Running: Form before Distance

Posted by Michelle Muldoon on Tue Apr 17th, 2012, 4 comments

Training to heart rate continues to inspire me as I work on my Chi Running technique. I simply cannot wait for my next run, to experiment with how any given focus can lower my heart rate. It occurred to me recently that since I started heart rate training in November, I have no idea how many miles I run a week. What matters is the quality of each run.

That ‘s a definite shift, I would always want to know my weekly mileage. I could go back and have a look as I do use a Garmin but it doesn’t seem to matter anymore. I do know I am running for longer and at least 5 days a week with greater ease and even more enjoyment. The continual practice of the Chi Running technique has allowed that to happen.

This morning, I came across a journal I kept when I started to practice the Chi Running technique. I had forgotten just how many injuries I had back in 2006. Seriously, there was not one part of me from hip down that didn’t trouble me in some way or another. As Danny says “technique is king” and so it has proved for me. It’s been a gradual process but so worth it.

I’ve also been inspired by Danny and Katherine Dreyer’s new book, Chi Marathon, a book I’ve been waiting a long time for. Not just a marathon running training plan, although there is one in it; this book will take you through a seven phase technique based program which will have you at the start line of your marathon more prepared than you thought possible. It’s a book that will change how you approach marathon running and might even change your life.

So, armed with years of practice and this book, I’ve decided 2013 will be marathon running year for me. I would like to spend a year focusing on heart rate training without the distraction of marathon training and hopefully be in my best shape for running a marathon in the autumn of next year.

Happy running.
Michelle