Experience with Chi

[IndieAnthias]

First off, I have no idea what I'm talking about. Maybe someone who has an understanding of this topic could give me some insight. Someone versed in sports psychology would be helpful, as I'm a total amateur. I think that I've been experiencing what has been called (especially in martial arts) releasing my Chi or Qi while running. I don't think it's anything mystical in the slightest. But it seems to fit the criteria of what little I've heard about the concept. So let me explain. This is triggered by music for me. Sometimes, when I'm running, and a song comes on my MP3, I go into this mode where I don't actually feel the effort I'm exerting, although I'm compelled to run almost a sprint. I get a very overwhelming sensation that my work is literally being fueled by the music and not the calories I've eaten. It's like I get lifted from one point to another by some inner force that has bypassed the usual route of my muscles doing the work. It lasts for about the length of the song, maybe shorter, and afterwords, the sprint pace comes back to haunt me. I'm a distance runner so sprinting is something I don't do regularly. The conditions under which this happens are kind of unpredictable, and I'm quite unable to do it on command or on purpose. Certain songs have brought about the effect multiple times (Lazy Eye by the Silversun Pickups seems to work the best.) Also, it has to be a comfortable run so if I go too long without running and get out of shape, no chance. It's like the song has to match my thinking (I do a lot of introspective self-exploration, which seems to be a factor), both of which have to match a love for running which is dependent on if I'm on top of my game, and if I'm appreciating with the environment of the trail I'm on. Lots of things have to line up.