What makes ChiRunning so different from conventional running is the technique based training. Learning to ChiRun with one focus at a time provides you a mindful practice and an efficient running form. First, by developing a connected posture line - the cornerstone to ChiRunning, allows for gravity to propel you forward with allot less leg work than the average runner experiences. As the ChiRunner progresses in their practice, they are able to take on several focuses at a time while running. Eventually these focuses begin playing in the background and for some they become automatic responses when the subconscious detects something out of alignment or balance.
Have you ever taken the time to feel how you run? Can you feel where your feet are landing in comparison to your hips and knees? Do you know what part of your feet make contact first with ground? Do you push off with your toes to launch yourself up and forward? Working with focuses that are connected to your posture and legs allows you to develop this body awareness. Tuning into what your body is doing permits you to be more efficient as a runner instead of overworked muscles.
If you’re a runner who experiences pain while running, have you thought about what you could do to prevent the pain from happening? Most injuries associated with running are from impact. If you learn where the origin of the pain is coming from, chances are you could learn to soften the impact and not place your leg so far out in front of your center of mass. Part of the ChiRunning experience is learning to have a conversation between the mind and body to make subtle adjustments that could be the difference of finishing or sitting on the sidelines.
Learning how to work with focuses is essential in ChiRunning because it is what drives your mindful practice. Just like a martial artist or a musician, practice is absolutely necessary to stay proficient and grow your practice. Part of this practice always returns to basics to continue to stay fluent and relevant. It is prudent to return to making at least a third of a training plan to include posture and body focuses prior to working on any speed training focuses. Form always trumps distance and speed. As the practitioner becomes more efficient with proper body alignment the workload of the leg muscles decreases and distance becomes achievable. The conditions for speed to happen will develop as the ChiRunner learns to relax everything but their core.
Whether you are new to ChiRunning or have been practicing for a while, one thing is certain; working with focuses will always teach you something about your running. It might be that you need to make an adjustment or you are just where you need to be according to your body and mind conversation. Learning this new body language becomes easier when learning what focuses work for you and remembering when to employ them.
