Better Breathing Blog by PowerLung

Top 5 Popular Runs for New Runners

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Nov 15, 2018 3:35:51 PM

The sport of running, specifically for entering races, has grown a lot in the last 10 years, but many of the established races (like the Boston or Chicago Marathons) are intimidating for new runners. However, there are plenty of small or themed races which provide a more relaxed, less competitive atmosphere for those just breaking into the race scene. These 5 races offer some of the most fun and rewarding experiences, combined with beautiful scenery and/or unique venues to mix racing with leisure activities.

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Topics: Triathletes, Running, Athletes, Health and Fitness

Training as a Family for Your First Marathon

Posted by Carolyn Morse

May 23, 2018 8:05:00 AM

PowerLung - Training as a Family for Your First Marathon

There has been a nationwide resurgence in running, and running clubs are organizing all over the country. Technology has allowed for drastic improvement of running shoes, accessories, and even jogging strollers, making the activity easier to take up than ever before. And why not? Running is a sport that can be continued throughout one’s lifetime, anywhere, at any time. As family-oriented races pop up in many large and small cities alike, it is the perfect time to consider training for—and entering—a race as a family.

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Topics: Better Breathing, Training, Running, Health and Fitness, Family Fitness

How Exercise Boosts Brain Power

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Jan 18, 2018 2:43:29 PM

PowerLung - How Exercise Boosts Brain Power.jpg

It has long been touted that exercise improves brain function, and this concept has been used widely to support a recent drive to increase physical activity and save recess in schools. However, the benefits go well beyond school age years, and evidence supports the importance of regular physical exercise throughout life. It is a universally accepted understanding that regular exercise is good for the body. However, more and more research is being released showing the benefits to the brain as well. If you are considering starting an exercise regimen, training for a sporting event, or simply want to improve your health, here is some interesting science behind the connection, and a few of the useful facts about regular physical exercise and mental improvement:

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Topics: Better Breathing, Training, Running, Athletes, Swimming, Active Aging, Health and Fitness, Track and Field, Scuba Diving, Cycling, Yoga

Learn What Muscles You Need to Train for Better Breathing

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Aug 31, 2017 8:00:00 AM

It is commonly understood that using Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT), a series of exercises and breathing techniques to increase strength and endurance of respiratory muscles, will improve breathing (and subsequently, respiration) during periods of exercise. However, understanding the science behind RMT is important to better utilize the techniques to benefit respiration and endurance.

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Topics: Better Breathing, Training, Triathletes, Running, Athletes, Swimming, Coaches, Health and Fitness, Track and Field, Scuba Diving, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Rowing, Hockey, Crossfit, Competitive Swimming, Yoga, Diving

Best Practices for Muscle Recovery After Training

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Aug 17, 2017 8:00:00 AM

You are working hard, maintaining a tough training schedule and feeling good about it, but the soreness is starting to affect you. Your first thought may be to simply back off what you are doing, or quit altogether, but that’s not the answer. There are ways to minimize soreness and improve recovery so you can maintain your training regimen.

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Topics: Training, Triathletes, Running, Athletes, Swimming, Track and Field, Scuba Diving, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Rowing, Hockey, Crossfit, Competitive Swimming, Yoga, Diving

Essential Tips for New Runners

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Aug 10, 2017 8:00:00 AM

There has been an increased interest in running in the past few years, with new athletes of all shapes and sizes taking to the road. And why not? Running is a wonderful way to get outside, exercise, meet new people, and enjoy the great outdoors (not to mention some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets). No matter when or where you decide to take up running, here are some tips to make your experience rewarding.

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Topics: Triathletes, Running, Athletes

Can Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) Help Pulmonary Function and Performance?

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Jun 22, 2017 8:30:00 AM

When considering adding respiratory muscle training to an athlete’s training regimen, one may ask if any true benefit has been found. Although it has been proven beneficial to COPD patients, there have been mixed reports in the past regarding hyperpnea (technique for improving endurance respiratory muscle function) training. Variations in study types, methods and protocol could be factors in the mixed results. Athletes and their trainers are looking for tools which can truly improve performance, and studies specific to their gender, sport and level of competition are in demand.

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Topics: Better Breathing, Triathletes, Running, Track and Field

Stay Active at Every Age

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Jun 8, 2017 10:58:34 AM

Age is just a number to me. It doesn’t determine what I can do. In 1993, at age 46, I ran my first Houston Marathon after being trained for three months with my late husband and PowerLung co-inventor, Barry Jarvis. Fast forward to 2014, age 67; I started training for the 2015 Houston Marathon.

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Topics: Training, Running, Active Aging

Strengthen Your Respiratory Muscles

Posted by Carolyn Morse

May 6, 2017 4:04:08 PM

Athletes, professional and amateur alike, think about training their heart, legs, back, and anything else related to their sport. However, rarely do people ponder training their lungs. There is a direct link between fatigued breathing and reduced performance (weakness) in your legs or other muscles needed to compete in any given sport. The bottom line is that when you breathe better, you provide more oxygen to your muscles, thereby improving your athletic performance.

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Topics: Training, Triathletes, Running, Athletes, Swimming, Musicians and Vocalists, Health and Fitness, Track and Field, Scuba Diving, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Rowing, Hockey, Crossfit, Competitive Swimming

Living in Your Own Reality Show. Its Houston Marathon Time.

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Jan 11, 2016 9:47:21 AM

See yourself where you want to be and then be there.
Don’t be in the past.
Be there! Act like the person you want to become.
Bob Proctor – Speaker and Author

Houston, it’s that time of year again. MARATHON TIME!  I know because I volunteer for the Start Corridor Committee, and we had our meeting this coming weekend over 20,000 people will participate in the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon. Houston’s Marathon has three great qualities: 1. it’s flat, 2.it’s fast and 3. it’s fun.  Even with the big 3F’s for marathon running, training for this run can be difficult.

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Topics: Training, Running, Events