Chirunning - Training - Runner's World

Alf 'Sick Note' Tupper

29/09/2005 at 09:39

A running friend of mine mentioned that she has been chirunning which is supposed to help reduce effort, inmprove rehabilitation and allow for injury free running. Does anyone out there practice this or have you heard anything about it? I was thinking of getting a book but wouldnt know of any good ones...

Corinthian

29/09/2005 at 09:48

I've come across this before, Katherine Dreyer(sp)

To sum it up, it suggests that by focusing upon your chi, you can alter your running style to 1.avoid injuries, 2.improve your style to maximise performance 3. improve your mental well-being

I'm inclined to the notion tha it is just the latest firness fad imported from our friends across the pond

Broadsword Calling Danny Boy

29/09/2005 at 09:51

It's similar to POSE running, with the difference that it isn't as strict when it comes to form.

By all means give it a go, but my impression was that it wasn't worth the effort.

Check the POSE thread on general.

Corinthian

29/09/2005 at 09:58

Found the book... It's actually written by Danny Dreyer with help from 'er indoors'

Alf 'Sick Note' Tupper

29/09/2005 at 10:31

Hmmm, I shall check out the POSE thread - thanks guys.

runlikethwind

26/03/2008 at 17:24

ChiRunning is great ! I am biased - because I'm a Certified ChiRunning Instructor!

Seriously, running had become to much like hard work for me. I had sore knees and a very stiff ankle from my days of playing football. Every book I read about distance running talked about the certainty of injury, burning up all your glygogen & hitting a wall sometime after 18 miles

Thankfully I discovered a different path!

ChiRunning was created by Danny Dreyer an ultra marathon runner, running coach and tai chi practioner. He has combined the principles of tai chi with good bio - mechanics to create a revolutionary running form and philosophy that reduces impact on the body and changes running from just fitness sport into more of a focused practice.

The basic principles of ChiRunning are:

good postural alignment
relaxation of all other parts - especially the legs!
engagment of the lower abdominal muscles
a lean from the ankles to engage gravity
a mid foot strike below or slightly behind your centre of gravity
belly breathing technique

Thousands of people have learned ChiRunning with profound results.

See the testimonials page at <a title="chirunning.com " target="_blank">chirunning.com </a>

PSC

pirate

26/03/2008 at 17:30

There is a very active chi running group on fetch. The owner of the fetch thread is a doctor and is very knowledgeable on the topic and is a running injury specialist. Worth popping over to fetch to find the thread. The doc is Cabletow and is happy to receive emails quizzing him on stuff.

runlikethwind

26/03/2008 at 17:35

Thanks, will do!

tinebeest

26/03/2008 at 18:01

The chi-running thread there isn't very active anymore, as they moved on to the More efficient running style thread. At times that thread makes for some interesting reading... A lot of the time it goes way over my head.

As a former Taiji practitioner, Chirunning made a lot of sense to me. I am sure I am far from the actual thing as I never received any other instruction than the book and the DVD, but it seems to keep me on the road, and that's enough for me right now.

Worth a shot if you suffer from (recurring) injury, otherwise: if it ain't broken, why fix it?

runlikethwind

26/03/2008 at 19:42

Yep, I've joined that thread too. Yes the Pose method appears to be more technical than ChiRunning.

That's great, I'm pleased that the focuses you're applying are helping you stay on the road.

I partially agree that If it aint broke don't fix it...although by improving posture, increasing relaxation and using gravity instead of leg muscles - I believe these focuses would (gradually ofcourse!) make everyones running easier, faster and reduce the risk of injury.

runnersbeen

27/03/2008 at 10:28

I have the book and taken bits from it. The running uphill bit has greatly improved my hill running.

runnersbeen

27/03/2008 at 10:29

runlikethewind.................. do you run courses in Devon?

M.ister W

27/03/2008 at 12:33

The advantage I found with chi-running over pose is that it's more of a gradual process. You can implement bits of the technique in your running and see improvements so it isn't necessary to completely deconstruct and rebuild your form.

runlikethwind

27/03/2008 at 14:07

Yes Runnersbeen - aren't those zig zags great!

I could, Devons not to far - I'm in Bournemouth, Dorset.

As it happen Catherina McKiernan Master ChiRunning Instructor, four times World Cross Country Silver Medallist and the 1998 London Marathon Winner is leading a ChiRunning Workshop in Bournemouth on Saturday 19th April.

There are a few spaces left if you are interested.

Thats great M.ister W - Which parts of the technique are working best for you?

runnersbeen

27/03/2008 at 14:13

I cannot do the April date unfortunately. I am part of the womens running network, if you go to their website http://www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk and contact Pauline Beare (founder) Perhaps a course can be set up via them, as they have access to the local track. I would think you will get loads of interest. Otherwise is there any other way I can find out when and where there are courses. Thanks

runlikethwind

27/03/2008 at 14:26

Thanks! Yes, check the forum and instructors page on chirunning.com for details of workshops in the UK. There is an Instructor in London, two in Yorkshire and myself in Bournemouth.

goldbeetle

27/03/2008 at 22:13

I may be wrong

but I think Cabletow on Fetch has found more success with Pose -now he has tried it- over Chi Running

27/03/2008 at 22:15

I wondered where Cabletow had gone...

runlikethwind

08/04/2008 at 15:51

I hope he is well and happy and getting what he needs - He has been involved in some great conversations on the various running forums. Go get it Cabletow!

runlikethwind

02/06/2008 at 15:35

Catherina Mckiernan is back in Bournemouth on Saturday 19th July in Bournemouth.

Catherina is a Master ChiRunning Instructor and the 1998 London Marathon Winner. She is a great teacher and the last time she came to Bournemouth we got some great feedback that included;

" I now have a much better understanding of how the ChiRunning focuses should feel in my body" - "That was the best workshop I'have ever attended" and "I had such a fun and enjoyable day"

Catherina will be teaching a complete indroduction of the ChiRunning method, includind video analysis and a personalised srategy to help each individual improve their running technique.

The workshop is from 10.00 until 16.00 approx, including a short break for lunch. Limited places are available (the previous workshop was full) and the price is £120.

Please see catherinamckiernan.com or email me at injuryfreerunning@hotmail.com

Martin Common.

Certified ChiRunning & ChiWalking Instructor.