I agree with Derek about the Toxic 10, its annoying when I first start running sometimes & I am huffing & puffing to start with but it is true that things soon settle down.     I have also found by warming up properly, getting the heart rate pumping before the run helps.   But get yourself outside Brenda, it may seem a little tough at first but so worth it when you start to see the results, pick somewhere scenic & u will soon forget about the breathing and enjoy the views.

Just to add to everything here remember what is sometimes referred to as the 'toxic 10' that is for the first 10 minutes of continuous running the body is trying to catch up with the oxygen deficit due to the increased exercise. After this period the amount of huffing and puffing declines as the body equalises and you will find that your breathing pattern becomes more regular.

For me I don't necessarily pay too much attention to my breathing patterns, although every now and again I do check using the three pace count which is my optimum pattern, also try to breath as deeply as you can and not forcibly more importantly relaxed running helps greatly as tenseness increases breathing.

Thanks Dennis I will try this now and see if it helps

When I started about two years ago, I found exactly the same problem and was told not to think about it as it would get better.

I actuallly found the opposite was true and I actually found it easier to concentrate on my breathing by keeping it in rhthym with my feet so I'm breathing in for four steps and out for four steps. So when I start, I count IN 2 3 4 and then out 2 3 4 and this really makes it a lot easier. By the time I'm half way through say a run of about 6k I find I've changed to IN 2 OUT 2 (Each number is one pace).

It really did make an amazing difference. (Also by concentrating on my breathing I know I'm still alive!)

Sorry if I haven't explained this very well but it's much easier to do than explain.

Dennis

I struggle with my breathing too and try all different ways to get over it. You run on the treadmill if you want I think it actually helps because I can practice different ways to breathe there. I run parkrun regualrly and have done several 10ks but still struggle with breathing when i first start. it does settle after a few minutes but think its a combination of nerves and wanting to do well. i sometimes think its a bit uncontrollable and then I think back to when I first started last year and i couldnt breathe at all. I have been on the treadmill every day this week due to it being rainy and very windy outside and been trying to take deep breaths when I start and this idea of in for two strides then out but I lose count so just trying to breathe deeper. Im sure it will come just relax easier said than done. Good luck Brenda