Read on this theme from other sources, medical, athletic and the mindfulness viewpoints. Followed your approach / guidance to cause gradual changes and heading into intense exercise with an open mind (if not an open mouth).

It is a state of mind as one struggles but, following your pattern, it can be done.

Mix in some classic yoga breathing exercises and this old man with lungs that were so unwell a specialist regarded them as 'those of a 70 year old smoker' a decade ago (when I was hitting 50years of age). This due to bronchitis and pneumonia when in Somalia and Sudan and unable to reach proper medical treatment before scarring took place in the lungs.

Been there and done it - maybe. But still learning so thanks Markham for reinforcing good practices and questions to try and answer in our ways of being - breathing controls mind as well as body and have to say - Yes to another excess! Use it, abuse it but make sure not to lose it