Chi running

[Curlygurly2]

I'm reading Chi Running by Danny Dreyer, so far it seems to make sense to me, although I'm only about a quarter of the way through it, just about to try some of the pre-running exercises. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has read/used it and what you thought of it.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I haven't read that one CG but I've just read "Ready To Run" by Kelly Starrett, he of Mobility.wod and from the first page it's made sense. I'm fed up feeling constant niggles and so I'm trying out Starrett's philosophy. I know Rig was a big fan so if it's good enough for him.........

I think Chi running is similar in approach -ie it's never about the shoes or anything else we use as runners, it's always about us and our bodies and how we move them.

I'd be interested in how you get on.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Chi running seems to be mostly about body posture, sort of a cross between Alexander technique and pilates, both of which I love. Your "chi" is sort of your powerhouse, if you hold your body correctly you use your chi instead of letting it drain away. I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm going to try the warm up looseners and the posture today I'll let you know if you let me know! Good luck xx

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

Ooh let's compare! Enjoy 🙂x

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes!~You too!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

Irishprincess - I went for my run this morning, and could see my pace pick up every time I leant forward, but it's quite hard to keep up! My Garmin is having a hissy fit at the moment, and didn't upload properly so I can't really see what effect, if any it had....hopefully next time...

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

That's interesting. Let me know what happens next time. I read a tip from The Balanced Runner where she said we should lean forward from the ankles and to do that we need to "kiss" someone across a table! When I tried it I got neck ache ☹️

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

To learn to lean, you just stand up and, er, lean! One foot will leap out to stop you falling, and that's it apparently! Easier said that done...

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

I did watch my shadow the other day from the side and was quite pleased to notice I was leaning otherwise how do you know unless someone takes a video!

[AndyD Graduate10]

I did a Chi running course many moons ago and as you've mentioned the things that I remember the most is the lean and general body posture. I still try to lean a bit from the ankles but its not easy if you are running slowly... I like to think of it as leaning/falling with style

There is also a website chirunning.com/ where you can read more about it.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to AndyD]

Thanks Andy, I'm enjoying the book, and will go back and make notes on all the exercises etc. Did you enjoy the course? Did it make a difference to your running? And do you still use the techniques?

[AndyD Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

I did enjoy the course. I did it a couple of years ago when I started running just to make sure I knew how to run!!! Didn't cost that much, so I can recommend it if you have one in your area. Difficult to say whether it made a difference to my running, but I certainly learnt the importance of leg and arm movement, cadence, breathing, the lean etc. I still try to check out "how" i'm running as my style tends to go to pot when I'm tiered.

[Katie204 Graduate10]

I have read this book too - I found it very useful before my 10K Race for Life in June. It really helps you to keep going with less energy if you can align your head, spine and hips as you run.

I have been to two Chi running workshops - these take place across the UK: chirunning.uk I would recommend trying one of these.

Another thing I found helpful was reading a book called The Oxygen Advantage, which I heard about when I did my last chi running workshop. It teaches you breathing techniques that help you to run further without getting out of breath: amazon.co.uk/Oxygen-Advanta...

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to Katie204]

Thanks for those links Katie, sadly there are no classes anywhere near me, but I've subscribed, so perhaps something will come up.

The other day I ran on a shopping street, so got the chance to look at myself in the windows, I was surprised to see that I bend forward from the waist - so that's what I'm working on now.

[PeterBrash Graduate10]

Really interesting this.

Two days ago I tried really hard to run 5k under 23 minutes (23:02 was my best). I tried intervals, so I would run as fast as I could between one lifebuoy and the next and then run normally between the next two.

Managed to run it in 22:11 which I was pleased with but I was absolutely spent. I also had a recurrence of posterior tibial tendinitis which has flared up over the last month.

Decided that this mornings run would be relaxed. Just do the 5k and not worry about the time. Last night I read a little bit online about chi running, the lean, keeping eyes on the horizon etc and thought today would be a good time to give it a try. I came across it as I was trying to find out if my tendinitis was to do with technique.

So, today I ran with no intention of going faster. Just trying the technique. I had no fatigue, stitches or other bother during the run. My breathing was much better and after the run I was almost immediately recovered.

The time was 22:09, so two seconds better than when I was going all out! I think I need to get the book and maybe sign up for a course!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

That's interesting, please let me know how you get on x