I started training for my first triathlon in October 2003. Recently (January) during my swim workouts I have developed shortness of breath; nothing drastic but noticeable at times. I feel strong but I can't breath fast enough. Any recommendations? Any help would be great! Thanks
It's not uncommon for folks new to swimming - or, relatively new to fast, competitive type swimming - to want to hold their breath while swimming. This is basic "survivor" mode or instinctual. Actually, by holding your breath you are also retaining carbon dioxide. Bob Boder, above, is right when he explains he forcefully exhales as much as he can so he can inhale as much as he can. But, one of the main reasons to exhale is to get rid of CO2. This stuff is bad.
I tell my new swimmers who I happen to see holding their breath that they need to exhale slowly through the stroke. This not only gets rid of CO2 gradually, but lessens the "panic" mode and helps to keep you relaxed. If someone is really bothered by breathing I tell them to do "bobs" while holding onto the gutter; then progressing to lowering themselves all the way to the bottom, exhaling slowly all the way down (our pool is only about 8-9 feet) and push themselves back to surface.
It's not uncommon for folks new to swimming - or, relatively new to fast, competitive type swimming - to want to hold their breath while swimming. This is basic "survivor" mode or instinctual. Actually, by holding your breath you are also retaining carbon dioxide. Bob Boder, above, is right when he explains he forcefully exhales as much as he can so he can inhale as much as he can. But, one of the main reasons to exhale is to get rid of CO2. This stuff is bad.
I tell my new swimmers who I happen to see holding their breath that they need to exhale slowly through the stroke. This not only gets rid of CO2 gradually, but lessens the "panic" mode and helps to keep you relaxed. If someone is really bothered by breathing I tell them to do "bobs" while holding onto the gutter; then progressing to lowering themselves all the way to the bottom, exhaling slowly all the way down (our pool is only about 8-9 feet) and push themselves back to surface.
