Running Shouldn't Hurt.
A few years back my oldest son learned to drive a stick shift and within 3 months we needed to replace the clutch. Twice.
The issue wasn't a faulty clutch or a poorly designed car or bad roads. Instead, my son was simply doing it wrong.
Which brings me to a simple thought that works for running every bit as much as it does for cars (or just about anything else, for that matter):
If something breaks, you're probably doing it wrong.
I was a runner before I became a Chi Runner and have had my share of injuries. Feet. Shins. Knees. Once, as I finished a run, my back gave out and I dropped to the ground in front of my wife.
Not fun.
With Chi Running, I've learned the importance of posture and how I can run strong and relaxed at the same time. I've learned to run up hills with a lot less effort and to run down them with a wonderful sense of speed and control.
I've also learned to listen to my body.
If something begins to hurt as I run, even a little, it means I'm doing something wrong. Instead of powering through it like I used to, I now focus a little more on my form. As I start running better, the pain goes away. It really is that simple.
Of course, as the title of this website explains, I am very much still learning to run myself. On some days, good form comes more naturally than other days. And that's okay. I'm a much better runner today than I was a year ago and I plan to be a much better runner next year as well.
And you can too.
