Elitetrack: Sport Training & Conditioning

i heard abt breath. while running i don't used.but what's the phenomenon of breathing in running.could run 100 mts with a single breath?

i guess if you train properly for the 100 you can take one breath. i know in the 55m indoors, my coach told us to take on breath. in the blocks, on "set" you hold your breath and keep it held until about 10 meters into the race, exhale briefly, then hold it for the rest of the race. at the 10 meter mark, you should feel yourself accelerating

I only take one breath and that's at the block start.  I think.  I have never kept track of it.  However, I will inhale on the set command and blow it all out when the gun goes off.  It's the same principle as lifting.  When trying to push weight up etc exhale.  Same with a block start.

I remember hearing Ben Johnson took 3-4 breaths for hte 100 and his accleration patterns follow his breathing.

Holding your breath while executing the valsalva maneuver (attempting to exhale against a closed glotis) can increase intra-abdominal and intra-cranial pressure, both of which can increase force output. Ideally, breath should be held for the initial part of the acceleration and also through later phases of the race to take advantage of this effect. Likewise, the best hurdlers will have set breathing patterns that coincide with predetermined hurdle clearances. Breath holding however should not be something that is highly focused on as it will only be "icing on the cake" for individuals who've already taken care of all other aspects of their race.

Mike, very well put as usual.

Thanks Jay