Breathing while Running

Simon Loughran - Middle-distance runner and UK Athletics Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) and Athletics Coach

“No. When you're running just get air into your lungs by any means possible. At faster speeds you simply won't be able to obtain sufficient oxygen through nose-breathing alone.

There are some exceptions when nose-breathing might be useful:

• When trying to limit pace. E.g. during a recovery run when you want to limit the intensity. If you find you need to start mouth-breathing then you know you need to slow down.
• When running through polluted air. E.g. past a fire in someone's garden. The nose does a good job of filtering the air and helps protect the lungs.
• You see a clubmate and want to look as though you're not trying too hard.

So, if another runner calls you a mouth breather, you can take it as a compliment. Probably.”

“My sports teacher used to tell us this. Complete rubbish! Your body will let you know how you need to breathe and that's usually through your mouth.”