A miraculous recovery: running “The Ultimate Runner” with ChiRunning
I bought your book for my wife, who is new to running and was experiencing a lot of discomfort while running. She read the book and added a few dozen sticky note book tabs, so I figured I’d give it a read.
I am a high school track and cross country coach with 35 years of running training and competition. I decided to work on my own running and attempt to be competitive again, because I need goals to keep me motivated. I began training for “The Ultimate Runner” competition in Winston Salem, NC. The event consists of a one-mile run, a 400-meter dash, an 800-meter run, a 100-meter dash and a 5K cross country run. Two weeks before the race, I began reading your book and working on my ChiRunning. On race day, I ran the one-mile, staying very focused and finishing faster than I had expected. 30 minutes later, I was on the line for the 400, feeling very relaxed and focused. I started off feeling great until I went to kick in the last 100 meters, over-strided and pulled my left quadricep. I still finished but limped in across the line. With 3 events to go I thought I was toast, but I just remembered the principles of ChiRunning, shortened my stride, watched my lean and opened my stride behind me. I gingerly ran the 800, I “ran” the 100 meter, and was really just thinking about an easy jog/walk for the 5K just so I could say I finished all events.
I got in line at the back of the pack at the start of the 5K and started off easily with a short stride, being mindful of my center and running with soft legs. By the 1/2 mile mark, I was running relatively pain free and by the mile mark I was feeling great and passing a large number of other runners. My goal was to run sub 23:00 for the 5K when I was healthy – I ended up running a 21:08 and was able to finish with a bit of a kick to pass two more runners in the last 400.
I owe it to ChiRunning. If I hadn’t read your book, I would have been finished after the 400 meter dash. I am going to read it again and use the principles in my coaching. I told everyone I talked to at the meet about ChiRunning and I’m sure there will be some converts after my “miraculous recovery.” I’m taking a break from running as my quad heals, but continuing to walk and cross-train, keeping the idea of Chi in mind as I do these other activities. I just wanted to express my appreciation.
Thank you!
-Bob S.