Chi Running

I have a relay race coming up in the next 2 months... I'm really excited, but I've been a bit nervous because of my knee surgery. I've been working with my cardio coach and my personal trainer (sadly, my last session was Friday). We've really been working on glute, hamstring & quad strength, to prepare my legs for this FANTASTIC race.

website: http://www.chirunning.com/

My cardio coach suggested I get this book "Chi Running". So, I went over to Barnes & Noble and picked it up (generally, I'm way too impatient to order books online). I started reading it right away!
So far, it's all about balance and alignment. He talks about how you should never feel pain from running. If you do, you are not in balance and alignment. Because pain is just an indicator that something is off in our bodies. He mentions that we over work our leg muscles (like I've been doing), but it's not required if we run correctly.
He talks about using our mind, gravity and the natural flow of our bodies to move us forward, leading to effective running! He tells us we should get back to our roots, so to speak... Run like children. They have perfect form... because they just do it!
I haven't gotten into the running "form", but I'm extremely excited! He has mentioned great posture (one of my major issues), relaxed muscles and joints and tight core.
If anyone is interested in running or has been interested in running, check it out. So far, I really like the book.

Some very important things to remember when running:
Diet: It's really important to eat "good" foods while running (I'm going to insert a blip here... You should be eating well all the time. Our bodies need great food not just when we are exercising. Okay, I'm done). Carbohydrates (100% whole grains are a good one), proteins and good fats (ie., Avocados). Your body needs the right fuel to run and it needs all these items.
Fluids: When I run, I can not drink soda, coffee or alcohol. My body can't handle it! And my body requires more water.
Sleep: When I run (or do any exercise), my body needs more sleep. Make sure you are getting adequate sleep.

One last thing... When I first started running, I thought you had to run really hard, really fast equaling a high heart rate. After working with a cardio coach, I realized that the slower I went the more effective my body was working. Over time, my oxygen levels increased and I was able to run much faster, with a lower heart rate. So my speed increased, but the effort to reach that speed didn't.

If anyone is interested in running... and would like the information of my cardio coach. send me a message and I'll give you his information. He has changed the way I run and the way I feel when I run! I love it!
I'm so excited to see what this book has in store for me.

Happy Running!