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Running with a f*#@ing backpack: a discovery in chi running.

As I've posted before Danny Dreyer's hallmark chi running technique has vastly improved my running performance and comfort. Fresh off a PT appointment (where I'm basically learning to use my ass muscles more when I run, walk, or climb) I was running home with my typical pack full of Kristi Helgeson's home cooked "sack" lunch (packed in heavy-ass-glass estrogenic-free Tupperware). I was practicing my "ass-form" and also trying to run in such a way that my "day-pack" wouldn't wobble and violently jiggle me right off the sidewalk and into an oncoming buss. In essence, I have been noticing on several of my runs to and from work (with packs full of business casual non-sweatified clothing and yes my heavy ass lunch) that running with a pack efficiently forces me into a very nice and proper chi-form of running.
I've also noticed that ideally if I can cinch my pack up high enough to align the bottom of my pack as close as possible to the T12-L1 spot in my back then I'm also more able to practice good hip/lower back rotation. See figure 1 and figure 2 below.

Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Essentially on my runs lately I've combined the chi "C" shape form with my new ass work in PT and have achieved a faster longer stride...the ass-cinching in particular helps achieve what chi runners strive for in figures 1 & 2. Figure 2 BTW would be a perfect example of a left-ass-cheek-cinch.

On as side note I should note that my wife really hates it when I chi-walk glamour-walk with her on nice sunny-day stroll to the park or picnicking location...but hey but you gotta get in your training wherever and whenever you can.

Lastly I should note that I really don't think any of this posture work or PT would be nearly as effective if I wasn't running in zero drop Luna Sandals.

If you are working on your running form you really need a pair of these.
If you really can't part with the comforting security of a shoe, try out some Altra's...and while you're at it do it all at 7 Hills Running Shop in Seattle, Washington. Soon you'll be running like a pro and achieving glam shots of your own like this from Glenn Tachiyama at Sun Mountain Ultra 50k.

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