Training: Breath hold while running????

[docgreenfingers]

As I'm an retired athletics track and road athlete, I thought I might do something different, like run while holding the breath.

has anyone done this, got any training plans for it or know of where I can get hold of any plans on this type of training?

Cheers

 

[growingupninja]

A lot of freedivers do different kinds of apnea running/jogging as part of dry training. Just educate yourself on how CO2/O2 tables work and adapt them for the increased workload of running. When running/jogging, I think it is safer to do less than full lung holds to avoid pulled or strained muscles--it is unnatural/counter to our physiology to run with the breath held and chest fully inflated. And obviously if you push it too hard and pass out there are plenty of safety concerns.

 

[zag]

Been doing it for a little over a year in different variations. One is the steady state run with breatholds built into the run consistently over its durations. The other is to do it in intervals, and focus on the breatholds immediately after the highest intervals. For example, I do it on a 3 - 4.5 mile loop (on road surface). At 6 points in that run, I am switching into high interval for an all out sprint of about 300 yards and then back into running pace. If you focus on 1/2-3/4 lung holds after the heart rate rises during those intervals, you will feel your lungs burn for air. As growing ninja mentions, full lung running is pretty strenuous and adds a high risk of injury unless done at a VERY slow and deliberate pace, with more focus on the breathing than running. To me, peak inhalations and running at a normal pace are very unnatural to the body. Case in point was about 3 weeks ago in my routine I felt a sharp muscle strain in the lower back after a full lung breath and all out sprint at the end of my run. Not smart. I wouldn't recommend full lung running since risk out weighs potential rewards. Just my $.02 on the subject. Hope this give you some help in your training program.