Running News Daily

The fitter you get, the more likely you are to feel that you can’t get enough oxygen during hard exercise

Our lungs and airways are “overbuilt,” according to exercise physiologists. Though we gasp and pant during heavy exercise, that’s not what actually slows us down. Instead, the bottleneck is the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles, or the muscles’ ability to make use of that oxygen. That’s why the heart and muscles get bigger and stronger in response to training, while the lungs stay the same: we already suck in more oxygen than we’re able to use.

Or maybe not, according to a new study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise that takes a fresh look at what it means to be out of breath. It turns out there are different subtypes of breathlessness. Your chest might feel tight; or your breathing muscles might feel overworked; or you might feel that you can’t get enough air in. That last one, sometimes called “air hunger” or (more scientifically) “unsatisfied inspiration” is usually associated with lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But the new study finds that about a third of healthy adults experience air hunger during all-out exercise—and it’s the fittest people who are most susceptible.

The study, led by researcher (and accomplished mountain runner) Jordan Guenette and graduate student Olivia Ferguson of the University of British Columbia, reanalyzed earlier results from lung-function tests completed by 321 healthy adults between the ages of 19 and 40 in labs at the University of British Columbia and McGill University in Canada. Among the tests was an incremental cycle to exhaustion, after which subjects were given a list of 15 phrases that described subjective sensations of breathlessness and asked to pick which ones applied to them.

Four of the phrases corresponded to air hunger: “I cannot get enough air in,” “I cannot take a deep breath in,” “My breath does not go in all the way,” and “I feel a need for more air.” Those who picked at least three of those four phrases were classified as having air hunger. Healthy adults usually associate breathlessness with the perception that their breathing muscles are working really hard, rather than with air hunger. But to the surprise of the research team, 34 percent of the subjects fell into the air hunger category.

Air hunger doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re truly short of oxygen—but it feels that way, which is enough to create problems. There are two distinct dimensions of breathlessness: the sensory experience (what it feels like) and the affective/emotional response (how you react to that feeling). Air hunger is a sensory experience, but it’s tightly linked to a negative emotional response. No one likes to feel that they can’t get enough air in. In patients with lung disease, the feeling of air hunger is a major deterrent to exercise even when it doesn’t directly compromise exercise capacity.

To figure out if the same thing happens in healthy adults, the subjects were also asked to rate the discomfort in their legs on a scale of zero to ten, do the same for breathing discomfort, and make as estimate of how much their decision to give up in the exercise test was due to leg and breathing discomfort, respectively. Sure enough, breathing discomfort was higher in the air hunger group, and about half of them said that it played a part in their decision to quit, compared to less than 30 percent in the non-air hunger group.

One sign that this breathing discomfort wasn’t all in their heads is that the air hunger group had stronger markers of “critical inspiratory constraints” (CIC)—that is, limitations on their ability to breathe more deeply. When your body detects that carbon dioxide levels in your blood are rising, it automatically triggers deeper breathing to flush out the carbon dioxide and get more oxygen in. But if you have CIC, you’re at a point where it’s hard to inflate your lungs any further, so there’s a mismatch between your desire to inhale and your ability to do so. Sure enough, the people in the air hunger group had several indicators of more severe CIC. For example, they had a smaller peak inspiratory capacity (the maximum volume of air they could inhale), and a smaller increase of inspiratory capacity during exercise.

The next question is what determines who suffers from air hunger and CIC. One difference between the groups is that those with air hunger had, on average, higher VO2 max by 1.5 percent, and reached a higher peak power output by 3.4 percent. They were also breathing faster at exhaustion (50 breaths per minute compared to 47) and sucking in more air (120 liters per minute compared to 116). “Contrary to popular belief,” Guenette points out, “exercise training doesn’t improve lung capacity.” So one version of the story is that fitter people can push themselves harder for longer, but their lungs aren’t equipped to handle the higher load, so they’re more likely to approach their breathing limits.

On the other hand, while the differences in VO2 max are statistically significant, they’re pretty subtle. Could there be other factors that dictate who suffers from the feeling of air hunger—something in the structure of the lungs or the strength of respiratory muscles? Is it a function of how the brain and central nervous systems respond to a given level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood? None of this is clear yet, and neither is the crucial question of whether there’s anything you can do about it. There’s been a lot of research over the years about the idea of training your breathing muscles (including some by Guenette), and one of the theories is that any performance benefits are more about changing your subjective response to the feeling of breathlessness rather than actually delivering more oxygen to your muscles. That might be one way of combating the feeling air hunger; another possibility is the asthma medication salbutamol, which Guenette hopes to study further.

For now, what I take from this study is that I need to rethink one of my standard pieces of advice to beginner runners. Feeling out of breath is one of the dominant sensations when you first start running, but I’ve always assured people that it’s a feeling you get used to, and not something that really limits your performance. It turns that, for at least some people, that’s not true. My sense is that the recent hype about “better breathing” has far outpaced the evidence, but it’s clear that we still have a lot to learn.

The prospect of seeing one of athletics' biggest stars back on the track is growing stronger, with Jakob Ingebrigtsen reportedly targeting a return to competition later this summer following his recovery from Achilles tendon surgery.

According to comments made by his agent, Daniel Wessfeldt, in an interview with Norwegian media, the double Olympic champion could make his long-awaited comeback at one of three major European meetings in July. The leading options under consideration are the Monaco Diamond League on July 10, the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix on July 14, and the London Diamond League on July 18.

For athletics fans, the possibility of Ingebrigtsen lining up in London would add another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated Diamond League meeting. The Norwegian middle-distance sensation has become one of the sport's most dominant figures in recent years, collecting Olympic, world and European titles while consistently rewriting record books.

His 2026 campaign was put on hold after he underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, forcing him to focus on rehabilitation rather than competition. Since then, questions have surrounded when the 24-year-old would be ready to return to racing.

The latest update suggests that decision will largely depend on how his training progresses over the coming weeks. If recovery continues according to plan, July could mark the beginning of his return to elite competition ahead of the latter stages of the season.

A comeback at either Monaco, Budapest or London would immediately place Ingebrigtsen back among the sport's biggest storylines. Each meeting is renowned for producing world-class performances, and any appearance by the Norwegian would attract significant attention from fans eager to see how quickly he can regain top form after his injury setback.

While no final decision has been confirmed, the signs are increasingly positive. After months away from competition, Jakob Ingebrigtsen appears to be edging closer to a return, with London's Diamond League meeting emerging as one of the most intriguing possibilities on his road back to the track.

Should his recovery continue smoothly, athletics could soon welcome back one of its brightest and most influential stars.

What should have been the defining moment of Emad Bashir-Mohammed's young running career instead turned into one of the most talked-about controversies in American road racing this year.

The 23-year-old crossed the finish line first in the men's citizen's race at the prestigious Bolder Boulder 10K on Memorial Day in Colorado, stopping the clock at an impressive 29:50. His performance was not only a commanding victory but also one of the fastest winning times ever recorded in the event's long and celebrated history. Bashir-Mohammed finished eight seconds clear of his nearest challenger and appeared to have secured a breakthrough triumph.

For nearly two hours, he was the undisputed winner.

Then everything changed.

Race officials announced that Bashir-Mohammed had been disqualified after determining that he had started in the wrong wave. According to Bolder Boulder regulations, he had been assigned to the AA wave but lined up with the faster A wave, which began earlier. Event rules allow runners to move backward into a slower wave, but prohibit athletes from advancing into a faster one.

As a result, Bashir-Mohammed's victory was erased from the record books.

The citizen's title was subsequently awarded to Nickolas Scudder, who crossed the line second in 29:58. The promotion handed Scudder back-to-back citizen's race victories, while Bashir-Mohammed was left to grapple with the disappointment of losing a win he believed he had earned on the road.

The disqualification has since ignited widespread debate across the running community.

Bashir-Mohammed maintains that he did not intentionally violate the rules. He claims that after collecting his AA bib, he spoke with race personnel and was permitted to start with the A wave after presenting evidence of his recent performances. In a statement shared after the race, he expressed frustration over the decision, arguing that his goal was simply to compete against the strongest field available and produce the fastest time possible.

Race organizers, however, stood firmly behind their ruling. Officials stated that wave-assignment regulations are clearly communicated in pre-race information and reiterated during packet collection. They also noted that hundreds of participants are disqualified each year for moving into faster start groups, emphasizing that consistent enforcement is necessary to maintain fairness for all competitors.

The incident has divided opinion among runners and fans alike. Some believe the rules must be applied equally regardless of an athlete's finishing position, arguing that wave assignments are a fundamental part of race organization. Others feel the punishment is harsh, particularly if Bashir-Mohammed genuinely received approval to move up before the start.

What remains undisputed is the quality of his performance. On the roads of Boulder, Bashir-Mohammed demonstrated the fitness and speed required to outrun the field by a significant margin. Yet in road racing, crossing the finish line first is only part of the equation. Compliance with race regulations carries equal weight.

For Bashir-Mohammed, the day will be remembered as a painful lesson in the fine margins that can define elite competition. A remarkable run delivered a memorable victory, but a dispute over wave placement ultimately overshadowed the achievement, leaving behind a controversy that continues to fuel discussion throughout the running world.

A fast race, a costly administrative error, and a debate that may linger long after the finish-line tape has been packed away.

The men's 100 metres at the 2026 Rome Diamond League is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sprint races of the season, with an exceptional field featuring some of the fastest men in the world.

Scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the race will bring together reigning stars, established champions and emerging talents in a contest that promises fireworks from the moment the gun goes off.

Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala headlines a world-class lineup that includes American sprint sensation Noah Lyles, Botswana's Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, Jamaica's explosive Ackeem Blake, South Africa's ever-consistent Akani Simbine and Italy's hometown hero Lamont Marcell Jacobs. With personal bests ranging from 9.77 to 9.97 seconds, the field is packed with athletes capable of producing something special on the Diamond League stage.

Omanyala, the African record holder with a blistering personal best of 9.77 seconds, arrives in Rome eager to continue his strong early-season form and prove he can challenge the very best on the global circuit. The Kenyan star has built a reputation as one of the fastest starters in world sprinting and will be looking to make a statement against an elite field.

Standing in his way is world champion Noah Lyles, whose personal best of 9.79 seconds places him among the fastest athletes in history. The American remains one of the sport's biggest attractions and will be determined to add another Diamond League victory to his impressive résumé.

The race also marks a major test for Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo. The Botswanan star has rapidly become one of athletics' most exciting talents, while Ackeem Blake continues to establish himself as a serious contender on the international sprint scene.

Adding further intrigue is the presence of Italy's Lamont Marcell Jacobs. Competing on home soil, the Tokyo Olympic champion will enjoy passionate local support as he seeks to deliver a memorable performance in front of the Roman crowd.

South Africa's Akani Simbine, Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme, Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu and rising American talent Jordan Anthony complete a field that boasts remarkable depth and quality.

Men's 100m Entry List – Rome Diamond League 2026

Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) – PB: 9.77

Noah Lyles (USA) – PB: 9.79

Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy) – PB: 9.80

Akani Simbine (South Africa) – PB: 9.82

Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) – PB: 9.86

Ackeem Blake (Jamaica) – PB: 9.88

Jordan Anthony (USA) – PB: 9.91

Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon) – PB: 9.96

Jeremiah Azu (Great Britain) – PB: 9.97

With multiple national record holders, global champions and Olympic medal contenders sharing the same start line, the Rome Diamond League men's 100m could deliver one of the fastest races of the year. For sprint fans around the world, all eyes will be on Rome as a stellar cast battles for supremacy over athletics' blue-riband distance.

Audrey Werro announced her arrival as one of the early stars of the 2026 outdoor season with a commanding victory in the women’s 800 metres at the Rabat Diamond League, producing a performance that exceeded even her own expectations.

The Swiss middle-distance talent surged to victory in a brilliant 1:56.56, breaking the meeting record and delivering one of the fastest times recorded worldwide this season. In a race packed with quality, Werro displayed exceptional composure, confidence, and finishing strength to separate herself from the field and stamp her authority on the event.

What made the performance even more remarkable was the athlete's surprise at the level she had already reached so early in the campaign.

"I was not expecting such a strong start to the season," Werro admitted after the race.

The race unfolded at a relentless pace, but Werro remained perfectly positioned throughout. As the athletes approached the bell lap, she glanced at the clock and immediately sensed something special was within reach.

"When I saw the time at the bell, I felt really confident," she said. "I'm really happy with the Meeting Record and looking forward to the rest of the season."

Her confidence proved justified. Maintaining her rhythm over the final 400 metres, Werro powered down the home straight to secure the victory and rewrite the Rabat meeting record books in the process.

The performance sends an early warning to her rivals ahead of a season that promises major championships and high-profile Diamond League battles. Beyond the record-breaking time, Werro's display highlighted her growing maturity as a racer, combining tactical awareness with impressive speed and endurance.

With the outdoor season only beginning, the 1:56.56 clocking suggests that even faster times could be on the horizon. If Rabat is any indication, Audrey Werro may be poised for the biggest season of her career.

Her emphatic victory in Morocco was more than just another Diamond League win—it was a statement of intent from an athlete determined to challenge the world's best throughout 2026.

The city of Boston is set to welcome back one of its most celebrated champions as Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi headlines a world-class field for the 2026 B.A.A. 10K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute on June 21.

Fresh from another remarkable victory at the Boston Marathon in April, Lokedi returns to the streets of Boston and Cambridge carrying both momentum and confidence as she aims to defend the title she captured in dominant fashion last year.

The two-time Boston Marathon champion has developed a special connection with the historic race city. In 2025, she produced a course-record performance of 2:17:22 to win the Boston Marathon before returning this year to claim another victory in 2:18:51, the second-fastest winning time in the event’s storied history. Her success has cemented her status as one of the premier road runners in the world.

Lokedi will be making her first competitive appearance since her marathon triumph and arrives as the reigning B.A.A. 10K champion after clocking 31:39 over the challenging 6.2-mile course in 2025.

“Boston has become a very special place for me,” Lokedi said ahead of the race. “The atmosphere created by the fans and the community is unlike anywhere else. I’m excited to return and give everything I have to defend my title.”

The women’s race promises to be highly competitive. American Olympian Rachel Smith, who finished second at the Boston 5K in April, leads the domestic challenge. Kenya’s strong contingent includes African 10,000m champion Gladys Kwamboka, former B.A.A. 10K runner-up Stacy Ndiwa, and experienced road racer Viola Cheptoo. British Olympian Jessica Warner-Judd adds further international depth to a field packed with proven performers.

The men’s race is equally impressive, featuring elite athletes from 13 nations.

Ethiopia’s Dawit Seare enters as one of the leading contenders after capturing the 2025 Boston 5K title and bringing the fastest 10K personal best in the field at 27:21. Kenya will be represented by an accomplished group led by Alexander Mutiso, winner of the 2024 London Marathon and runner-up at last year’s New York City Marathon.

Patrick Kiprop also arrives in outstanding form after securing victory at the prestigious BolderBoulder 10K on Memorial Day, while Alex Masai returns looking to continue his strong record in Boston. Masai recently finished ninth at the Boston Marathon and has earned three top-ten finishes at the B.A.A. 10K.

Among the international stars making their mark is South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt, who makes his race debut after an impressive season highlighted by victory at the NYC Half Marathon in 59:30. Ethiopia’s Olympic bronze medallist Hagos Gebrhiwet adds further quality to the field, bringing a wealth of championship experience and previous success in Boston.

Canadian national 10K champion Andrew Alexander, two-time U.S. Olympian Hillary Bor, marathon standout Ryan Ford, and reigning USA 25K champion Andrew Colley complete a field stacked with talent and depth.

With defending champions, Olympic finalists, national champions and rising stars all converging on Boston, the 2026 B.A.A. 10K is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. For Sharon Lokedi, however, the mission is simple: return to the city where she has repeatedly excelled and add another memorable chapter to her growing Boston legacy.