Woman reveals running army breathing technique that took 8 months to learn but is 'essential'

A woman has said this relatively simple breathing technique has made running a whole lot easier for her, but it took quite a while to learn.

Now, we humans have been running for a long time, it's kind of our whole thing. Short distances, long distances, the popularity of the sport speaks for itself - all hail the dominant running species.

But it is fair to say, if you do go running, just as a bit of exercise or as part of training for a sport, it can become quite a slog.

Getting your pace and breathing right is absolutely essential - especially if you want to last longer - and one TikToker has highlighted an army breathing technique that made running a lot easier for her.

Maraika Rose, who goes by @maraika.rose on the platform, insisted that the technique has previously been taught in the army and broke it down in a video for her followers.

She also credited fellow TikToker Glenda - @fglo9 - for the idea for her video after she made one emphasizing the importance of breathing while running.

In her video mid run, she said: “It took me eight months to learn how to breathe when you run.

“So, let me teach you. This is an army technique so everything starts on your left foot.

“You know how in the army they do ‘left, left, left, right, left’, well, it’s a way of controlling their breathing.

“Every step you’re doing something with your breathing. Essentially what you’re doing is one deep breath in and then two half breaths out.”

Rose then proceeded to display it, emphasizing the points when she is breathing in and out.

She closed by saying: “Controlling your breathing is the easiest way to keep your heart rate down, try it.”

The video has spread around social media and many people have remarked just how important it is to get your breathing right when running.

“This is BASED, proper breathing technique during any workout is essential,” one user wrote.

“Another benefit of Fire Cadets in High school, figured this out while studying the circulatory/cardiovascular system and anaerobic vs. aerobic cellular operation. Just made sense to help expel excess toxins created by the metabolic processes occurring inside the cells during exercise,” another who noted they had been doing this method for years.

“Dude I did this without knowing its the right way. That’s why it’s easier for me to run laps,” a third commented.

“It also helps expels carbon dioxide. People tend to take in more then they let out when being active and the build leads to those stitches/cramps in your side. Or so I’m told. I’m not a doctor,” another said.

Whatever works for you, certainly worth a try if it makes running easier.