<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>EnerChi Fitness Blog &#187; Nutrition</title>
	<atom:link href="http://echifitness.com/blog/category/nutrition/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://echifitness.com/blog</link>
	<description>EnerChi Fitness provides health and wellness resources such as ChiRunning®/ ChiWalking® for efficient and injury-free fitness.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:49:57 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Efficiency at a Lower Level</title>
		<link>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/10/21/efficiency-at-a-lower-level/</link>
		<comments>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/10/21/efficiency-at-a-lower-level/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:29:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>echifitness</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASEA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aerobic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antioxidant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[athletic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cellular]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[endurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[level]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[molecules]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nj]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[performance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vo2 max]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://echifitness.com/blog/?p=1679</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This blog is mainly about creating efficiency in our movement so that we can improve our health and, if desired, increase our performance. But this blog is also about supporting efficiency in all aspects of life. Efficiency in movement is created by balancing effort across all parts of the body relative to their ability. But [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/09/26/lower-ab-exercise-variation/' rel='bookmark' title='Lower Ab Exercise Variation'>Lower Ab Exercise Variation</a> <small>One of the common challenges to efficient and injury-free running...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/02/14/elements-of-running-efficiency/' rel='bookmark' title='Elements of ChiRunning Efficiency'>Elements of ChiRunning Efficiency</a> <small>Recently … I was in an exchange online with another...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2010/02/15/alignment-for-running-form-efficiency-and-injury-prevention/' rel='bookmark' title='4 Components of Alignment for Running Form Efficiency and Injury Prevention'>4 Components of Alignment for Running Form Efficiency and Injury Prevention</a> <small>Alignment is a key element for running form efficiency and...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F10%2F21%2Fefficiency-at-a-lower-level%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F10%2F21%2Fefficiency-at-a-lower-level%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;space=14&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
			</a>
		</div>
<p>This blog is mainly about creating efficiency in our movement so that we can improve our health and, if desired, increase our performance. But this blog is also about supporting efficiency in all aspects of life. Efficiency in movement is created by balancing effort across all parts of the body relative to their ability. But what if one part of the body is not able to efficiently contribute to this balance; or worse yet detract from it? An example might be upper body vs. lower body or maybe the leg vs. the big toe.</p>
<p>Yet another relationship exists between &#8220;levels&#8221;. For example, muscles are limited by their &#8220;parts&#8221; which are cells. And all of those cells are in turn limited by <span id="more-1679"></span>their parts which are molecules. What if you are working towards balance at the body/muscle level and a lower level is out of balance?</p>
<p>I was reminded of this concept about 11 months ago from a fellow runner and good friend. I saw him one day at a group run and I could tell there was something a little different. He had a bit more spring in his step and higher energy after the run. I asked him what he was up to. He said he was testing a product that promotes balance at the cellular level by supplementing &#8220;molecules&#8221;. He said the molecules are native to the body, but they can get out of balance for a number of reasons which can make the cellular functions inefficient. What was interesting was that this supplementation was occurring below the substance, antioxidant or vitamin level; and was providing the raw molecules our cells need to promote balance and health.</p>
<p>He asked me if I wanted to try the product. This idea to supplement at a level below traditional supplements was new to me but I could clearly &#8220;see&#8221; in him there was something to it. I had only 10 days before a major 50 mile ultra marathon and I don&#8217;t like to introduce anything new that close to an event. I decided to try it for a few days and see what happened. I saw him again the following week and told him I was experiencing better sleep, more energy and less recovery. I continued to use it up until race day. On race day morning, I debated what to do … and decided to take a pre-event amount.</p>
<p>The next thing I knew I was crossing the finish line 45 minutes earlier (for 50 miles) than the year before. The ultra felt very &#8220;different&#8221; this time. I did not get the same tension and fatigue in the later miles as in previous years. And it almost felt like my body was dealing with the exhaust of my activity while I was still running the event. Afterwards I had more at the hotel as well as in the days that followed. That evening and the next day my recovery seemed much less than in previous years. A few days later I was running as if the event had never happened.</p>
<p>I continued to use the product and about 10 days later I remember a long group run. That is when I really noticed another benefit: enhanced aerobic performance (<a href="http://www.teamasea.com/pdf/Athletics.pdf" target="_blank">study here</a>). I could sense much less aerobic effort on a familiar hilly course. Even a few friends commented that I was running so well so soon after my event.</p>
<p>I have been using the product ever since; and continue to enjoy the many benefits from improved sleep to more energy to clearer skin to better digestion to higher performance to less recovery. I use a daily amount and then add more for a long training run or event. In about a month the same 50 mile ultra marathon event is coming up again. I am very interested to see how almost a whole year of greater balance at the cellular level might enhance my experience; and perhaps suggest an increase in health &#8230; from the inside out.</p>
<p>[Update 10/27/11: My most recent ASEA experience this past Sunday at a very challenging ultra marathon: <a title="2011 Bimblers Bluff 50K Ultra Summary" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/10/25/2011-bimblers-bluff-50k-ultra-summary/" target="_blank">2011 Bimblers Bluff 50K Ultra Summary</a>]</p>
<p><strong>What&#8217;s the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Science</span> behind it? This short video explains it:</strong></p>
<p><object width="580" height="470" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/w8IfaW-38yE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6&amp;hd=1&amp;border=1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="580" height="470" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/w8IfaW-38yE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6&amp;hd=1&amp;border=1" allowFullScreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" /></object></p>
<p>Direct link on YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8IfaW-38yE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8IfaW-38yE</a></p>
<p><strong>Hear more testimonials about athletic performance in this video:</strong></p>
<p><object width="580" height="470" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/hsx3ZyZtEvE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6&amp;hd=1&amp;border=1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="580" height="470" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/hsx3ZyZtEvE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6&amp;hd=1&amp;border=1" allowFullScreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" /></object></p>
<p>Direct link on YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsx3ZyZtEvE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsx3ZyZtEvE</a></p>
<p><strong>But it is not just for athletes, what other benefits may be possible?</strong> See more health testimonials here: <a href="http://www.yesitsamazing.com/">http://www.yesitsamazing.com/</a></p>
<p><strong>How can you test it risk free for yourself or for a friend or family member?</strong> You can do a one month &#8220;case&#8221; study; every case comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. Most people will notice some benefits within a few days to one month. More information here:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.echifitness.com/asea.html">http://www.echifitness.com/asea.html</a></li>
<li>Please contact me if you want to do your own test. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.</li>
<li>Note: I only recommend products I have had a great personal experience with. Although I have moved away from supplements in recent years in favor of whole food nutrition, this is one product I would not want to ever do without.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In the NJ area? Want to learn more? Join us for an <a href=" http://echifitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/AseaMeetingFlyer-October27.pdf" target="_blank">ASEA Educational Presentation</a> next Thursday Oct 27th in Tinton Falls, NJ at 7PM. Zero obligation; just come, listen and learn more. <a href=" http://echifitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/AseaMeetingFlyer-October27.pdf" target="_blank">Presentation details here</a>. Can&#8217;t make the meeting? Contact me and we will connect to get you more information.</strong></p>
<p>ASEA is currently available in the USA and Canada. It is coming to Europe, Asia and other areas soon! But no matter where you live, be sure to contact me <span style="text-decoration: underline;">now</span> to learn more or to experience the benefits for yourself.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong>Thoughts on this post? Leave your comment or question below and join the discussion &#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="Feedburner Email List Signup" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=EnerchiFitnessBlog" target="_blank">Receive email updates for posts to this blog &#8230;</a></strong></p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong></strong>David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor. For more information on David, please see his <a title="About Me Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/about-me/" target="_blank">About Me</a>, <a title="Contact Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> page or his website at <a title="EnerChi Fitness Website" href="http://www.eChiFitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.eChiFitness.com</a>.</p>
<p>ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/09/26/lower-ab-exercise-variation/' rel='bookmark' title='Lower Ab Exercise Variation'>Lower Ab Exercise Variation</a> <small>One of the common challenges to efficient and injury-free running...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/02/14/elements-of-running-efficiency/' rel='bookmark' title='Elements of ChiRunning Efficiency'>Elements of ChiRunning Efficiency</a> <small>Recently … I was in an exchange online with another...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2010/02/15/alignment-for-running-form-efficiency-and-injury-prevention/' rel='bookmark' title='4 Components of Alignment for Running Form Efficiency and Injury Prevention'>4 Components of Alignment for Running Form Efficiency and Injury Prevention</a> <small>Alignment is a key element for running form efficiency and...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/10/21/efficiency-at-a-lower-level/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Am I Fit Or Am I Healthy?</title>
		<link>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/09/14/am-i-fit-or-am-i-healthy/</link>
		<comments>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/09/14/am-i-fit-or-am-i-healthy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:04:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>echifitness</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aerobic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiRunning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiWalking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[form]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[maffetone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[phil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[principles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sugar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://echifitness.com/blog/?p=1610</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Or more specifically, is it possible to be be fit but not healthy? This question relates back to &#8220;Why do I run?&#8221; When I started ChiRunning many years ago my running goal was efficiency while getting beyond the 2+ years of frustration due to nagging injuries. But my goal, the real goal, was health. Fitness [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/16/running-walking-and-living-on-the-brake/' rel='bookmark' title='Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?'>Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?</a> <small>A primary ChiRunning and ChiWalking concept is to move forward...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/04/28/chi-running-common-challenges-core/' rel='bookmark' title='ChiRunning Common Challenges, Core'>ChiRunning Common Challenges, Core</a> <small>When I first started applying the ChiRunning® principles back in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/11/09/running-as-a-metaphor-for-life/' rel='bookmark' title='Running as a Metaphor for Life'>Running as a Metaphor for Life</a> <small>Many of us have heard the concept of &#8220;running is...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F09%2F14%2Fam-i-fit-or-am-i-healthy%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F09%2F14%2Fam-i-fit-or-am-i-healthy%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;space=14&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
			</a>
		</div>
<p>Or more specifically, is it possible to be be fit but not healthy? This question relates back to &#8220;Why do I run?&#8221; When I started ChiRunning many years ago my <span style="text-decoration: underline;">running</span> goal was efficiency while getting beyond the 2+ years of frustration due to nagging injuries. But my goal, the real goal, was health.</p>
<p>Fitness can certainly help you be healthy. But I am learning more and more that you can be fit and not be healthy. You can run a very fast 5K and not really be healthy. This is one of the reasons I don&#8217;t focus on short races or speed; they are not in the critical path of my health goals. Someday I will likely come back to them, but I have a feeling my performance will be mainly the result of my health more than the training.</p>
<p>But you can also run a 50 mile ultra marathon and <span id="more-1610"></span>not be healthy. I have sensed this myself; very efficient running, check. But not very efficient keeping my physiology balanced for fuel and electrolytes. And whenever there is an imbalance a lot of stress is created.</p>
<ul>
<li>High fitness stress, ie. &#8220;fight or flight&#8221; response</li>
<li>Nutritional stress</li>
</ul>
<p>What is probably even harder on the body is the stop (brake) and go (gas) that can also occur when you combine these two stresses (See blog post <a title="Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/16/running-walking-and-living-on-the-brake/" target="_blank">Living On The Brake</a>). This is the &#8220;run to eat&#8221; approach to health, umm I mean fitness. Meaning run with high stress and then eat &#8220;hard&#8221; for high stress. On both the run and post run, the body is dealing with inefficient fueling for the task at hand. On the run, the task is performance at some level. After the run, the task is recovery. The type of fuel or non-fuel ingested drastically affects both.</p>
<p>I am reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Endurance-Training-Racing/dp/1616080655/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1" target="_blank">The Big Book of Endurance Training by Phil Maffetone</a>. I can relate to many of his concepts through my own challenges, and in some cases had a &#8220;duh&#8221; or &#8220;aha&#8221; moment when I realized this was the information I needed to get to my next level. I have already noticed a big change in how my &#8220;health&#8221; program feels after making just a few adjustments.</p>
<p><a href="http://echifitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/BigBook-PhilMaffetone.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1613" title="BigBook-PhilMaffetone" src="http://echifitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/BigBook-PhilMaffetone.jpg" alt="" width="285" height="351" /></a></p>
<p>A few key concepts I am working on:</p>
<ul>
<li>Low glycemic nutrition to stabilize blood sugar.</li>
<li>Low heart rate training paces to increase my aerobic base, teach my body to burn fat and to limit the high stress that occurs during a &#8220;fight or flight&#8221; response. As the aerobic base is developed, the training pace increases. In doing this I have also noticed that my technique focus has been enhanced by slowing it down and thinking clearer.</li>
<li>A fitness program = work + rest. Days off, balance across long run/short run/gym workouts.</li>
<li>A health program includes low stress nutrition + low stress fitness + rest (sleep).</li>
<li>&#8220;Less is more&#8221;, pg 155. First introduction to this same point many years ago was page 4 of the ChiRunning book.</li>
</ul>
<p>The concepts may work a bit in isolation, but they are much more powerful together as in a holistic fuel-move-balance-rest approach. I have some long running events coming up this fall as further tests on my critical path to health. As above, my performance in these type of events has been mainly a function of physiology; meaning access to fuel sources, nutrition, &#8220;fight or flight&#8221;, etc. Based on just a few weeks of training considering the above key concepts, I can see where it may be very possible to have some very different experiences this fall. And these are experiences that can confirm the target, increasing health.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<div>
<p><strong>Thoughts on this post? Leave your comment or question below and join the discussion &#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="Feedburner Email List Signup" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=EnerchiFitnessBlog" target="_blank">Receive email updates for posts to this blog &#8230;</a></strong></p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong></strong>David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor. For more information on David, please see his <a title="About Me Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/about-me/" target="_blank">About Me</a>, <a title="Contact Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> page or his website at <a title="EnerChi Fitness Website" href="http://www.eChiFitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.eChiFitness.com</a>.</p>
<p>ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
</div>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/16/running-walking-and-living-on-the-brake/' rel='bookmark' title='Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?'>Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?</a> <small>A primary ChiRunning and ChiWalking concept is to move forward...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/04/28/chi-running-common-challenges-core/' rel='bookmark' title='ChiRunning Common Challenges, Core'>ChiRunning Common Challenges, Core</a> <small>When I first started applying the ChiRunning® principles back in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/11/09/running-as-a-metaphor-for-life/' rel='bookmark' title='Running as a Metaphor for Life'>Running as a Metaphor for Life</a> <small>Many of us have heard the concept of &#8220;running is...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/09/14/am-i-fit-or-am-i-healthy/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Fitness Apple a Day</title>
		<link>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/26/a-fitness-apple-a-day/</link>
		<comments>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/26/a-fitness-apple-a-day/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 09:57:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>echifitness</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiRunning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiWalking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[form]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[longevity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[principles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://echifitness.com/blog/?p=1404</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We have all heard the phrase &#8220;An apple a day keeps the doctor away&#8221;. Mr. Jim Rohn had a great presentation of this concept. I was fortunate to see him speak live twice and meet him (and thank him) the second time. He passed away in December 2010. He said: &#8212; We’ve all heard the [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/03/28/fitness-program-pre-hab/' rel='bookmark' title='Fitness Program &#8220;Pre-hab&#8221;'>Fitness Program &#8220;Pre-hab&#8221;</a> <small>The term &#8220;Pre-hab&#8221; was first introduced to me in early...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/16/running-walking-and-living-on-the-brake/' rel='bookmark' title='Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?'>Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?</a> <small>A primary ChiRunning and ChiWalking concept is to move forward...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/08/24/longevity-running/' rel='bookmark' title='Longevity Running'>Longevity Running</a> <small>Recently I was able to assist at a weeklong ChiRunning...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F05%2F26%2Fa-fitness-apple-a-day%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F05%2F26%2Fa-fitness-apple-a-day%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;space=14&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
			</a>
		</div>
<p>We have all heard the phrase &#8220;An apple a day keeps the doctor away&#8221;. <a href="http://www.jimrohn.com/" target="_blank">Mr. Jim Rohn</a> had a great presentation of this concept. I was fortunate to see him speak live twice and meet him (and thank him) the second time. He passed away in December 2010. He said:</p>
<p>&#8212;</p>
<p>We’ve all heard the expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, I’ve got a good question for you: What if it’s true? Wouldn’t that be easy to do? To eat an apple a day? Here’s the problem: It’s also</p>
<p><span id="more-1404"></span>easy not to do. Or the guy messed up the saying … and says &#8220;A Hershey bar a day …&#8221;, no, no … it is not a Hershey bar. You have got to be smarter in philosophy [principle] than to fall for a Hershey bar a day when it is an apple a day … that philosophy is called accumulated disaster.</p>
<p>[Reference: "The Art of Exceptional Living", CD1 - Mr. Jim Rohn.]</p>
<p>&#8212;</p>
<p>Now a Hershey bar is fine once in a while, but more health success comes from a philosophy of choosing the apple every day or at least *most* of the time. But there are many categories of apples we need to be healthy:</p>
<ul>
<li>Nutrition &#8220;Apple&#8221;: ingesting fuel</li>
<li>Fitness &#8220;Apple&#8221;: maintaining our mobility</li>
<li>Relationship &#8220;Apple&#8221;: interacting with others</li>
<li>Spiritual &#8220;Apple&#8221;: having a sense of gratitude perhaps</li>
<li>Others …</li>
</ul>
<p>In all of these areas, some experiences have the apple effect, some experiences have the Hershey bar effect and some experiences might even have a more immediate negative effect. Take the fitness &#8220;apple&#8221;:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you don&#8217;t get any exercise, no apple.</li>
<li>If you get Hershey bar exercise, still no apple with some degree of accumulating disaster.</li>
<li>If you get poison exercise, still no apple but even more immediate problems.</li>
</ul>
<p>But what is Hershey bar exercise? It might be any exercise that has a potential negative side effect. Over time the negative stress may be additive and one day you end up injured or at the doctor&#8217;s office. As Mr. Rohn would suggest (paraphrased): &#8220;You can&#8217;t get faked out by the Hershey bar just because you don&#8217;t feel the effect after the first day&#8221;. Or you might go to excess and eat twenty Hershey bars and feel ill right away. A Hershey bar is processed and unbalanced. It provides fuel and perhaps some enjoyment, but it also violates some basic principles of nature.</p>
<p>It is also possible to &#8220;get too much of a good thing&#8221;; you might eat 7 apples at once thinking you can take the rest of the week off. So there is a balance, a consistency that supports health.  The key is to, on average, get your apple a day of natural and balanced exercise so you can get all the healthy benefits from your activity while limiting the negative.</p>
<p>But how to you do that? The &#8220;apple&#8221; exercises are based on simple principles of biomechanics, of physics and of nature. And there are many types of fitness apples. Variety is another concept to provide a balanced range of activities and stimulus. Examples might be walking, running, reaching, crawling, lifting, resting, etc.</p>
<p>If you walk, how do you walk? Are you sure you are getting the fitness apple with limited negative stress? If you run, how do you run? Are you sure your &#8216;how&#8217; is based on principle? Walking and running is a repetitive motion which can result in additive stress or some degree of accumulated disaster if you are not careful.  If you are not sure how you walk/run or not sure what the &#8220;apple&#8221; principles of walking/running might be for you, the be sure to check out <a href="http://store.chiliving.com/?partner=David%20Stretanski" target="_blank">ChiWalking/ChiRunning</a>. These approaches to fitness have been helping people for over a decade create a consistent fitness apple program based on simple principles.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<div><strong>Thoughts on this post? Leave your comment or question below and join the discussion &#8230;</strong></div>
<div><strong><a title="Feedburner Email List Signup" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=EnerchiFitnessBlog" target="_blank">Receive email updates for posts to this blog &#8230;</a></strong></div>
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div>
<div><strong> </strong></div>
<div>David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor. For more information on David, please see his <a title="About Me Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/about-me/" target="_blank">About Me</a>, <a title="Contact Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> page or his website at <a title="EnerChi Fitness Website" href="http://www.eChiFitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.eChiFitness.com</a>.  ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.</div>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/03/28/fitness-program-pre-hab/' rel='bookmark' title='Fitness Program &#8220;Pre-hab&#8221;'>Fitness Program &#8220;Pre-hab&#8221;</a> <small>The term &#8220;Pre-hab&#8221; was first introduced to me in early...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/16/running-walking-and-living-on-the-brake/' rel='bookmark' title='Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?'>Running, Walking and Living on the Brake?</a> <small>A primary ChiRunning and ChiWalking concept is to move forward...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/08/24/longevity-running/' rel='bookmark' title='Longevity Running'>Longevity Running</a> <small>Recently I was able to assist at a weeklong ChiRunning...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/05/26/a-fitness-apple-a-day/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sharing the True Gift of Health</title>
		<link>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/12/11/sharing-the-true-gift-of-health/</link>
		<comments>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/12/11/sharing-the-true-gift-of-health/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:57:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>echifitness</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiRunning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiWalking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alignment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[form]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mother Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://echifitness.wordpress.com/?p=688</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Looking for a true gift, one to give or receive?  There may be no gift more valuable than a few simple ideas for lifelong health. &#8220;The first wealth is health.&#8221; &#8211; Ralph Waldo Emerson Most people are passionate about sharing ideas about healthy living. An important piece of the healthy living puzzle is fitness; also [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/10/19/making-gradual-progress/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Gradual Progress'>Making Gradual Progress</a> <small>The way we stand and move are habits formed over...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2010/02/09/your-biography-becomes-your-biology/' rel='bookmark' title='Your Biography Becomes Your Biology'>Your Biography Becomes Your Biology</a> <small>At the beginning of the ChiRunning book one of my...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/10/05/should-we-run-barefoot/' rel='bookmark' title='Should We Run Barefoot?'>Should We Run Barefoot?</a> <small>Recently there has been a lot of focus on the...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2F11%2Fsharing-the-true-gift-of-health%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2F11%2Fsharing-the-true-gift-of-health%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;space=14&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
			</a>
		</div>
<p>Looking for a true gift, one to give or receive?  There may be no gift more valuable than a few simple ideas for lifelong health.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;padding-left:30px;"><em>&#8220;The first wealth is health.&#8221; &#8211; Ralph Waldo Emerson</em></p>
<p>Most people are passionate about sharing ideas about healthy living.  An important piece of the healthy living puzzle is fitness; also simply called &#8216;motion&#8217;.  We are all designed for motion; our health depends on it.  The challenge is getting moving and staying moving through repetitive motions that can sometimes result in <span id="more-688"></span>fatigue, discomfort, pain, injury &#8230; perhaps even surgery and &#8216;re-hab&#8217;.</p>
<p>But what if a preventative &#8216;pre-hab&#8217; fitness program existed that could address this challenge? What if some simple principles of nature can empower anyone to get moving efficiently and stay moving with greater enjoyment and consistency?</p>
<p>I feel very fortunate that someone passionate about sharing suggested <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="ChiRunning Website" href="http://www.chirunning.com/shop/home.php?bid=1&amp;partner=dstretanski" target="_blank">ChiRunning®</a> to me four years ago almost to the day.  I can still picture the whole conversation, I can hear the words and feel the AHA moment sensing that it could just be that simple.  In those few moments, everything changed for me.</p>
<p>Consider the gift of efficient, injury-free running or walking for yourself or someone you know. ChiRunning (&#8220;chee-running&#8221;) and ChiWalking apply simple principles of nature to help us get back to moving &#8216;naturally&#8217;. It is just that simple.</p>
<p>On the <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="ChiRunning Website" href="http://www.chirunning.com/shop/home.php?bid=1&amp;partner=dstretanski" target="_blank">ChiRunning</a>and <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="ChiWalking Website" href="http://www.chiwalking.com/shop/home.php?bid=1&amp;partner=dstretanski" target="_blank">ChiWalking</a> websites there are many online (free!) resources as well as published materials to support your safe and effective lifelong fitness program.</p>
<p>A very happy holiday season to you; and as always &#8230; my best to our great health.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong>Thoughts on this post? Leave your comment or question below and join the discussion &#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="Feedburner Email List Signup" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=EnerchiFitnessBlog" target="_blank">Receive email updates for posts to this blog &#8230;</a></strong></p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong> </strong>David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor.  For more information on David, please see his <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="About Me Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/about-me/" target="_blank">About Me</a>, <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Contact Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> page or his website at <a title="EnerChi Fitness Website" href="http://www.eChiFitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.eChiFitness.com</a>.</p>
<p>ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/10/19/making-gradual-progress/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Gradual Progress'>Making Gradual Progress</a> <small>The way we stand and move are habits formed over...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2010/02/09/your-biography-becomes-your-biology/' rel='bookmark' title='Your Biography Becomes Your Biology'>Your Biography Becomes Your Biology</a> <small>At the beginning of the ChiRunning book one of my...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/10/05/should-we-run-barefoot/' rel='bookmark' title='Should We Run Barefoot?'>Should We Run Barefoot?</a> <small>Recently there has been a lot of focus on the...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/12/11/sharing-the-true-gift-of-health/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>North Face WashDC 50M Ultra Summary</title>
		<link>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/09/20/north-face-washdc-50m-ultra-summary/</link>
		<comments>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/09/20/north-face-washdc-50m-ultra-summary/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:28:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>echifitness</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiRunning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiWalking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[50M]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alignment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[challenge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danny Dreyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[downhill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[endurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[face]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[form]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hat run]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[impact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metronome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[north]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[proper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[terrain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ultra]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ultramarathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[uphill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://echifitness.wordpress.com/?p=519</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This past Saturday 9/21/09 was the first of two 50M ultras on the fall schedule.  The event was the North Face Endurance Event/Gore-Tex 50 Mile Ultra just outside of Washington DC (Algonkian Park, Sterling VA).  It is one of five North Face regional events across the country.  This course description provided in the race info [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/08/10/turkey-swamp-50k-ultra-summary/' rel='bookmark' title='Turkey Swamp 50K+ Ultra Summary'>Turkey Swamp 50K+ Ultra Summary</a> <small>An August ultra?  hmm. On little running lately, hmm.  I...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/22/hatrun-50k-ultra-summary/' rel='bookmark' title='Hatrun 50K Ultra Summary'>Hatrun 50K Ultra Summary</a> <small>A spring ultra?  Suuurrre.  Apparently my brain was not registering...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/11/23/jfk50-mile-ultra-2009-summary/' rel='bookmark' title='JFK 50 Mile Ultra 2009 Summary'>JFK 50 Mile Ultra 2009 Summary</a> <small>The 47th Annual JFK 50 Mile Ultramarathon was held this...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2F20%2Fnorth-face-washdc-50m-ultra-summary%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2F20%2Fnorth-face-washdc-50m-ultra-summary%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;space=14&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
			</a>
		</div>
<p>This past Saturday 9/21/09 was the first of two 50M ultras on the fall schedule.  The event was the <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="North Face Endurance Challenge Website" href="http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/" target="_blank">North Face Endurance Event/Gore-Tex 50 Mile Ultra</a> just outside of Washington DC (Algonkian Park, Sterling VA).  It is one of five North Face regional events across the country.  This course description provided in the race info packet:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>&#8220;The North Face® Endurance Challenge returns to Algonkian Regional Park, Great Falls Park and the Potomac Heritage Trail again in 2009. The course keeps runners on their toes with ever-changing terrain. Overall, it consists of 50% singletrack, 40% dirt or gravel doubletrack, and 10% gravel carriage. The Great Falls sections are highlighted by some intense elevation changes, with steep-but-run-able climbs up to <span id="more-519"></span>300 feet. The River Trail covers what is widely held as the marquee section the event: up to three miles of tip-toeing and hopping along bluffs high above the Potomac River. The tedious-but-scenic time it takes to cover this section is more than offset by cruising sections of undulating trail in the river basin.</em><em>.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>The course is a 14.8M out, including a 3M hitch, and back plus three 6.9M loops at the out end.  The course profile is shown below with 4656 feet of gain/loss.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-524 aligncenter" title="NFDC-profile" src="http://echifitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/nfdc-profile.jpg" alt="NFDC-profile" width="493" height="261" /></p>
<p>Here is a summary of my experience at another great ultra event.</p>
<p><strong>Pre-Food:</strong></p>
<p>A peeled peach and two bananas.  Over the past two/three weeks I have been experimenting with a low-fat nutrition approach as outlined by <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="80/10/10 Website" href="http://www.foodnsport.com" target="_blank">Dr. Douglas Graham</a> in &#8216;The 80/10/10 Diet&#8221;.  Noticed a huge spike in energy ever since which was also evident in this event.</p>
<p><strong>Weather/Course Conditions:</strong></p>
<p>About 62 degrees at the start; about 70-75 degrees later in the day with a light breeze.  Clear skies and low humidity.</p>
<p><strong>Race Plan:</strong></p>
<p>Go out at about a 10 min/mile pace, manage my energy and stay focused on technique.  I had not really trained very much at all for this event.  In the 8 weeks leading up to the event, my mileage average was about 35 miles, with a 33 long and a 27 long.  So I was running mostly on technique with the goal of efficiency from alignment and relaxation.  I also wanted to finish strong since maintaining my energy on long events has been an issue in the past.</p>
<p><strong>Course Summary:</strong></p>
<p>We started at 5AM.  All participants were required to have a headlamp.  Considering the event starts in a park and gets into single track quickly, you can imagine why.  The start and first 10-12 miles until the sun came up presented an interesting experience.</p>
<ul>
<li>Being ready to run at 5AM.  I felt a little rushed at the start; getting there and then getting settled.</li>
<li>Starting with 211 other runners and adventuring off into the dark was inspiring.</li>
<li>Finding myself on my own at times in the darkness created a deep sense of calm focus.</li>
<li>Being on single track with rocks and roots in low light conditions.</li>
<li>Observing a great orange sky sunrise over the river.</li>
</ul>
<p>The course begins along some park fields then down a gravel carriage road before getting onto single track.  A quick hitch 3M loop then off along the river.  Mostly flat runnable sections with a few exceptions:</p>
<ul>
<li>Small drainage dips in the trail about 3 feet deep.  Seem insignificant but disruptive.</li>
<li>A few streams to navigate with steep slippery banks.</li>
<li>Steep uphills and downhills as the trail leaves the river and then returns.</li>
<li>Some sections that were barely a path with hay and weed overgrowth.</li>
</ul>
<p>Aid stations at miles 4.6 and 8.1.  Just a water refill for me.  After mile 8.1 the next aid station is mile 14.8.  6.7 miles is a big gap; not that evident on the way out but was on the way back.</p>
<p>After about 12 miles along the river, the course turns in land a bit on more single track, double track, a bit of field, and a brief section along a road.  At mile 14.8 you come to Great Falls aid station.  At this point, you have three 6.9M loops to complete before you head back to the finish.  The first part of the loop is an out 2.7 miles to another aid station called Difficult Run, then back 4.2 miles to Great Falls.  This whole loop is a very hilly section of mostly rocky carriage road.  There is one part on the return referred to above in the course description as &#8216;<em>up to three miles of tip-toeing and hopping along bluffs high above the Potomac River&#8217;.</em> Much of this you could not really run; this first time around I was wondering what it was going to be like on the third lap.  This section of course was very scenic with two spots where you were literally three feet from the 75&#8242; edge of the river gorge (just kidding Mom!).</p>
<p>After the three loops, the course returned along the same path back to the finish.</p>
<p><strong>Key Focuses:</strong></p>
<p>My main objective was to stay relaxed and efficient.  I used every <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="ChiRunning Book - May 2009 Edition" href="http://www.chirunning.com/shop/product.php?productid=3&amp;cat=14&amp;page=1&amp;partner=dstretanski" target="_blank">ChiRunning</a> focus in the book; a few key ones:</p>
<ul>
<li>I carried my <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Metronome" href="http://www.chirunning.com/shop/product.php?productid=25&amp;cat=8&amp;page=1&amp;partner=dstretanski" target="_blank">Metronome</a> in my hand the whole time.  I alternated between having it on and off over random intervals.  If others were around I would shut it off or muffle the sound with my finger.  If I felt tense or in-efficient I would turn it on and focus in on it.  A metronome helps you keep a high cadence which is much more efficient.  You can also match it to one part of your motion to improve form or distract you away from tension elsewhere.</li>
<li>I also considered riding a bike a lot, with a focus on just picking up on the pedals that were positioned behind me.  This creates a very light &#8216;up&#8217; focus and also keeps a high cadence with minimal effort.</li>
<li>I ran most of the uphills except for the really steep sections.  When I came to a (runnable) hill, I said to myself &#8216;oh great, now I get to rest my legs*&#8217;.  I have a tendency to tense up my back/glutes/hips when I come to a hill.  So I just focused on alignment, falling up the hill, using my arm swing, and staying totally relaxed from the mid-back down.  It worked great and I passed many people on the hills.  I also finished strong using this technique since about half of the 1.6M final leg was a gradual uphill.</li>
</ul>
<p>[*This concept from Danny Dreyer, creator/author of <a title="ChiRunning Book" href="http://www.chirunning.com/shop/product.php?productid=3&amp;cat=14&amp;page=1&amp;partner=dstretanski" target="_blank">ChiRunning®</a> who used this mindset on many ultra marathons.]</p>
<p><strong>Food on the Course:</strong></p>
<p>First food for me was at Great Falls aid station, mile 14.8.  Alternated between a banana and boiled potatoes** with a little salt at each aid station from then on.  The energizing effect of boiled potatoes is amazing.  Prior to my last loop at Great Falls, there were no more potatoes at the aid station.  I still had one loop to go and I was hoping there would be some at the Difficult Run aid station.  When I got there, there were two servings left.  There was zero hesitation on my part.</p>
<p>[**Danny Dreyer, creator/author of <a title="ChiRunning Book" href="http://www.chirunning.com/shop/product.php?productid=3&amp;cat=14&amp;page=1&amp;partner=dstretanski" target="_blank">ChiRunning®</a>, has on numerous occasions talked about the physical and mental transformations that occur on an ultra from boiled potatoes dipped in salt.  This is the second ultra in which I have benefited from this knowledge.]</p>
<p>Overall I managed my food intake and energy very well with one exception.  After my final loop I was at the Great Falls aid station.  My next step was to head back to the finish.  There were no more bananas at the aid station so I went to my backup in my drop bag. I had two bananas and walked a bit with a box of raisins; and headed for home.  The next aid station was 6.7 miles away and it seemed to take forever to get there.  About 5 miles into this leg, my energy crashed and I lost a lot of time walking.  When I got to the aid station, the medic was watching me and suggesting to eat this and that.  Again, a bit of boiled potatoes and I felt better immediately.  The medic even said I looked better with &#8216;color&#8217; returning.</p>
<p>So here was my goof: instead of eating two bananas and a box of raisins at the previous aid station, I should have had one banana and carried the second one for the long leg to the next aid station.  This was my thought earlier in the day.  I also should not have eaten the raisins; and just carried them until later closer to the finish.  I believe the high-glycemic raisins caused the energy dip about hour later.  So, no more raisins on race day unless I am within a mile or two from the finish (as in the <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Hatrun 2009 Summary" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/22/hatrun-50k-ultra-summary/" target="_blank">Hatrun</a> earlier this year).</p>
<p>I only drank water on the course.  I set my countdown timer to 12 minutes and took a mouthful of water every time it went off.  I carried my water in a <a title="RRS Water Belt" href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/RRU1007/" target="_blank">diagonal water belt</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Key Take-aways:</strong></p>
<p>- Another great ultra event; the people who participate and volunteer are just an amazing group of people.  The course, the support; everything was first rate.</p>
<p>- Another great ultra experience.  There is always something new to learn about yourself and about life from others.  For example, there was a lower leg amputee woman there who set the 50M world record that day.  I ran with her a bit at the beginning and it was very moving to see her out there.  At the awards ceremony, she gave an inspiring speech with the simple point &#8220;we all have our challenges, mine is just more evident than yours.  Take what life gives you and make the most of it.&#8221;</p>
<p>Some may think we are crazy.  Why? Why do you do it?  I would like to think we do it because we want to experience the most from each day we are granted; and an ultra is just another way we can do that. Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>&#8220;But all I ever settled for is that we&#8217;re born to live and then to die, and &#8230; we got to do it alone, each in his own way. And I guess that&#8217;s why we got to love those people who deserve it like there&#8217;s no tomorrow. &#8216;Cause when you get right down to it, there isn&#8217;t.&#8221;, Louden Swain, from the movie Vision Quest</em></p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Here are the numbers for those who need to know:</p>
<p>- Overall time: 9:56:34.</p>
<p>- 54th out of 179 men.  16th out of 41 AG.</p>
<p>- 212 runners total, 33 women.</p>
<p>- Official Results here soon: <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="North Face Endurance Challenge Website" href="http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/" target="_blank">http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/</a></p>
<p>Note: There were also a 50K, 1/2M and 10K events on the same day which started at 7AM, 9AM and 11AM.  All were sold out with 1100 runners total on the day.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Brief post event update 9/23/09:  Ran again Tuesday 9/22 after the race about 5 miles trails at about 8:20 pace.  Feel great with little to no recovery, only minor fatigue and a little stiffness that worked itself out quickly.  Plan to run again Thursday PM or Friday PM.  Then back to regular long Sunday runs and preparation for the JFK 50 Miler on 11/21.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong>Thoughts on this post? Leave your comment or question below and join the discussion &#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="Feedburner Email List Signup" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=EnerchiFitnessBlog" target="_blank">Receive email updates for posts to this blog &#8230;</a></strong></p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong> </strong>David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor.  For more information on David, please see his <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="About Me Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/about-me/" target="_blank">About Me</a>, <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Contact Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> page or his website at <a title="EnerChi Fitness Website" href="http://www.eChiFitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.eChiFitness.com</a>.</p>
<p>ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/08/10/turkey-swamp-50k-ultra-summary/' rel='bookmark' title='Turkey Swamp 50K+ Ultra Summary'>Turkey Swamp 50K+ Ultra Summary</a> <small>An August ultra?  hmm. On little running lately, hmm.  I...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/22/hatrun-50k-ultra-summary/' rel='bookmark' title='Hatrun 50K Ultra Summary'>Hatrun 50K Ultra Summary</a> <small>A spring ultra?  Suuurrre.  Apparently my brain was not registering...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/11/23/jfk50-mile-ultra-2009-summary/' rel='bookmark' title='JFK 50 Mile Ultra 2009 Summary'>JFK 50 Mile Ultra 2009 Summary</a> <small>The 47th Annual JFK 50 Mile Ultramarathon was held this...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/09/20/north-face-washdc-50m-ultra-summary/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dem Bones, Dem Bones &#8230;</title>
		<link>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/07/dem-bones-dem-bones/</link>
		<comments>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/07/dem-bones-dem-bones/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:39:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>echifitness</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alignment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bone health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calcium]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiRunning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiWalking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ELS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Naidu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nikken]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[osteoblast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[osteoclast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[osteopenia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[osteoporosis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[posture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R-ELF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resorption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[turnover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://echifitness.wordpress.com/?p=229</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bone Health is becoming a key health concern due to the statistics related to Osteoporosis and other bone health conditions.  Based on a lot of on-going research on this issue for my work as a fitness coach and wellness consultant, below are a few points that I thought all might want to know about Bone Health. [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/02/28/survive-or-thrive/' rel='bookmark' title='Survive or Thrive?'>Survive or Thrive?</a> <small>A recent online webinar summarized a few key elements of...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/12/11/sharing-the-true-gift-of-health/' rel='bookmark' title='Sharing the True Gift of Health'>Sharing the True Gift of Health</a> <small>Looking for a true gift, one to give or receive? ...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/12/07/posture-enemy-number-one/' rel='bookmark' title='Posture Enemy Number One'>Posture Enemy Number One</a> <small>Our &#8220;civilized&#8221; world dramatically removes us from our natural environment....</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2F07%2Fdem-bones-dem-bones%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2F07%2Fdem-bones-dem-bones%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;space=14&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
			</a>
		</div>
<p>Bone Health is becoming a key health concern due to the statistics related to Osteoporosis and other bone health conditions.  Based on a lot of on-going research on this issue for my work as a fitness coach and wellness consultant, below are a few points that I thought all might want to know about Bone Health.</p>
<p>Our bones are responsible for much more than just our physical structure.  They are also a &#8216;bank&#8217; of mineral reserves which the body uses for many metabolic processes; and are also a factory for our red and white blood cells.</p>
<p>Just like any other &#8216;bank&#8217;, there are deposits and withdrawals.  Deposits are when we <span id="more-229"></span>assimilate bio-available minerals with the help of a &#8216;potentiator&#8217; which helps to convert and absorb each mineral.  Bio-available means the minerals are in a form which the &#8216;bank&#8217; can accept or convert.  This is similar to a local bank only accepting certain currency.  A potentiator acts similar to a catalyst or an enzyme; it enables the assimilation process to take place.  As we age, our body&#8217;s production of this key substance for calcium is reduced.  This is similar to a bank having less and less tellers available for transactions.</p>
<p>Withdrawals occur anytime the body needs minerals for metabolic processes or to keep the body&#8217;s blood pH in an acceptable range.  If we get too acidic; from our nutritional, environmental or lifestyle choices, the body needs to make a withdrawal from our bones to neutralize the acidic condition.  As is the same with our own back accounts, significant problems begin to emerge when withdrawals are greater than deposits over an extended period.</p>
<p>In addition the body needs healthy physical stress to build bone.  Our bones are constantly being cleaned and rebuilt by two opposing processes in the body.  Bone loss might be described as the bone cleaning process doing its job and the bone building process getting inhibited by not having enough raw material (bio-available minerals) or not enough tools (potentiators) or not enough workers (physical stress).  A simple form of physical stress is the effect of gravity on our body.  Postural alignment is critical to making sure weight-bearing activities are healthy physical stress.  If your posture is out of alignment, there are at least two potential negative effects.  First, if your posture is out of alignment you will rely more on your muscles to oppose gravity and less on your skeleton.  This reduces the effective healthy physical stress on your bones resulting in less bone building.  Second, if your posture is out of alignment you might also build bone or calcification in ways that are not beneficial.  A heel spur is an example of this.  The body is simply building where there is physical stress caused by a heel strike.  Another potential negative effect is an increase in stress and strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments.</p>
<p>In my work as a Fitness Coach and ChiWalking/ChiRunning Instructor, we first establish postural alignment based on the body&#8217;s design.  This is the key to efficiently opposing gravity with the strongest part of our body, our skeleton.  We then work to move that posture efficiently through space.  The result is positive bone building stimulus when we are sitting, standing, walking, and running.</p>
<p>In my work as a Wellness Consultant; I recommend whole food nutrition, whole food supplementation and environmental resources based on some simple principles of nature, my own experience, and on research/study results.  A few options I can recommend for bone health:<br />
- Minerals:  Green leafy vegetables chewed thoroughly or blended, supplements like *Kenzen™ Calcium Plus from Nikken®, and other supplements that help to pH balance the body.<br />
- Potentiator:  *OsteoDenx™ from Nikken®, see the links below for more information on the efficacy of this product.<br />
- Healthy Physical Stress:  ChiWalking®, ChiRunning®, other exercise which promotes postural/functional alignment.</p>
<p><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></p>
<div><a title="Bookmark and Share" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=echifitness" target="_blank"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-share-en.gif" alt="Bookmark and Share" width="125" height="16" /></a></div>
<p><!-- AddThis Button END --><br />
~~~</p>
<p>*Full Disclosure:  I am a Nikken® Independent Distributor.  I became involved with Nikken after having experienced significant health benefits using many of their products &#8211; and I want you to know what I know.  For more information, please see my Nikken® website at <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Nikken Website" href="http://www.nikken.com/echifitness" target="_blank">http://www.nikken.com/echifitness</a>; and select Lifestyle Solutions to the right, then Nutrition, then Skeletal System.</p>
<p>Additional Resources/Notes on OsteoDenx:<br />
- Online Presentation: <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="OsteoDenx Online Presentation" href="http://ntouch.nikken.com/player.php?slideshowID=3678" target="_blank">http://ntouch.nikken.com/player.php?slideshowID=3678</a><br />
- Ingredient: The &#8216;potentiator&#8217; ingredient is also known as R-ELF or ELS.  Only the Nikken OsteoDenx product will provide this key ingredient.<br />
- Significant Benefits from Research Study Conclusion, &#8220;R-ELF supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in bone resorption and increase in osteoblastic bone formation, to restore the balance of bone turnover within a short period.&#8221;  The abstract from the peer-reviewed and published research study in Osteoporosis International Journal is located here: <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="R-ELF Research Study Link" href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/e518483l54728k41" target="_blank">http://www.springerlink.com/content/e518483l54728k41</a><br />
- Creator:  The creator is Dr. Nairan Naidu is nominated for the Nobel Prize; see his bio here:  <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Dr. Nairan Naidu Bio" href="http://www.nterminus.com/nterminus/html/naidu.html" target="_blank">http://www.nterminus.com/nterminus/html/naidu.html</a>.  The creator&#8217;s website informational page for bone health is here:  <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Bone Health Information Link" href="http://www.nterminus.com/nterminus/html/osteoRep.html" target="_blank">http://www.nterminus.com/nterminus/html/osteoRep.html</a></p>
<p>Note: Statements on this website/blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any physical or medical condition.  If you have a physical or medical condition, you should seek the advice of your medical professional immediately.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong>Thoughts on this post? Leave your comment or question below and join the discussion &#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="Feedburner Email List Signup" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=EnerchiFitnessBlog" target="_blank">Receive email updates for posts to this blog &#8230;</a></strong></p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong> </strong>David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor.  For more information on David, please see his <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="About Me Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/about-me/" target="_blank">About Me</a>, <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Contact Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> page or his website at <a title="EnerChi Fitness Website" href="http://www.eChiFitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.eChiFitness.com</a>.</p>
<p>ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/02/28/survive-or-thrive/' rel='bookmark' title='Survive or Thrive?'>Survive or Thrive?</a> <small>A recent online webinar summarized a few key elements of...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/12/11/sharing-the-true-gift-of-health/' rel='bookmark' title='Sharing the True Gift of Health'>Sharing the True Gift of Health</a> <small>Looking for a true gift, one to give or receive? ...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2011/12/07/posture-enemy-number-one/' rel='bookmark' title='Posture Enemy Number One'>Posture Enemy Number One</a> <small>Our &#8220;civilized&#8221; world dramatically removes us from our natural environment....</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/07/dem-bones-dem-bones/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Survive or Thrive?</title>
		<link>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/02/28/survive-or-thrive/</link>
		<comments>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/02/28/survive-or-thrive/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:52:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>echifitness</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[air]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bone health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiRunning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChiWalking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EMF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[injury-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[magnetic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mother Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sleep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[survive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thrive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://echifitness.wordpress.com/?p=208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A recent online webinar summarized a few key elements of nature we need to survive.  The presented list was: - Oxygen - Water - Food (Nutrition) - Sleep These elements of nature are certainly critical to survival &#8230; but many of us are actively working towards more than settling for mere survival; we are looking [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/07/dem-bones-dem-bones/' rel='bookmark' title='Dem Bones, Dem Bones &#8230;'>Dem Bones, Dem Bones &#8230;</a> <small>Bone Health is becoming a key health concern due to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/01/24/want-more-energy/' rel='bookmark' title='Want More Energy?'>Want More Energy?</a> <small>We have all heard the phrase &#8216;it takes money to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/12/11/sharing-the-true-gift-of-health/' rel='bookmark' title='Sharing the True Gift of Health'>Sharing the True Gift of Health</a> <small>Looking for a true gift, one to give or receive? ...</small></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2F28%2Fsurvive-or-thrive%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fechifitness.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2F28%2Fsurvive-or-thrive%2F&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;space=14&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
			</a>
		</div>
<p>A recent online webinar summarized a few key elements of nature we need to <span style="text-decoration: underline;">survive</span>.  The presented list was:<br />
- Oxygen<br />
- Water<br />
- Food (Nutrition)<br />
- Sleep</p>
<p>These elements of nature are certainly critical to survival &#8230; but many of us are actively working towards more than settling for mere survival; we are looking to have abundant energy and health to <span style="text-decoration: underline;">thrive</span>.  In support of this goal, we might want to clarify the above a bit more and perhaps add a few more <span id="more-208"></span>key elements to the list:<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-216" title="flowing-stream" src="http://echifitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/flowing-stream.gif" alt="flowing-stream" width="197" height="146" /><br />
- Oxygen:  Clean air free of chemicals, allergens and pollutants.  Plus, ample &#8216;feel-good&#8217; negative ions found in forests or by streams.<br />
- Water:  Again, clean water free of chemicals, pesticides and other un-natural contaminants.  Plus, water that is mineralized and &#8216;living&#8217; as if it came directly from a fresh mountain stream.<br />
- Nutrition:  Whole food or whole food supplements in their most natural, organic state.  To nourish and replenish the body with essential nutrients.<br />
- Sleep:  A quality night&#8217;s rest to allow the body to recharge and renew.</p>
<p>To this list we might add:<br />
- Earth&#8217;s Magnetic Field:  Our environment is now filled with electromagnetic interference; electricity, cell, radio, TV, WiFi, etc.  Plus, we live a high percentage of our lives isolated from the earth via concrete, pavement, rubber, and living stories above ground.  An environment closer to the earth&#8217;s natural resonance can reduce this stress on the body.  [Note: Magnetics can also be used to promote the flow of energy, blood, nutrients and waste to support the body's functions.]<br />
- Other Types of Earth&#8217;s Energy:  i.e. uV from the sun to support natural Vitamin D production and Far-Infrared to increase circulation and heat from within.</p>
<p>To this list we should also definitely add what we need <span style="text-decoration: underline;">to do</span> in order to thrive:<br />
- Physical Motion:  A consistent fitness program to help generate energy and support the body&#8217;s overall health and cleansing process.  The system to nourish the tissues of our body has a pump, our heart.  The system which cleanses our tissues does not; it relies on our motion to support this key function.  It is also physical activity which supports bone health as the body builds bone based on physical stimulus.</p>
<p>So where does this lead; perhaps in one statement &#8211; &#8216;it is not nice &#8230; to fool &#8230; with &#8230; Mother &#8230; Nature&#8217;.  Asking the body to function in an unnatural environment forces it to work much harder, draining your energy and affecting your health; all of which is needed to thrive in the pursuit of your goals.</p>
<p>The good news is that there are simple ways to create a more natural environment, even in this time when the many influences are working against us.  And you do not have to make big changes or multiple changes at once; in many cases a simple adjustment can have a significant effect.  Information and resources on &#8216;getting back to nature&#8217; in our environment and in our fitness programs, is available at <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Nikken Website" href="http://www.nikken.com/echifitness" target="_blank">http://www.nikken.com/echifitness</a> and <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="EnerChi Fitness Homepage" href="http://www.echifitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.echifitness.com</a>.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Note: Statements on this website/blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any physical or medical condition.  If you have a physical or medical condition, you should seek the advice of your medical professional immediately.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong>Thoughts on this post? Leave your comment or question below and join the discussion &#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="Feedburner Email List Signup" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=EnerchiFitnessBlog" target="_blank">Receive email updates for posts to this blog &#8230;</a></strong></p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p><strong> </strong>David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor.  For more information on David, please see his <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="About Me Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/about-me/" target="_blank">About Me</a>, <a class="wp-caption-dd" title="Contact Page" href="http://echifitness.com/blog/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> page or his website at <a title="EnerChi Fitness Website" href="http://www.eChiFitness.com" target="_blank">http://www.eChiFitness.com</a>.</p>
<p>ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/03/07/dem-bones-dem-bones/' rel='bookmark' title='Dem Bones, Dem Bones &#8230;'>Dem Bones, Dem Bones &#8230;</a> <small>Bone Health is becoming a key health concern due to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/01/24/want-more-energy/' rel='bookmark' title='Want More Energy?'>Want More Energy?</a> <small>We have all heard the phrase &#8216;it takes money to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/12/11/sharing-the-true-gift-of-health/' rel='bookmark' title='Sharing the True Gift of Health'>Sharing the True Gift of Health</a> <small>Looking for a true gift, one to give or receive? ...</small></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://echifitness.com/blog/2009/02/28/survive-or-thrive/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

