Chi Running

[Lucas]

As part of my "Run Everyday for 2007" regimen, I decided to incorporate the elements of chi running into my exercising. Chi Running is a way to use your core energy to run longer and more natural, while causing less damage to your body than traditional running. It's taken from Tai Chi of course, using your bodys natural energy, as well as gravity to propel you. I can already tell the difference. They also have a few different products at ChiRunning, but its one of the best books I have ever run.

I havent seen it talked about on the forums yet, so I figured some of you would be interested.

[elainevdw]

Please keep us updated on how it goes!

I enjoy running, but have to wear orthotics or else I get knee pain. I'd love to hear other ways to keep running with less injury, and I've heard nice things about Chi Running.

[mattsonn]

Yeah. I remember Chi runnning. You might want to check out www.posetech.com if you're interested in learning more about that general "style" of running. Danny D doesn't say this of course, but I've heard from relatively trustworthy sources that Chi was based directly off of Pose.

[Lucas]

Originally Posted by mattsonn

Yeah. I remember Chi runnning. You might want to check out www,posetech.com if you're interested in learning more about that general "style" of running. Danny D doesn't say this of course, but I've heard from relatively trustworthy sources that Chi was based directly off of Pose.

I imagine it is based off the pose method. One thing I really like about Chi Running is the emphasis of relaxing, and that the more you relax your muscles, the more you can run and longer. I dabbled in pose at first, and it seemed to be all about posture, and not so much about relaxing and using your core muscles. I should checck more into it and take from pose and chi what I like the best.

[mattsonn]

Originally Posted by Lucas

I imagine it is based off the pose method. One thing I really like about Chi Running is the emphasis of relaxing, and that the more you relax your muscles, the more you can run and longer.

VERY true. Big fact that most people miss out on.

[jbischke]

I *love* Chi Running. Have been running this way for a couple of years and notice a big difference.

In terms of running without pain the best thing that I can recommend is a combination of the following:

1. Something to improve your flexibility/range of motion - Yoga, the Egoscue Method, etc.

2. Better form - Chi Running or The Pose Method will take care of you here.

3. Consider running with "less" on your feet - The more I study barefoot running the more I've convinced this is the way we were meant to run. Orthotics, braces, etc. only mask an underlying condition. Much better to get at what is causing the condition than cover it up. Barefoot running in the grass will help you get a better sense of how your body is aligned, landing, etc. and will strengthen your arches, ankles, toes, etc. Give it a try.

[SifuPhil]

Originally Posted by Lucas

It's taken from Tai Chi of course, using your bodys natural energy, as well as gravity to propel you.

Just a little note from a taiji teacher -

Using gravity to propel you, although possibly great for running, is NOT a principle of taiji. "Falling forward" is actually a postural defect that I work long and hard trying to eliminate in my students.

I dabbled in pose at first, and it seemed to be all about posture, and not so much about relaxing and using your core muscles.

Another principle of taiji - proper posture leads to relaxed muscles and moving from what is referred to as the "tan tien", or center of gravity.

[stephencp]

"Using gravity to propel you, although possibly great for running, is NOT a principle of taiji. "Falling forward" is actually a postural defect that I work long and hard trying to eliminate in my students."

As a 20+ year student of martial arts including taichi, pakua and cheng hsin, I understand where you're coming from. I run using the Chi Running method (and am looking into Posetech now). It does indeed feel like you're "falling" the whole time and feels against regular taichi principles. However, what you you consider "taichi" running to be then? When I do my pakua walking very fast (at a jogging pace) it is using much more energy than chi running (though feels much "lighter" and "centered").

Stephen
Power-Book Library: Free personal development, success, inspiration and motivational classics

[Lucas]

Originally Posted by SifuPhil

Just a little note from a taiji teacher -

Using gravity to propel you, although possibly great for running, is NOT a principle of taiji. "Falling forward" is actually a postural defect that I work long and hard trying to eliminate in my students.


Another principle of taiji - proper posture leads to relaxed muscles and moving from what is referred to as the "tan tien", or center of gravity.

Interesting, however while Chi Running incorporates principls of Tai Chi into it, it isnt Tai Chi....so there are going to be differences in it. Chi Running has a lot more posture than I initially thought.

[and]

I've order the book on Chirunning and it should be arriving any day now, once I receive it and test it, I'll post my results. Anything that can help is generally a good thing..

[Lucas]

Originally Posted by and

I've order the book on Chirunning and it should be arriving any day now, once I receive it and test it, I'll post my results. Anything that can help is generally a good thing..

You may be quicker than I am, but I am just now starting to feel like I aam running correctly, feeling it in my abs and core. I have adifferent approach to learning it, as I run, then review the book to see what it says about troubleshooting.

I also have canged up my "run everyday" to "dont run if your body says no", its much healthier, and incorporates Chi runnings "body sensing" technique into my normal life. It also puts less stress on me to perform and do it. I seem to only need to rest after a "best" day.