Nose strips are little adhesive strips that are positioned across the nose. They gently lift the sides of the nose which can make a more open nasal space. This is something that is easy to change, but for some runners can impact their experience of breathing whilst running at a steady pace or when running hard.
For some runners, nose strips are used to ensure the optimal running airflow when they feel that their nose gets tight during longer runs. It is not about changing the way the body works, but about making it easier for the air to move around the body when at pace.
On The Nose Co. nose strips for athletes are often worn during training runs and race days. They remain in place on the skin without adjustment and do not require any tweaking after they are in place.
Airflow changes when running – why?
The higher the speed of running, the more oxygen the body requires. The breathing rate increases and the nose is required to move more air in a short time. This is where the airflow may begin to become constricted or irregular, particularly on cold, dry, days.
During these times, many runners find that they can breathe through their nose more easily with nose strips for optimal running airflow. It will not increase lung capacity, but may make the blocked feeling that some people experience in their nose with increased effort diminish.
Some athletes report a more relaxed breathing rate when they begin running. Others don’t notice the difference unless they’re playing for a longer period of time and maintaining a high breathing for a longer period of time. This is why athletes use The Nose Co. nose strips for the short jogs as well as long distance training.
Practicing with nose strips
Most runners put the strip down prior to their warm up. The skin is washed and dried, the strip is then positioned over the nose bridge and pressed down. It remains in place by sweat and activity.
Nose strips can be used during tempo runs, interval training, or long steady runs as a method of optimizing running airflow in training. Some runners only use them when they want to run faster, others use them for almost all their running to maintain a steady breathing pattern.
The Nose Co. nose strips for athletes can also be used indoors on treadmills where there is little air movement. Some mention that after a while they forget that they are wearing them as they don’t move or transfer weight during running.
Some people make it a part of their regular training days over time, particularly if they desire to feel more consistent during different paces across breathing.
Comfort and runner’s experience over time
Runners will experience a slight lift over the nose area for the first use. Most claim after a few minutes they don’t notice it anymore. Primary feedback: breathing becomes more difficult when breathing through the nose during more intense efforts.
Others who use nose strips for airflow optimization during running say it helps them to concentrate on pace rather than discomfort of their breathing. Some report it’s better in the warm seasons or long runs when breathing is harder.
The Nose Co. nose strips for athletes have been designed for reusability during training. Runners make sure to have them around for their usual gear, such as shoes and water bottle for longer runs where breathing rhythm is more important than usual.
They do not directly affect fitness or running speed, but may help to keep some athletes running with more control. This is a minor adjustment that can keep runners going through various training cycles.
