Chi Running is a running technique which was developed by Danny Dreyer an ultra marathon runner who is a long time runner and student of T’ai Chi. The two main themes are energy efficiency and injury prevention. It combines the central movement principles of T’ai Chi with the sport of running to create a technique that shifts the workload toward your core muscles, allowing your leg muscles to work less. The results are increased efficiency and a significant reduction in injuries.
Energy efficiency and injury prevention are created by following two principles: alignment (both postural and directional) and relaxation. Posture is key and the cornerstone of the technique. Once we get into the habit of aligning the body correctly we can use gravity to help propel us forward by running with a slight forward lean (from the ankle).
Chi Running is a mind and body practice. It’s a holistic approach to running and if you are looking for a quick fix, it’s probably not for you. In the same way as you might practice pilates, yoga, t’ai chi or even learn a musical instrument, it takes practise, persistence and patience.
Chi Running applies the principle of gradual progress to any change in form, any change in shoes, and any change in mileage. You cannot make wholesale changes overnight. Body sensing is crucial.
Form should come first and is your foundation, then distance which is how far you feel you can run while maintaining good form and then speed which is a by product of both form and distance.
Chi Running focuses can and should be practiced every day not just when you are running. The more often you practice, the easier it will be to instate while you’re running.
If you have any questions, come on over to the Chi Running thread.
Link (roll over me to see where I go)
Recommended reading
Link (roll over me to see where I go)
Video Clip of Chi Running by Master Instructor, Marion Meesters
Link (roll over me to see where I go)
Chi Running Website
Link (roll over me to see where I go)
External resources:
Link (roll over me to see where I go) (Fetchie and chi coach Mitch's website)
Link (roll over me to see where I go) (Chi coach's presentation explaining the basics of Chi running)
Chi Running
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SummaryA brief overview of Chi RunningThis article is owned by cabletow |
| Recent Updates | User | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2010 | monki | Added some references to external material |
| Jul 2007 | cabletow | |
| Jul 2007 | clare1976 | RW article was June 06 |
| Jul 2007 | cabletow | |
| Jul 2007 | cabletow | The critical aspects of good chi form are align you upper body, align your lower body, engage your core and lean. To do this imagine you are suspended from the crown of your head to the sky and run tall. Lengthen the back of your neck, shorten the distance from your ching to your pubic bone and lean from the ankles |
| Jun 2007 | toddytyke | Added some explanations to some of the terms that we use but others may not be familiar with (eg. core and column) |
| Jun 2007 | cabletow | Article created |