I have been hearing, viewing and listening to a lot of stuff lately about chi running positions. So being a coach that takes pride in learning about new techniques and training science’s I did a little investigating. I watched a few online videos, looked up chi running on Google and smiled and smiled and smiled.
The closet applicable definition I could find for chi is: aqi: the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; I really dig that definition by the way. Because I truly believe there is a special life energy in running. In all fitness activities for that matter. So again another big smile. If these chi video people are using the life energy found in running as a motivational tool to get more people out there working on a healthier, happier lifestyle, “Hats off to them.”
However, I’m not so sure that’s the case. Just yesterday I had 2 phone calls, a direct message tweet and saw two other tweets addressed to conferences and videos about chi running “positions.” Hence my investigation. What I discovered was people telling runners to run with proper running form. The same proper running form that has been around for 40 years! Is that bad, heavens no!
I started running cross country in late 60’s. The first thing my coach taught me was proper body position, relaxed breathing, stride length and foot plant. Does this sound familiar to chi followers? When I get a new local client the first thing I do is run with them to make sure they are running with good form. When I start working with an online client I am always talking to them about running tall and quiet, relaxed shoulders and hands, stride length and plant. Heck, if you buy one of my training plans every week I have notes in the coaches comments about form.
Good form and technique will always benefit you in training and racing. So, no matter what you call it; Run Tall, Run Loose, so You’re not the Caboose.
Be Healthy, Train Smart, Have Fun