Chi-running workshop

[Butterthebean 8,146]

This weekend I attended a running workshop called Chi-running. It's not as crazy as it sounds. The instructor is just a guy who is an ultra marathon runner who also happens to be into tai chi. He applied the form and physics of tai chi to running to develop a technique that allows you to run very efficiently and reduces injuries by reducing wear and tear on the body. It was a great workshop.

We spent a good deal of time learning proper posture. Learning how to use gravity to help propel us forward. And how to run without the high impact which causes so many injuries. There were all manner of runners there from accomplished marathoners to total beginners who couldn't run 1 lap around the track. It didn't matter, the class helped everyone equally. If any of you ever get the opportunity and you're interested in running marathons into your 60s and beyond (like this guy), I highly recommend it.

He's also got some DVDs and a couple of books if the workshop is not practical for you.

My wife and I went for a run this morning and I was putting what I learned into practice. Several times she yelled at me to slow down. I didn't even realize I was running faster. I felt like I was just tooling along but it was nice and comfortable.

www.chirunning.com

[Sassafras 136]

Sounds very interesting & beneficial!

[mark! 449]

Being a bigger guy, I had great interest in Chi Running. I started reading about it, read the book, watched the DVDs, and was making huge progress in my running until surgery. I haven't been able to actually run yet, 3 weeks post op, but I plan on getting back in to the swing of things. I noticed a huge difference in the impact and such when I ran, and I do like the idea of controlled falling instead of trying to propel yourself.

[Lisa :) 231]

I think I'm going to buy the book and DVD!! I've never considered myself a "runner". I think some people are naturally good runners...I'm not one of those people!!! I grew up being extremely athletic...played softball in college and even played tennis competitively for a couple of years in my 20's. Running, though, has never been my thing. I'm super slow (12+ min/mile) and prone to injury when I run a lot. I can't attribute any of this to my weight because even when I was athletic and fit, I had a hard time with it.

I started doing tris last year and I, absolutely, am addicted to them! I WANT so badly to love running because my dream is to do an Ironman!!! Mentally, I like running and I love the thought of being a runner. But, physically, my body just doesn't seem to agree with it....and it's probably because I'm doing something (or a lot of things) wrong! LOL!!

When I was trianing for my last tri (last summer) I started using the Galloway Method (run/walk) which resulted in my running my fastest 5K (39:26) of my three tris last year!!! But I'm always searching for the key to me becoming a true "runner"!!!

Thanks for the info....I'm excited to give it a try!!

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Thanks for the update. You already know I place chi running style in high regards. I would recommend it for any new runner who wants to enjoy running, get fast and love it, love it AND love it!! Check it out everyone.

[danyelleb 386]

At the risk of sounding like a dumbass, I'm just gonna put this out there... How complicated is it? I've read a couple articles and did a search online and the unknown is a bit scary. Lame, I know. I'm so UNcoordinated. I'm worried about messing with my gait. I think- why mess up a good thing? However, u guys really sell up the chi running. I can't imagine being able to relax if I'm running in a position where it feels like I'm falling, trying to hold imaginary butterflies, and counting my steps. Is this really something I could get from a book or is a workshop necessary?

Love the shoes btw, BTB. I am currently in a pair of Asics- kayanos. They r like pillows for my feet with lots of support. I can't imagine running in a sandal type shoe. Fiddleman, I'm über impressed by ur times. Like I said, ur both very convincing.

[mark! 449]

It's built on baby steps. You don't add another step until you've gained confidence and you are comfortable with adding another step. It takes some people longer than others but in the end, it's been amazing for me. I haven't added all of the steps together since I started right before surgery, but by just adding a few steps I felt a lot better in my running. I've never felt like I was actually falling, once you get going and do it for a bit, it feels normal.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Here is a good overview of ChiRunning:

http://www.chirunning.com/what-is-chirunning/

From the page, I focus on the following principles when running.

Relaxation

Correct alignment and posture

Landing with a midfoot strike

Using a "gravity-assisted" forward lean

Engaging core strength for propulsion

Connecting the mind and body to prevent injury

I did not even know there was this great online resource or workshops you can go to. I am not really familiar with holding butterflies, but I can see how my running style is like that. Nor do I really feel like I am "falling" when running. I do feel like gravity helps rather that inhibits running though. In the beginning, I really did try and connect my mind with the various body parts. You will read this in several of my earlier posts often comparing running to a finely tuned watch, perfectly mechanical and precise in movement. No movement is by accident. Fortunately this psychosomatic connection becomes automatic with enough practice.

I have been doing it for several months so it all seems natural to me. All my experience comes out of reading his book a few years back and learning how to run with grace for the first time. I was never a runner before then especially because of being obese. I used to get injured all the time, especially in my lower legs. After starting ChiRunning, I can honestly say I have not had an injury that sidelined me once and always feel empowered afterwards in addition to getting high on the run. However, I did work through some hip flexor and minor knee issues a couple times that required me to really think about more stretching and warm up. They did not sideline me though and I was back at running on schedule once I addressed the missing psychosomatic connection to those parts of the body.

I guess you could say ChiRunning involves a bit of a naturopathic perspective in order to really connect the mind with various parts of the body. I am not so much of a naturopathic follower to health and readily depend on the traditional medical field for physical and mental health, but you can see the naturopathic cross over to fixing the various body ailments caused by bad posture or tense muscles through a mind / body connection. Different topic for a different time.

I think the power of ChiRunning comes from letting your core be the engine behind all the movements. Once our core is in charge, all the other body parts just follow with minimum effort. In the beginning you do have to pay close attention to relaxation and let go of tension that starts to form in legs, shoulders or back. With practice, it becomes second nature after awhile.

The principles of ChiRunning are truly universal and can apply to other disciplines in your life as well. For example, recently I applied ChiRunning to my violin playing and it got so much easier and enjoyable. I was holding so much tension in my back and shoulders before, especially when obese. It is now so much more relaxing and enjoyable to bring the sound out of my violin. The strength and power comes from my core, not my back and definitely not my arms. The best way to describe it is it feels authentic and very organic.

The ChiRunning principles are also applicable to cross fitness. I am very new to being a cross fitter, but already I can see all power comes from core strength and the ability to perform the basic squat movement very well. Once a person masters the squat and deriving power from the core, I honestly believe all the other movements are derivations and will follow from dead lift to wall throws. I have much to learn, but am psyched about building strength through cross fit.

With all techniques, we have to start somewhere in order to progressively improve. Try it out. See what you think about it. Maybe just start with thinking about relaxation while running before adding more principles. Do keep at it and I promise you will enjoy the benefits that practicing ChiRunning will bring for you.

[danyelleb 386]

Thank u so much, Mark and Fiddleman! I appreciate the feedback. I'm going to check out the link and try adding one component at a time. Anything is possible with systematic baby steps, right? Running is tough on the joints and I would like to be running for many many years. I also like the appeal of the reduction of injuries (this is a biggie) and increasing my times. I can't believe that I've been almost running for a year! That's a huge NSV for me. It's time to improve and fine tune. Thanks again!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I read the book, bought the DVD, and then took the workshop. I benefitted from all three. The book is the most detailed, thorough explanation of the whole system. The dvd gives a simpler, easy to follow plan. But the workshop helped me understand which facets I was doing right and which I was doing wrong.

It's hard unlearning old habits and learning new ones. It takes some mental focus in the beginning but it certainly gets easier. I am by no means "there". But I am improving.

Last night I felt like my run was doomed before I finished the first mile. I was so tired even before I started. Somewhere around the middle of the 2nd mile I felt invigorated. The fatigue was gone. By mile 4 I felt I could run all day. Miles 5 and 6 were my fastest of the run. Keep in mind I only intended to run 3. But I just forgot about that because I was too busy enjoying the fact that the more I ran the more I felt rejuvenated. It doesn't click for me like that every single run but it happens with more and more regularity.

[Lisa :) 231]

You guys give me hope!!! I now have the book and DVD and I'm really looking forward to this!! Today, during my run, all I did was to work on my posture and leaning forward and, OH MY GOD, what a difference it made!!! For the first time EVER I felt like my legs were working for me and not against me!!! I am super stoked about this!!!!

[Oliver's Mom 258]

Just ordered the book - one for me and one for me son in law. I think it might be very helpful in reducing my knee pain.