I have found my Chi

Since I started running, I've always been pretty tense while running. My shoulders felt like they were squeezing my neck and every so often I felt as if I needed to "shake out". I eventually got a pinched nerve in my neck which caused terrible headaches from all of this tension. Physical therapy and a wonderful book called ChiRunning has changed the way I run. 

Today I was feeling sluggish and lazy. I wasn't sure if I'd get a run in at all today. But after sitting around long enough I decided to jump on the treadmill even if it was going to be for 2 miles. I started thinking about what I've learned from ChiRunning and started to apply it to my form. The only word that came to mind after my run was EPIC. I had an epic run. I ran with almost no effort. I never felt out of breath, I never felt tense and I felt as if I could go on for hours. BUT, I know that I need to be careful too and since I've never ran more than 5 miles, I stopped at an hour. (just over 5 miles) 

I have never gone an hour straight and felt so good. This gave me such encouragement. I was beginning to feel like maybe long distance running isn't my thing; but after a run like that, my thinking has changed. I know that I'll have "bad runs" still, BUT this is something I've been needing for a long time. Effortless running. I love it. If you've never read ChiRunning, I highly suggest you give it a try!

Have you read ChiRunning?

Did you apply it to your running?

How has it helped you?

If you haven't read the book, have you heard of it?

Interested in reading it?

Don't you just love when you have an awesome run?!