Daisy, I definitely need to work on my breathing! I've gotten a little better since I've realized what a problem it was. I was completely holding my breath without realizing it, and also breathing only through my nose (as a result I was clenching my jaw and ending up with horrible tooth/jaw pain). I've been trying to work on inhale 2, exhale 3, but it always feels like I'm taking too shallow of breaths. The only way I've been able to do this is to breathe with my steps and actually count in my head. I'm hoping that it eventually starts to come naturally though! I'm going to try 4-4 and see if that helps! Thanks for the advice.

Also, 8.5?! Wow, that's awesome (and insane ;) ).