Archive:ChiRunning

ChiRunning is a running method that promotes an injury free approach to running. ChiRunning was founded by Ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer. It has gained notoriety lately after the publication of ChiRunning in 1994 and through workshops offered around the world. Many runners that have been previously injured or sidelined due to injuries claim that they are able to return to running using the ChiRunning technique ^[1]. A recent independent study by the University of West Viginia has confirmed that ChiRunning students have been able to prevent recurring injuries using the ChiRunning Method^[2].

ChiRunning 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.

ChiRunning Technique

ChiRunning involves a blend of Tai Chi and running utilizing core muscles (focusing on the Dan Tien) and a mid foot strike with the ball of the foot rather than the heel landing under the body. Body Alignment plays a critical role in learning the ChiRunning Technique ^[3]Other ChiRunning tecniques include:

-Body loosener's very similar to ChiGong 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 milage trainer for ChiRunners and runners that utilize a midfoot strike.

Criticism

Because ChiRunning opposes the traditional power running style that became popular in the running boom of the 1970's 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 debate 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

References

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