The Chi in Progress

What is Chi?

I am still in the process of discovering the answer to this question, but it becomes clearer to me every time I run or workout or do anything for that matter (while focusing on my inner self). Chi is an inner feeling of peace, kind of like the soul (what is a soul??). Having a very strong Chi is something that can be achieved through a lot of practice and mental strength, but the Chi can always be improved so it is a never ending process. The process for strengthening your Chi is also the process for strengthening your Chi. The Goal is the process!

Some concepts that I am learning about from

the book, "ChiRunning" are all focusing on simplifying and relaxing the running style. Some of the ideas presented in this book seem a little Hocus Pocus, but they are all applicable to my current running style in a good way. This book talks about how the western running world uses the motto "No Pain, No Gain!" excessively. I have really grown to love this saying because of the way a really tough run makes me feel stronger, like nothing can stop me, or that I am more prepared for anything... like a MAN. With the pain of this type running, there may be muscle gain, but there is also a much greater risk for injury. I really enjoy the feeling of pain after a workout because it shows me that I really got in a good run, but with ChiRunning there is a different feeling of satisfaction after running. A satisfaction of my legs feeling better than when I took off from my run. I feel more at peace with myself and with the universe, like I can do anything not because I am strong enough physically, but because I am strong enough mentally. I think that my goal is to become a sort of hybrid between the western style of running (no pain no gain) and ChiRunning.

I went on a barefoot run tonight for a little less than a mile. I tried to let my muscles relax and let gravity do all of the work. It takes a lot of focus to keep all of your muscles relaxed when I am used to being so tense when I run, but I think that I made some progress and it felt great afterwards. The feeling of being refreshed after a run, rather than dead tired is a nice change, but I was becoming quite good friends with the painful feelings.