Chi Running Rocks

[teresa]

This is the deal. I am what most of you would consider a beginning runner. I am one of those that was convinced that by body was just not going to be able to run well or without a lot of discomfort. I finally got up to two miles on the treadmill but with a lot of shin discomfort and the time just dragged. No fun at all. Okay, well, all that has changed with one Chi running lesson. I met with an instructor this morning who, in 1 1/2 hours has probably changed running for me forever. Today I ran 3 miles and it was a PIECE OF CAKE!!! The time flew (45 minutes, so yes, I was slow as molasses) but it was a freaking blast! I feel like a new woman! I HAVE A QUESTION FOR MORE EXPERIENCED RUNNERS: If I can run 3 on the treadmill, do you think I can do the same on the road? Does one equal the other in difficulty as a rule?

[KnottedYet]

I found the treadmill very difficult for chi-running, it doesn't match my speed and stride right and it just doesn't work for me.

I'm afraid I'm very low tech when it comes to running.

[velogirl]

I find I can run longer on the road, trail, or even the track than I can run on the treadmill. I get very tender IT bands on the treadmill, but have no discomfort on other surfaces.

[froglegs]

I find treadmill running to be harder than road running just because it is so incredibly boring. But as far as difficulty, I think the hilly roads around my neighborhood are much harder to run on than a treadmill, even if I make the treadmill do hill intervals. A treadmill tends to propel you a little bit, plus if you are trying to maintain a certain pace, obviously this is not automated on the road the way it is on a treadmill, so you have to be more tuned in to what you are doing.

I, like you, have always been one of those people who thought I was not built for running, but I've always done a little of it on and off. About a month ago I started triathlon training and found that I really enjoy running now much more than I ever have. Tomorrow I have five miles planned and I'm actually looking foward to it.

[Wahine]

The treadmill does not work your calves and glutes as much as road running does. So I always tell clients to work with the treadmill on a 1% grade for a week and see how they feel before transitioning to the outdoors. This is only applicable if all you've been doing is treadmill running or if you're recovering from an injury. If you situation is otherwise, just go out and have at 'er, see how it goes.

[SnappyPix]

Teresa,
Great to hear that Chi Running has been so inspirational and is working for you. I'm currently dabbling with the techniques myself - trying to "unlearn" bad habits and start off with a clean slate (and hopefully actually start to enjoy running, rather than hate it).
Your post was really relevant for me - I bought a treadmill about a month ago and am now starting to think about incorporating outside runs (despite the weather) into my program, as I'm hoping to complete a half marathon at the end of next year and realise that I need to make the transition between the treadmill and the outdoors.
I currently have the incline on the treadmill set at 2%, as I've heard that's a more realistic replica of running on the road.
Keep us posted about your progress as I'm interested to hear how you're progressing.