OK It's official, November 5th was the first day of training for my FULL marathon.
It just so happened that it fell on the same day Pam had arranged for a Chi running coach to come
down and give us a private lesson in Chi running for the day.
We did it at Julie's house. It was Julie, Jania, Emily, Pam and I.
Beth was our teacher.
WOW is all I have to say about the class.
She taped each of us before showing us any of the techniques.
This is the way we should be running.
Here is my video
Before and After
Here is what Beth suggested.
A few things to think about:
Lean: play with it. Your lean in round two, when you head back is excellent. You lean in fabulously, and then you sorta keep going with your head and shoulders and pull yourself back a bit. (see that?) Play with your lean. First gear has hardly any lean - just enough to feel gravity. Know that gear. Then lean a bit more into second gear. Imagine as if you have something wrapped around your hips and it's pulling you forward (rather than leaning from your head). Play with this. Lean too much and know what that feels like. Lean not enough and know what that feels like. Find that place where it feels effortless.
Long spine: If you lean and break your posture, your back will hurt. Be mindful of that. Think about that long spine. Imagine a string pulling you up - especially as you get tired. Think get tall and fall baby!!!
Keep that cadence quick and that foot strike directly beneath you. Hit that mid-foot every time!
Other reminders from class:
Posture: remember, that the more that you practice posture while you're not running, the better and easier it will be while you are running. Notice how you are standing, and sitting, throughout the day!
Align those feet. Find the sweet spot (both left to right, and front to back). Unlock those knees,and lengthen that spine.
Level your pelvis, and engage your core - and lastly, tilt that statue. Sit up in that chair.
Be aware of any tension in your body, and release it. The more that you can relax into the run, the easier (and better!) it becomes.
It's a lot to think about - but simply choose one thing every run or every mile, and work on that.
The more you can recognize when you're doing it "wrong" or if something feels out of whack - the closer you are to getting it "right". Always question when something doesn't feel good in your body.
Align those feet. Find the sweet spot (both left to right, and front to back). Unlock those knees,and lengthen that spine.
Level your pelvis, and engage your core - and lastly, tilt that statue. Sit up in that chair.
Be aware of any tension in your body, and release it. The more that you can relax into the run, the easier (and better!) it becomes.
It's a lot to think about - but simply choose one thing every run or every mile, and work on that.
The more you can recognize when you're doing it "wrong" or if something feels out of whack - the closer you are to getting it "right". Always question when something doesn't feel good in your body.
Questions? Let me know. I'm happy to help at any time.
Good luck with the marathon training!!
Lean into it,
Beth Cline | www.bethcline.com | Agent of Change
This was awesome. so glad I took this class I really feel that it helped me tons.
I don't know if you noticed, I need to not wear a hat.
Thanks Beth for coming down and teaching all of us, yes you got a workout with us. LOL
Pam thank you for organizing all of this, and Julie thanks for letting us use you house.
This day ROCKED!!!!
