performance. Coached workouts like this provide the perfect opportunity to practice specific techniques and drills. The accountability piece is important but even better is being able to receive feedback in real time.
Here’s a link to a post I wrote over the summer about using nasal breathing as part of a run workout to improve endurance and efficiency.
Here’s the workout plan:

Warm up:

10 minutes or two laps of nice easy running.
Then do at least 5 minutes of dynamic stretching and mobility.

Main set:

2 laps (800m) breathing only through your nose.
1 lap (400m) just running easy and breathing normally
1 lap (400m) pushing your pace. Notice what happens to your breathing.
Return right away to the top of the set and repeat…
2 laps (800m) settling down and return to breathing only through your nose.
1 lap (400m) just running.

..and so on.

If you have time and have already been practicing nasal breathing, repeat this progression again.

You will have to run slowly. It will feel very weird! The hardest part is trying to calm down and return to breathing only through your nose after pushing your pace. This is really great practice for pacing and for settling down in a race when you get a bit out of control.

Your body is building up CO2 when you limit your air intake like this and that forces your respiratory tissue to relax and the muscles to get stronger. With regular practice you will be able to have more control over your breathing and calm yourself intentionally and effectively.

Eventually you may find that you can run faster and longer while maintaining this calm, controlled breathing.

 

Remy Maguire,
Endurance Sports and Nutrition Coach
USA Triathlon
Precision Nutrition
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