Chi Running - Training - Runner's World

Teddy Slazenger

09/08/2004 at 11:53

I got this of amazon a while back and
I started trying to practice it’s principals about 4 weeks ago – it really has changed the way I run and how I view running.
Has anyone else read this book or tried it out?

http://www.chirunning.com/

Wabo

09/08/2004 at 12:23

I actually do tai chi (been doing it for about 4 years) so would be very interested in this as lately I have had a lot of problems feet related, need orthotics etc. If I already know the whole set of tai chi and moves etc would this be simple enough do you think ts?

Urban Road Runner

09/08/2004 at 12:49

I have the book, but haven't finished it yet. Some useful ideas, especially how to run uphill.

Notty

09/08/2004 at 13:22

Hi - I've just got the book and the CD, too. I was thinking of starting a thread, so it's good to see this. I like the Chi Running philosophy but there's a lot to take in. I do think my hips have been aching less on the two or three runs I have attempted while trying to apply the principles, but I'm not running much at the moment due to holidays and stuff.

I'd like to do a training course like they describe on their web site, if only there was one in the UK - it must be much easier to learn this kind of thing directly.

nrg-b

09/08/2004 at 13:29

Chi running has some major similarities with Pose running. The Chi founder attended a pose clinic.

Teddy Slazenger

09/08/2004 at 15:09

Wabo – I think if you practice Tia Chi to start with this will be a great help (I didn’t), from what I gather Tia Chi teaches you about breathing and listening to you body..this might sound a bit New Agey but the book backs most of the ideas up with basic physics i.e. – if you keep your muscles soft then you can’t damage them.
The bit I have trouble with is the ‘lean’, I always seem to end up bending forward – it’s work in progress at the moment.

Wabo

09/08/2004 at 15:48

think I may invest in book, if nothing else tai chi got me round flm once, you just try to imagine the whole set of 108 moves in your head as you run and ht emile sjust whizz by!
Re pose I am also interested in this and have been trying small spates of this type of running lately to see if it helps. It certainly feels a lot gentler, not sure if that makes sense. My natural style has me overpronating and slamming feet down so I suppose this could def help me.

HM4

20/03/2005 at 19:43

Hi,

I've got the chi running book. I've read it through and now my running is more or less like the style laid out in the book. I'm certainly noticing the difference on my kness which is the main thing!

Martin Rule

09/06/2006 at 19:27

Hi,
just bought the book and am half way through, has come up with ideas I would never have thought of and seems to make sense, like leaning forward and letting gravity help you. Find it a little hard to put into practice but will keep trying.

Shambler

09/06/2006 at 20:38

Notty - check out the web-site, I think there are a couple of training weekends coming up.....one is in July if I remember rightly.

Wicked D

17/06/2006 at 22:44

the chi running idea is GREAT i've made major improvements in only 4 weeks, it just gets better to run and enjoy

Chouette

18/06/2006 at 11:44

I've ordered the book...

Notty - I saw on the web site that there's a training weekend in London July 1-2. It was beyond my financial means though 8-(

Heckenhocker

22/06/2006 at 17:41

I gave Chi Running my first go on today's run. Wow....significantly faster for only a little more effort (the effort was in keeping the lean and Column rather than the legs.)

Might check the piggybank and see if it's got enough for the course!

Durham Dawdler

23/06/2006 at 16:03

I'm in the middle of this book and so far I have found it a big help in preventing injury.

DazTheSlug

23/06/2006 at 16:45

There was an article in RW a few months ago about Chi Running. It just gave a basic outline of what you were supposed to do (e.g. leaning forward from the ankles, keeping your arms lower and not pumping them, and not toeing-off).

I've been trying to incorporate it into my running style, but I think it will take a few months (years?) to get it right.

I think it ought definitely to help with injury-prevention, and so long as you're not bothered about going REALLY fast (I'm very slow anyway) I think it could be useful.

It seems to me that it basically transfers some effort from your muscles to your lungs - i.e. you can go the same speed without feeling as though your BODY is trying as hard, but you seem to breathe more heavily... if that makes any sense...?

I also like the idea of "body sensing" which I think is just a new-age way of saying to concentrate on your form.

I tend to do it more on my slower recovery-type runs than on PB attempts, when I slip back into teeth-gritting/eyeballs-out mode!!

Emma Sunerton-Burl

04/08/2006 at 21:08

I have been reading this book and having a go at putting it into practice but really feel I need some help. There are no trainers currently in the UK, the nearest is in Northern Ireland.

I have contacted her (Catherina McKiernan - www.runcatherina.com) to see if she would do a days workshop over here in North Wales in the autumn if I can get enough people together. I have about 10 'interested in principal' people but could do with a list of about 20 or so to follow this through further. Anyone out there interested?

I believe it would be around £100 for the day 10-4 ish practice and techical, with plenty of time for asking questions personally etc at the end too.

Let me know on this thread or send me a email personally and I will keep you informed of progress.

I think it seems to make such sense as a way to look after your body as well as well as enhancing energy from gravity etc.

Tigger's mate Roo

04/08/2006 at 21:58

I'd be interested if it is a day I could do it.

Emma Sunerton-Burl

05/08/2006 at 09:00

Great Roo, I will put your name on the list.
Thanks

Ye Olde Dragon pirate

pirate

05/08/2006 at 09:11

me too!!!

but September is fairly booked up for me - and there is one weekend in October I can't do.

But please put my name on the list as a definite maybe!

Emma Sunerton-Burl

05/08/2006 at 09:39

Hi Sue,
OK you name is down too.... Thanks. I will keep you posted... It is likely to be October onwards, not before.