In the spirit of National Running Day, I have a plea. “Can’t we all just get along?” I just came across yet another running forum with a lot of bickering and debating about technique. Even some name calling. Please.

There are typically two camps. One camp says their chosen technique or foot landing or footwear is ‘right’. The position is usually taken without considering the individual, the goal, the anything. The other camp shares what has worked for them – AND THEN STOPS TYPING.

What is most interesting is that these camps align almost every single time with the same positions. The know-it-all camp aligns with all things that appear absolute and precise. The sharing camp aligns with their own individual experience. I often wonder if there is some correlation between technique and mindset. In other words, does the technique affect the mindset or does the mindset find the technique? Probably both, but in my opinion more of the former (See related blog post Running As A Metaphor For Life). My chosen technique principles have also taught me to fully experience running and life; and not try to know it completely. I have also learned there is always another layer to humble you as soon as you think you have it all figured out.

There is a very simple quote (to which I add the word ‘absolutely’) I come back to often to keep some perspective when I come across the bickering and debating. It also reminds me that opinions are input; and what is opinion and what is ego.

Those who know, do not speak [absolutely]. Those who speak [absolutely], do not know. – Lao Tzu

What I take away from this quote is simple – If you think you have it all figured out, you don’t. No one does. And those who know they don’t have it all figured out, don’t let their egos suggest otherwise. Suggesting one individual’s partial solution applies completely to anyone else says more about the source than the content.

So this brings me back to the original question. Are your running coaches or mentors or authors or bloggers or … just teachers or also students? Meaning do they think they have it all figured out precisely and absolutely and apply that to all situations – or are they still experiencing, learning, adapting and sharing? Do they share options or are they trying to convince you (and themselves) they have the ‘right’ answer?

Okay, feel better now. Back to the real task at hand; there is much sharing to be done.

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David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach – and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor.  For more information on David, please see his About Me, Contact page or his website at http://www.eChiFitness.com.

ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.

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