Chi Discussion Forum

If I’m doing things right with Chi Running, I should be using less energy than with my old running style. Right?

As I have read the books, watched the DVD, used the metronome successfully and have incorporated a lot of what I have learned, I’m sure my form has improved.  However, I’m still getting my pulse rate too high on a relatively flat, 6 km road run.  Where should I look for the over-expenditure of energy?  Is there a common mistake that I might be making?

Don’t plan to visit USA any time soon and there are no active Chi Running coaches here [Melbourne, Australia]; so any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Derek -

You might want to slow your pace down a bit. The first 10-15 minutes of your run should be spent in a very easy ‘first gear’ where your breath rate hardly increases. This gives your body a chance to loosen up and allows the joints and muscles to warm up. It also gives you a chance to ‘hear’ your body so you can make adjustments and set conditions for the energy to flow. Don’t force your speed into second gear, but rather allow it to happen. As you warm up, your body will naturally move into a faster gear. Just try to focus on staying relaxed and aligned. Let us know how it goes!

Laura Houston
Certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Instructor
Seattle WA

Thanks, Laura.  I think you have hit the nail on the head: I am tending to push up the pace from the start.  I don’t think I have enough experience of Chi Running to do that with good form.  I’ll try the slow approach and see how things go.