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Chi Running is a form of running that’s supposed to be extremely easy, efficient and pain free. One of the first concepts he teaches is cotton and steel. You picture a steel rod as your spine, and your body is cotton that flows around it. I believe its a tai chi concept.
Still too hard on the knees. Need to get more off my frame first so I don’t destroy my legs in the process. I’ve tried the First Day to 5 K program but it didn’t go well. Good Wake up call that I still have a long way to go.
Those are good reasons to not run. I’ve seen some rather large people running, so don’t count it out, but if it hurts, then its better to hold off. I do allow myself set walk intervals, especially for my long run. When I was using the treadmill I didn’t take any walk breaks, but I didn’t have hills and the temp was controlled. This outside stuff is definitely harder.
Thursday: P90 sweating/abs & 1 mile tempo run (no walk breaks!)
Used a 154 bpm show from podrunner, and it worked great! I ran the mile in 10 min 20 sec, my fastest mile outside yet! Got in the groove, and just took off, even the hills didn’t seem so ridiculous today, and it was in the upper 80’s. Gotta love running.
While I was waiting around this afternoon (see my latest post!) I had some time to play on my computer and found this (from a podcast Ann recommened to me) program to analyze the BPM of music.
You were talking about tempo music. This program will analyze the music on your compter, but only if it is in MP3 format (not ACC or whatever it is that Apple uses). The majority of my music is MP3 because I own many CD’s and downloaded each and every one of them individually to my computer. There are at least 1200 songs. I started the program this afternoon about 3 and it is still analyzing my music as I type (9 hrs later!), but supposedly it will export the BPM of all those songs to my iTunes - otherwise I’ll have a bit of data entry to do!! You might just want to start with a workout or running playlist if you have a lot on your computer too.
Thanks, Catherine, but I have a Mac. I love the machine, but wish we’d get as many apps. Oh well. I’m sure there are lots of people here who can use the site!
Bree, hang in there. A Mac is a great thing to have ... can you imagine how much less time in the day PC people have? What with all the extra apps and everything? I couldn’t do it
Chi running sounds good. I’m with Catherine, I need to lose a few more lbs before I can start. As it is my ankles kill me from my walks. I am going to go to the library and see if they have the walking book.
Hey there Bree,
Congrats on your running! Very impressive. You are an inspiration to all of us. Before you know it you’ll be conquering double digit distances in one shot. I’d like to suggest you read one of the most inspirational books on my shelf by Dean Karnazes called ”Ultra Marathon Man”. Dean shares his story on how he turned his life around through running and eventually moved toward leading a life of being “in-service” rather than entirely focused on “self-service”. This is one of those reads that you’ll have a hard time putting down and finish in a weekend - and will be strapping on your running shoes the minute you turn the last page.
So you are training for the Worldwide Half in October? Do you have any other races in your cross-hairs for the fall?
Adam
PS - Chi Walking/Running is the way to go. Danny Dreyer is really onto something - and as a fellow student of the same Tai Chi master George Xu I can tell you, while it may ‘sound’ a little strange at times (cotton/steel, etc.) he knows what he’s talking about when it comes down to finding a link between walking/running and the tai chi arts. I suggest to anyone to do a search on YouTube for Chi Running or Walking to see the form. It’s very subtle, but does work in improving your performance, results and prevention from injury. As my 75 year old mom still says “If it hurts when you’re doing it, you’re doing it wrong...” A wise lady.
Cool, thanks for the book recommendation, Adam! I am training for the WWH, and getting excited. There’s a 5k locally in September that I’m looking at, but that’s about it. I have a question for you. I heard you talk about using a treadmill (on your last podcast) due to the heat, do you have any trouble using the Chi method on the tread? I’m fighting the heat and humidity too, so will be switching to my treadmill today.
Child tossing is the best workout in the world. Once you get started, there’s a line, so no shortage of tossees. And no break, so total cardio and strength, especially if you are standing on the side of the pool and swinging them into it. Total body workout. And best yet, when’s the last time you heard your dumbbell giggle with delight?
Sunday: Rest day
I put off the run until dark, then it was still so humid and hot, I unburied the treadmill but decided to wait until today (it was 9:30pm). We spring cleaned the kitchen this weekend. Pulled everything out, scrubbed it all down, and put it away better than before. Very time consuming, and all worth it!
Is it still technically “spring” cleaning when you do it in the summer?
You can come to California no matter what season and help me with my kitchen. Some of the top shelves have the stuff my Mom put up there in 1970! It is long past time for me to clean up those shelves!!
Good question Bree. While I think being mindful of your posture and form is crucial for getting the most out of any exercise - especially running, I don’t think tilting forward to “put on the gas” as Danny Dreyer suggests in his book “Chi Running” works well on a treadmill. Fortunately though, the cusioned platfom provides a more forgiving surface. What I generally do to add a more “outside” feel to the treadmill experience is to raise the incline slightly by 1 or 2 degrees. I find that while they are both classified as running - outdoors vs. treadmill is an entirely different experience - but most importantly, running in the AC of the gym keeps me from spontaneously bursting into flames from the surface of the sun temps we are reaching in Southwest Florida this month. I’ll surely be back on the roads once it cools off a bit.
Hey Muscles! It’s still spring cleaning, I’m just that far behind!
Wow, thanks for the quick response, Adam! I find the “pretend there’s a cable attached to your chest pulling you forward “concept is the most helpful for me. It seems to tie all the focuses in to one easy visualization.
The irony of the treadmill is that you are not moving forward at all, rather you are spinning your legs not to fall down or fly off the back. Technicaly it’s still running, but it’s an exercise of moving in place rather than through space…
I love the machine, but wish we’d get as many apps. Oh well. I’m sure there are lots of people here who can use the site!
I couldn’t do it
