Updated October 29, 2014.

Some new runners get frustrated when they find themselves getting tired or feeling out of breath as soon as they start running. Heavy breathing and fatigue are signs that you're pushing past your current fitness level. As you're trying to build endurance and improve your running, you want to try to avoid running at that level. It's more important that you work on proper running form and breathing, and run at a pace that’s suitable for your fitness level.

That will allow you to increase distance and build your fitness and running confidence.

To avoid getting tired and breathing heavy during your runs, here’s what to do: 

1. Check your posture.  Hold your torso straight, avoid bending at the waist during the jog. This improves breathing.

2. Use your arms to move you forward. Keep your arms at a 90-degree angle as you’re running. Rotate your arms at your shoulders.

As you pull one arm back, pull the other one forward. This arm movement will help to propel your body forward, so your legs don’t have to work so hard. As an experiment, try to run with your arms at your side. Tough, right?  Your arms help lighten your legs’ workload, so use them.

Also see:  Tips for Proper Running Form

3.Breathe in for three steps. So, as you step, left foot, right foot, left foot, count, “1, 2, 3” to yourself. Breathe through your nose and mouth, and try to take deep belly breaths.  If you breathe too shallow, you’ll get a side stitch.

4.Exhale for two steps. As you step, right foot, left foot, count, “1, 2” to yourself.

5.Keep it to a "conversational pace", which means that you should be able to talk in complete sentences as you’re running. If you find yourself getting out of breath, slow down and take a walk break.

Also see:

• How to Do the Run/Walk Method
• How to Avoid Stopping During Your Runs
• 14 Things New Runners Should Know
• 4 Running Form Mistakes and How to Avoid Them