Chi of Running

[handels]

I never run on treadmills or outside because my knee KILLS me after 10 minutes, no matter how well I warm up.

My cousin told me about Chi Running, which is a technique to improve your running form thereby reducing heart rate, improving time and avoiding injury.

This may be one of the best fitness events of my life. I first watched a YouTube video on Chirunning, which helped. Then I used the "chi of running" tapes while on a run.

Holy cow. Very little pain, ran for 30 minutes. I feel like a whole new world just opened up to me.

It wasn't pain-free, but it did come and go so I feel like if I get the form down as they explain, I may actually become a runner. Yay!

 

[maddiesmum]

Good for you Handels! Where did you get your Chi Running tapes from?

Clare

 

[handels]

My cousin sent me the ones she used (was a CD, actually, but the guy keeps saying "tapes" on the recording

They are called Chi OF running, but I saw online lots of "chirunning" sites that look like similar to advice.

 

[Mckmain]

Handels...I tried Chi running over a year ago as I was going through some injuries. Now I have run for about 32 years so changing my form did not come easy. But I seemed to get faster and felt great...for a few months, then I got other pains/injuries (hip/knee) I never had these problems before. I talked to a few in the medical community and they said that changing my running form after so long was probably what could have been the cause of the injuries. I feel therefore that Chi running can be very good for runners that have not run as long as I did before trying it (if this makes sense). Once I stopped the Chi technique my injuires subsided but it did take about 6 months. So just be careful...and good luck with Chi...

 

[handels]

I've never been a runner so I have no form. But was there a specific part of the technique that you think was the problem? I definitely don't want to pick up any bad habits.

The only thing that gave me pause while I was doing it was getting my shins parallel to the ground. I don't see how it's possible, but I just figured it comes in time.

 

[Mckmain]

Hi, no I don't remember anything about the form being specific to my injuries. I feel as you are just starting running, learning the technique correctly you won't pick up any bad habits. I never went to a Clinic but that might be a good idea if you can swing it. I would think perfect form does take some time. I still use some of the basic principles but just not the form!...

 

[LaughingWater]

I've read up on Chi Running. It sounds very cool, and I've read tons of great reviews from happy runners.

However, there were some like Carole who found themselves with brand new injuries. While many Chi converts suggested that may be due to poor technique, I can't help but wonder if the best technique is as individual as the runner. In other words, Chi may work for some but not for others.

After reading about Chi, I started shortening my stride and practicing more of a midfoot strike. Then I was sidelined with a totally unrelated injury, so I haven't had the chance to experiment further. I plan on playing with it again as soon as I'm up for running.