Thank you for explaining. Several years ago, our valley experienced smoke from wildfires that was so bad, you could not see the sun. We hiked unfortunately and from that point on (plus we have had the wildfire smoke ever since except for this past summer) I began to have more issues with breathing and hiking. A friend suggested it might be exercise asthma, which kind of makes sense, possibly brought on with the smoke.

I think I might give your technique a try as some of the hills in our everyday (or we try to do it at least 3-4 times per week) hike are well over 45 plus percent grade! There are 7 hills of that variety just to get up to the higher and a little flatter trails!

Take care and have a lovely day!