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Archive:ChiRunning

2009-04-06T21:42:20Z

74.59.83.112: /* Criticisms */ Fixed link to No pain, no gain

'''ChiRunning''' (CR) is a method of [[running]] instruction, developed by [[Danny Dreyer]], an American [[Ultramarathon]] runner and [[Tai Chi]] practitioner. Its primary focus is to teach runners to move in a more efficient, natural way. The instruction is sold in several ways, including instructor led courses, books, and videos.

== Principles ==
CR starts from the basis that traditional running instruction - such as that popular in the running boom of the early eighties - focuses on power and strength to push the runner along the course as fast and as long as possible. CR instead focuses primarily on efficiency and relaxation, and emphasizes form over conditioning; the runner's form is more important than the runner's speed.

The style of running it stresses can be beneficial to entry-level runners and also for distance runners, as the goal is to make running more natural and less painful. CR approaches running as a ''mindful practice'' done in the spirit of [[Tai Chi]] or [[Yoga]]. The aim is to become more self-aware and to feel "one with the road." Finish times and pace times are considered less important than improving one's efficiency.

Runners that have been previously injured or sidelined due to injuries claim that they are able to return to running using the ChiRunning technique <ref>[http://living.health.com/2008/06/09/cool-fitness-trend-chiwalking-and-chirunning/] 21</ref>. A recent independent study by the [[University of West Virginia]] has confirmed that ChiRunning students have been able to prevent recurring injuries using the ChiRunning Method<ref>[http://www.runwashington.com/archive0209/news/may08chirunning.html?page=news/may08chirunning.html] 21</ref>.

==Development==
After many years of running Danny Dreyer began to study [[TaiChi]] with Master [[George Xu]] in San Francisco. After several years of TaiChi he began to combine the techniques used in TaiChi with his running, especially body scanning and proper alignment. Some aspects of ChiRunning were also influenced by [[Total Immersion]] Swimming as created by Terry Laughlin. Since its development, Danny has also created a method of walking utilizing the same principles of alignment called [[ChiWalking]].

== Technique==

The instruction focuses on several essential skills.

#Body loosener's very similar to [[Chi Gong]] excercizes are done before running. 
#Aligning The body in a vertical Column. 
#Leaning forward while running so the runner is pulled by gravity. 
#Running with a midfoot strike. 
#Opening the stride out the back. 
#Minimizing Arm swing and keeping arms from crossing the centerline of the runners body. 
#Maintaining a set cadence throughout the run (using a metronome). 
#Speeding up or slowing down based on stride length, not cadence. 
#Relaxing the body, especially the lower extremities. 
#Body scanning to eliminate discomfort, tension, or pain. 
#Form Focusing to maintain alignment.

==New Balance Partnership==
In 2008 [[New Balance]] entered into a partnership with ChiRunning/ChiWalking. The New Balance MF800 Shoe was designed by Danny Dreyer as a long mileage trainer for ChiRunners and runners that utilize a midfoot strike.

==Criticisms==
Because ChiRunning opposes the traditional power running style that became popular in the running boom of the 1970s and the [[No Pain, No Gain]] philosophy it is considered less powerful to some experienced runners. Additionally, the effectiveness of the midfoot strike is a point of contention among running experts and various styles of running. Because ChiRunning promotes the use of running shoes with minimal cushioning and no built up heel some running shoe retailers find it a challenge to recommend appropriate shoes.

==Prominent ChiRunners==
*[[Danny Dreyer]] [[Ultramarathon]] Runner and founder of ChiRunning and [[ChiWalking]]
*[[Catherina McKiernan]] London, Berlin and Amsterdam Marathon Winner

==ChiRunning Links==
* [http://www.chirunning.com/ Official Website of ChiRunning]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-zrH6IOTQI/ Danny Dreyer Video]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdMOrgQgH2A/ ChiRunning Video]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F65Q2Mjtsdk&feature=related/ New Balance ChiRunning Shoe]
* [http://www.newbalance.com/events/chipartnership/index.php/ Recommended NB Shoes for ChiRunning]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Running]]

Rural development agrologist and aquaculturist occupational profile

2007-11-17T21:08:25Z

74.59.233.195:

An ‘Applied agrologist or aquaculturist’ from Rural Development Program will mainly work as an operator and manager of an agriculture or aquaculture business farm. He/she has to:

1. Understand the work functions and tasks associated with rural development, and the rural community.

2. Organise and communicate information related to an agriculture or aquaculture business farm and its environment.

3. Act safely in the workplace for him/herself and also for the environment.

4. Handle and use chemical and biological agents safely.

5. Operate and apply minor adjustments and maintenance of farm vehicles and equipment.

6. Build and maintain farm buildings and structures.

7. Understand the dynamics of the agriculture or aquaculture business sector.

8. Understand and use the relationships between anatomical and physiological characteristics of various species, their cultivation and breeding.

9. Prepare and use the soil and land for agriculture and/or aquaculture production.

10. Apply and manage soil fertilisation and usage program in a sustainable development approach.

11. Control and operate a plant production program including crops, trees and vegetables.

12. Detect and manage pests and diseases of plants, fish and animals.

13. Apply and manage a nutrition program.

14. Apply and manage a health program.

15. Apply and manage a water resource program for agriculture or aquaculture.

16. Apply and manage a land resource program for agriculture or aquaculture.

17. Apply and implement basic breeding and genetic improvement techniques.

18. Control and operate an animal production program including swine, cattle and poultry.

19. Control and operate an aquaculture production program including shellfish, finfish and aquatic plants to increase productivity, industry growth and promotion.

20. Plan, operate and manage farm buildings, equipment, courtyard, land and soil for production including integrated farming.

21. Apply and monitor the biological, chemical and physical interactions within the environment.

22. Apply modern technologies in farming operations in respect to the environment, food safety and hygiene.

23. Participate in conservation and wildlife protection, as relates to agriculture and aquaculture activities.

24. Plan and manage the daily operations and production resources for human, material and product resources.

25. Budget basic farming operations.

26. Plan and manage the daily operations for agriculture or aquaculture business enterprise development and for market development.

27. Market the products including basic knowledge of regional and international market trends.

28. Maintain, harvest and implement post harvest techniques for agriculture or aquaculture products.

29. Apply and manage quality control and assurance program.

30. Understand legislations, codes of practice and standards for agriculture and aquaculture food quality and production.

31. Maintain relations with the agriculture or aquaculture business sector including farmers, government agencies, international agencies, cooperatives and agriculture / aquaculture business enterprises.

32. Participate in promotion and extension events for agriculture or aquaculture.

33. Provide advise and extension services to farmers on main farming operations, such as usage of chemical, pesticide, biological agents, pests, diseases, cultivation, breeding, protection of environment, sustainable development, food safety and hygiene.

[[Topic:Sustainable_Rural_Development]]

Rural development agrologist and aquaculturist occupational profile

2007-11-17T21:05:50Z

74.59.233.195:

Rural development agrologist and aquaculturist occupational profile

2007-11-17T21:04:01Z

74.59.233.195: New page: An ‘Applied agrologist or aquaculturist’ from Rural Development Program will mainly work as an operator and manager of an agriculture or aquaculture business farm. He/she has to: 1. U...