Garmin 645 Music Wrist Watch with Run Dynamic Pod

Introduction
Coach Aaron is a running coach and a Garmin Coach. This article shares an insight to the training approach with the ChiRunning Technique and how HRM technology can be used effectively in Aaron’s coaching.

What is ChiRunning? Why it is beneficial to us?
Aaron ran his first marathon when he was 19 years old in 1995. He runs for more than 25 years and today Aaron is running with CR technique without any injuries. CR combines the movement principles of T’ai Chi with the sport of running to create a technique that shift the workload towards the core muscles with good postural and directional alignment; run with the pull of Gravity with body relaxation and less leg muscles use. This increase running efficiency and reduce running injuries significantly. The Holistic Approach in CR increases our joy of running and running lifespan. See more on www.chiwellnessbeauty.com/about-chirunning

HRM during Aaron’s racing days and how HRM is being used today
Most of Aaron’s training runs were gauged by mileage and speed during his teenage years to his early 20s. Around Aaron’s mid 20s (late 1990s), Aaron started to use a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) wrist watch to train for triathlons with basic heart rate zones training approach. Around the mid-2000s, higher end HRM starts to include the running foot-pod, cycling speed sensors and power meter into their wrist watch hardware package. These tools were used to track running/cycling speed and power. Infra-red technology was used to transfer training data from the wrist watch into the laptop or desktop. Most HRM uses chest strap back then. Today, HRM wrist watch that tracks running speed, cycling speed, cycling power and swimming metrics (stroke count, etc.) is very common in a heart rate training. More functions are included into HRM for our everyday use, making the watch very functional and practical. For an example, Garmin 645 GPS Music wrist watch has all the basic HRM features and other features such as:

• Running Form Analysis – Garmin records running metrics such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time and balance, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio.
• Garmin Sports and Garmin Connect to facilitate training digitally
• Monitor training effectiveness with Training Status, Training Effect and Training Load features programed into the watch
• User friendly wrist-based heart rate monitoring
• Stores up to 500 songs for phone free listening
• Synchronize live training data and workouts into smart devices and computers
• Contactless payment with Garmin Pay

Garmin 645 Music Wrist Watch with Run Dynamic Pod

Garmin watch can pair up its functions with smart devices like the mobile phones and laptop/desktop. Garmin apps such as the Garmin Connect and Garmin Sports has provided a common platform for coaches and athletes to work seamlessly over the digital platform. For an example, Garmin Sports allows coaching to be done for a big pool of athletes, training workouts and data can be synced into the smart devices and wrist watch accordingly. Such facilities allow coaches and athletes to review and adjust training conveniently based on training data consolidated.

How ChiRunning and Garmin HRM can benefit from each other
Coach Aaron has combined the use of ChiRunning Technique and Garmin HRM in his Level 1.2 Chi-Immersion Program.

ChiRunning Technique is a holistic practice of our mind-and-body and CR improves our running bio-mechanical efficiency. The main objectives of all ChiRunners are to run the easiest and the quickest (for competitive ones), without any injuries. Coach Aaron uses high end video analyses tool to analyze and improve ones’ running mechanics in his workshops. Video analyses allow Aaron to identify the root of injuries so that form correction can be done accordingly.

Watch this video to see a ChiRunner’s running form improves, https://youtu.be/s-WxJQvavik.

On the other hand, as far as Running Fitness is concerned, there will be a Sweet Spot between running efficiency and our body physiological (threshold, VO2 Max, etc.) responses to ChiRunning practices. All runners/athletes primary focus should be running without any injuries with good technique and efficiency. Working along with good technique, we should also run at the right training zone that can compliment our MINDFUL PRACTICE of CR that improve of our mental well being and fitness level.

This forms the equation below:
Running Fitness Sweet Spot = ChiRunning Technique + Effective HR Intensity

CR running form and exercise intensity works hand in hand. Garmin HRM plays a part in both parameters (running form and intensity) in the equation. Garmin technology captures technical data feedback in the Running Metrics (cadence, vertical oscillation, etc.) that allows for coaches’ assessment on CR technique of athletes. In addition, Garmin also provides training zones customization for CR practices. We can combine CR training with Garmin HRM in our training. Therefore, to run at your best, grab a Garmin HRM today and learn ChiRunning now!

Good luck and run with a Chi-smile:)
Master Coach Aaron Lew