Hi,
I only started running in Jan this year and I also had trouble with breathing issues. I also went onto forums and asked the question and received a lot of feedback with help. Most of the feedback I received was to 'slow down' although I already thought that my speed was slow enough. My PB up until 2 weeks ago was 3.5km and i was struggling to breath which had impacts on my distance. Then my breathing was in through my nose and out through my mouth.
2 weeks ago I went running with a friend and her personal trainer came with us. The personal trainer kept saying to my friend 'make sure you control your breathing'. I had no idea what that meant. So i asked this PT what do you mean by controlling your breathing and I told her i didnt think i was breathing correctly. She told me that if i was breathing through my nose and out through my mouth, ofcourse that would cause issues. She told me to only breath in and out through my mouth and then 500m down the road pick a spot and then take in a large breath through your nose and out through your mouth and then continue with breaths only through your mouth.
I didnt think much of it until I tried it. It works for me! In that run i did 2 weeks ago with my friend and her PT i smashed my personal best that night by doing 5km without realising it. I again used this technique last week for the Melbourne Australia Colour Run 5km and it worked again. Last nighti did 5km and used the same breathing technique and i was able to complete 5km again.
Another tip she taught me was when i get stitches, take deep breaths through the nose and out through your mouth and it will disappear shortly.
I hope my input helps you with your breathing difficulties!
Amie