Good catch, slowgino. I didn't see that response to Tammy. I'll start the hijack... Fussy, more information please! If you're that breathless while running, something's up. Either with your lung capacity or with your selected pace. You should be able to carry on a conversation at most race distances, even a 5k (thought not as easily as a half marathon, of course). Now as to whether you want to carry on a conversation, I'm not one to ask (Ms. Leave Me Alone that I usually am).

Maybe try some lung expanding exercises. Unfortunately, most of the population uses a very small percentage of their lung capacity. Singers are given great exercises to increase lung capacity. Even if you're tone deaf, you can try these: 1. Lie flat on the floor and take a deep breath in for 2 counts, then exhale for 2 counts. Concentrate on not moving your chest, only your abdomen. Now stand up and do the same thing, not moving your chest or shoulders. Can you feel the difference? It's easier to fill your lungs when lying down than standing. the goal is to get the same result standing. 2. Stand up right and pick a high note pitch and sing it. Now bend over at the waist, take a deep breath, and sing the same note. Can you feel the difference? When breathing out or singing, you want to push from your abdomen. If you watch professional singers, especially opera singers, you will note (1) rarely do their chests and shoulders move and (2) you don't hear them take breaths. The goal is to eventually not have your chest or shoulders move when breathing and to not make any sound when taking a breath in. I realize the "no sound when breathing" thing isn't going to work when running , but I hope this all make sense.