Chi Running Update

I'm running more consistently these days. I started with 3-2s, that's 3 minutes running to 2 minutes walking. Now I'm up to 5-1s. I can run consistently for about 6-7 miles, after that I want to walk. That feels pretty good considering I didn't run at all until about a month ago.

Ages ago I promised an update on the Chi running technique. The seminar I took was lead by two great instructors Ben from Effortless Running, and Shelli from Joy In Movement. When I can do it, Chi running is really effortless. The problem is I can't consistently manage to do it. Sometimes I'm flailing around and I look like a complete dork. Usually I try to focus on one Chi technique at a time.

The thing is that when I get it, I absolutely know I've got it. My whole body feels aligned to the run and suddenly I'm about 2 minutes per mile faster. When it happens, it's that good - faster, easier. Then the whole thing falls apart and I'm back to my slow, gawky self.

Overall, I'm really satisfied with the Chi running class I took. In fact, I'd like to take a refresher course in a few weeks.

Chi Running - Results

More on Chi Running next time. For now, I went out today and ran a bit more than 2 miles. Two miles sounds paltry since I can easily walk about 15 miles. Normally, I'm a run-a-step, walk-2-steps girl. Today I ran solid with the exception of 1 short hill. My form wasn't great and I was slow, but it was still a good showing for a first time Chi Runner.

Can She Chi?

This morning I took my first ever Tai Chi class. I'm not sure what I thought of it. It was sort of like the first time I took yoga 20 years ago. (20 years!) The Tai Chi instructor used a lot of silly names for moves which I'm sure aren't silly if you know what it all means. To someone with no background the pose names seem arbitrary. She calls out the movement White Crane Spreads Its Wings. To me it may as well be Porcupine Eats An Onion Ring or Child Tames a Rutabaga.

What inspired this interest in Tai Chi? This weekend, I'm taking a class in Chi Running. Chi Running is a modified running form that uses the principles of Tai Chi to make running more effortless. Lately, I've really enjoyed running. It's a big change from a year ago, when I found running to be a chore. I thought maybe some formal instruction on running form might be in order.

I don't know how the Chi Running concept came into my world. Last week it was just suddenly there ready for me to explore. When the student is ready, the teacher appears.