It's all about the breath

Bit of an obvious statement, it's all about the breath, but today I finally came to that conclusion.  As a kid I had asthma and used to attend a weekly clinic.  I can't remember what we did but I still smile when I drive past the Clarkston Library where it was held.  Fortunately I grew out of it as a kid but my breathing has never been my strong point whether swimming, cycling or running.
This blog was originally started as a journal so I could look back on my journey.  That was 7 years ago and it's been an amazing adventure.  It continues as I start to get back to fitness.  I've put on a stone since Ironman Frankfurt and most think I'm looking healthier, including myself.  However I'm not happy carrying that fat!  I'll be happier if I can lose the fat and replace 50% with muscle but to do that I have to get my finger out!
This week I have run 2 x 10km and 1 x 12.8km.  Yesterday I ran at Chatelherault and it was good to be back.  But my breathing was all over the place and I was pleased when it was finished.  This will make up a large part of my winter training and I am looking forward to it.
Today I headed our with my coach for a run.  It's a toughie and if my heart rate monitor was to be believed I'd be dead!  My breathing was shallow and at the end I was really struggling.  At least three yoga teachers have spoken to me about my breathing but I really do need to work on this over the winter as it is limiting my performance.
Once the shoulder injury is fixed I'll be swimming again and the turbo training will start later on this week. It's all happening and it's great to have my goals lined up for 2017.  It's also encouraging to see my friends "press the button" for Ironman 2017 and I wish them well on that journey.  The one thing that is for sure is, without breath the journey will have ended!