Customer Reviews

Running and Breathing

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I bought this book thinking that it would tell me about breathing and running. Sort of what you would expect from the title.
In fact Dr Justin O'Brien has precious little to say about the subject, and I am at a loss to understand what "many athletes -- from Boston marathoners and national swimmers to international tennis players and Olympic badminton stars" have got out of it. None of these are named, nor provide testimonials, apart from one ultra-runner on the back cover blurb. Dr O'Brien's PhD is in the philosophy of consciousness.
The entire approach can basically be summed up with the words "train don't strain". Breathe easily, steadily and rhythmically using diaphragmatic breathing. Practise until you can breathe out for twice as long as you inhale, while running. Let your breath guide your degree of effort. That's it.
I can only think that this has been written for absolute beginners. It is out of date (written in 1985) and, for the experienced runner, packed with totally superfluous chapters such as "Why Run?", and "Internal Dynmaics" (ie what changes occur in the body as a result of running. There are also worthy, but out of date, chapters on injuries, flexibility and diet.
Not worth the money. The topic is better covered elsewhere, notably in John Douillard's "Body, Mind and Sport".

Running & Breathing by running expert and wellness pioneer Justin O'Brien (Adjunct Faculty, University of Saint Thomas, Saint Paul and The University of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, and Preceptor, Institute of the Himalayan Tradition), is a supplemental resource highly recommended for runners everywhere, as it covers the dynamics of running and controlling one's breathing through yoga techniques (as well as other aspects) in order to get the best out of a physical workout. A highly practical, health-conscious wellness guide, Running & Breathing is also highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to run, walk, bicycle, or engage in any other extended physical activity requiring breath control for optimum performance and benefit.

Although initially skeptical about the method Dr. O'Brien describes in this book, I tried it and continue to be astonished by its effectiveness. In addition to numerous 10-mile and half-marathon races, I have run four Marine Corps marathons and am three weeks away from running a consecutive fifth using this method -- and done so injury free. Not only do I keep breaking my PR, but while my friends have to take the stairs backward the day after long training runs and races, I stride along forward without soreness. I have taken workshops, tried and read books about numerous methods, such as ChiRunning, Pose and Galloway, but they don't come close to the effectiveness of this powerful method.

Incredible technique that works for running, walking, swimming, bicycling, etc. This breathing technique not only increases your endurance but also over all vitality and integration of intent with body.

The book is interesting, and well written. It contains little unique or scarcely known or understood information. Novice runners might like it and get more from it than experienced runners.