Consider Chi Running

[ZRod]

I tried some the technique mentioned in the first two videos this morning. I ran 2.3 miles, which is the furthest yet (I add about .2 to .3 miles to my distance every run if I feel comfortable). Just like my previous runs my pace quickened some, but I felt like I was using less effort to run. I also wasn't worn out when I finished as I usually am. Some of it is probably my stamina increasing, but I could definitely tell the chi running form requires less effort. It really made me aware of how much wasted motion I have and how tense I can get when running with my old form (even though I conciously try to stay loose). I need to look up how to handle hills, because that just didn't feel right with this form, and I found myself reverting back to old form.

It takes some getting used to, as it uses the running muscles in a different way than what I was use to. It kind of makes you feel like an old man running. You know the form I'm talking about when you see a 60 or 70 year old man running and you're trying to figure out how he still has it in him at that age. But, that's probably the point. They can't afford to waste energy, so their form is more efficient because it has to be.

Thanks for the bump BRN. I'll keep practicing this for sure.

 

[NoLongerN]

@ZRod, yes, you can take really small steps in chi running which increases your steps per minute which is good and healthy.  It keeps you more balanced and that extra weight from pounding on your knees and hips.  Most folks have to wide and long of a stride and then get a pounding on every step.  If you didn't balance a brand new tire it would become worn out and defective very, very quickly.  This is the same concept in chi running.  I also love how by falling forward you can created great momentum.  Again, it revolutionized my running.  I have not had a person I have taught these principles to not begin to enjoy running.  We just don't realize how bad our technique is and how important it is.  Thus, the body gives us great kickback and we stop before we really get started as the pain is greater than the will.  

I love this topic of conversation so if I can help anyone with this concept please PM and I'm even willing to have a call on this.  I've been running 5+ years now with 4 marathons and lots of half marathons.  Trust me, I was not a running, always hated it.  Now I enjoy running and also employ the Run/Walk/Run method, which for those of us 50+ is a great technique and way to go.  FYI, I have a friend who used the Run/Walk/Run method to complete his marathons.  He completes them between 4 hours and 3.5.  You can still run fast using this method if you like but it gives your body the rest and recovery during a run to get in the miles. 

I did this this past weekend for a 10 mile run/walk/run at a nice 12:30 pace.  I started slow at around a 14:30 pace and got faster throughout the run finishing at 10:50 pace.  Here is a link to that run.  Check out the splits.  This is how you want to start off in training to break your muscles and system into getting in shape.  I did this run before golfing in the final round of a three day golf tournament.  I was so relaxed when golfing and all stretched out.  The high from the run carried me through to a 2nd place finish in the tournament. 

https://runkeeper.com/user/HeyBakerMark/activity/1178842479?&llsignup=false

 

[NoLongerN]

@ZRod, some thoughts on hills.  Uphill, you will have more "fall forward" and trust me, smaller steps and grind up that bad boy.  Here is the amazing tip ... the down hill ... this is where you can really get injured and most do.  You do not want to pound down that hill left leg, right leg, left leg right leg ... pound, pound, pound.  NOPE!  Most get their stride even longer and faster and it just kills the body.  The down hill is where you fall forward a bit less because the hill and gravity are helping you.  You will increase with more steps and a smaller footprint.  Instead of around 180 steps per minute it might increase to 200.  You don't have to use a down hill area to run faster ... use it as a time to recover.  Let the momentum of the hill take you into the run and conserve your energy.  Just take smaller steps and allow your body to move down the hill without injury to your legs muscles, hips and joints.

I wish I could be with you to show you this but if you can catch the concept take a tenth of a mile in each run or in a few hills and try to practice the concept.  Don't be a Mike Riley ... be a Scott Frost.  Fundamentals and drills are important and we always take time to review and apply as needed.  I do this in every mile of every run and it has given me great benefit.

 

[NoLongerN]

Jason Karp has wrote some good books on running, like The Inner Runner.  I follow him on Facebook.  He post videos of running and helpful fitness stuff that is not BS.  I've found him to be a reliable, trusted source with many good things to say.

Here's a video he recently did on how do you become a faster runner?  He has around 6 lessons from physiology to make you a better runner. Here's lesson 1.