mieshie wrote:
I am looking for strategies of breathing when it comes to climbing
hills. While I admit that I usually beat my ride partners up the
hills, I feel as though I am breathing harder than is necessary. I
have tried to slow my conserve my breathing because once I get halfway
up the hill, and the steepness hasn't really changed, my heart feels
like it's going to beat out of my chest. Then, once I get over the
hill, my speed slows down and then the other riders either catch up to
me, or pass me by as I recover. I know I'm doing something wrong, but
I am not sure what it is. I'm wondering if maybe I am using brute
strength to get up the hill, but I am not controlling or regulating my
breathing to the point that I might actually get up the hill faster and
with less stress so that I can maintain the pace even after I get over
the hill.

What are some are some home-grown strategies that some of you have when
it comes to tackling the hills?

Try to hyperventilate as much as possible (might be impossible if you
are already going hard) and when climbing take deeper breathes. I find
that for me (maybe not you) taking in a full 2 liters at a time not only
stretches the chest but stops that doggy pant style of breathing. The
shallow pant leaves a lot of CO2 in your airway where the deep breath is
more efficient. It works good for me but I have to actually think about
it to get into that rhythm or I will just pant my way up.
I guess you have to try things until one works for you.
Good luck.
Bill Baka