Introduction to ChiRunning®/ChiWalking®
Regardless of whether you are a novice or experienced runner, this valuable technique will enable you to be energy efficient and prevent injury in your practice.
ChiRunning/ChiWalking combines the inner focuses of T’ai Chi w/the movement of running or walking to produce a truly efficient mode of moving your body.
This is totally different from power running or walking—which, more often than not, leads to injuries.
In T’ai Chi one moves from one’s center, allowing the limbs to relax and energy to flow freely. Force is not met with force, it is merely deflected and allowed to pass by. This Principle, known as Needle in Cotton is very important. If you can imagine a steel needle inside of a ball of cotton—that is the impression you strive for in your own body, your alignment is the strong needle at the center and the cotton is your relaxed peripherals or limbs—this is what encourages relaxed, efficient movement.
Another T’ai Chi principle is Cooperation w/the Force—sensing your opponent’s force coming at you, remaining aligned and centered and when faced w/ a punch deflecting their force by letting it pass by—not meeting it with your own force. Same goes for the force or impact of running/walking—instead of meeting the road or force of gravity w/a heel strike that reverberates up your leg and spine—you will engage gravity and cooperate with it, allowing it to do much of your work! And, no, you do not need any T’ai Chi experience to learn this technique!
Finally, we will be following the laws of Gradual Progression—first we allow our bodies to memorize excellent Form, then we will naturally enjoy longer Distance and last, we will enjoy greater Speed. You only go the distance as long as you can hold your form—run until tired—walk until guilty! Build a strong foundation one step at a time and memorize excellent technique in your body.
Enjoy the process and the rest will come!