wrote on Mar 31^st, 2011 at 1:44pm:

MT- I am going to give your breathing method a try this June on the very steep up hill portage from McAree to Pond/Gratton.

If you are in good shape you can really roll with this breathing method. Straight up the hill and never change speeds.

If you are less than in really good shape I highly suggest the step breath method. That's the "real" trick. It is how you get to the top of Everest.

I also employ this method when it is wet out. I tend to be very sure footed off trail but yet I slow right down when it's wet, especially uphill.

Just TRY it! Try it for 5 minutes going up a steep hill. You will make more progress faster than you think and you will never even be slightly out of breath. Better control=safety......another consideration. Plus, as I have said before I don't burn out. Up the hill slow and I can run all day and late into the evening, no problem.