Back of the Pack Podcast

Back of the Pack Podcast

The Stress Effect, Week 2: Lungs & Stomach

The Stress Effect, Week 2: Lungs & Stomach

28m
In Week 2 of our Stress Month series, we dive into how stress wreaks havoc on your lungs and stomach.

Stress isn’t just in your head—it changes how you breathe and digest, and for runners, that can mean shorter breaths, harder workouts, and some very inconvenient pit stops. We break down the respiratory system, showing how shallow breathing, chest tightness, and even asthma flare-ups can make your runs (and your daily life) feel harder than they should.

Then we move into the digestive system, where stress triggers nausea, IBS flare-ups, reflux, and appetite swings that throw off training fuel and everyday meals.Whether you’ve ever felt butterflies before a race or found yourself winded just walking up stairs on a stressful day, this episode unpacks how stress steals your breath and ties your stomach in knots.