I’ve read most of the ChiRunning book, and went out for a run tonight.
First off, let me tell you that the first three chapters of the book make you feel like you are Grasshopper listening to his Kung Fu master. It’s a bit, well, boring. Chapter four and beyond go into the actual techniques. Certainly it’s worth reading the first three chapters, so you know all the theory behind Chirunning…just be sure you stick with it and get to chapter 4!
The basic concept of Chi Running is totally different from conventional running form, or as the book calls it, “Power Running”. Chi Running is based on leaning forward while keeping your body posture aligned (a straight line between shoulders, hips, ankles), keeping all your joints loose, and lifting your legs rather than pushing off with your toes. You also have to do alot of focusing and body sensing (awareness), and make adjustments to your form as you go along. This method will use your core body strength (abs and back) rather than your leg muscles.
I did not wear my headphones tonight on my run, as I wanted to fully focus on this ChiRunning stuff. It took an incredible amount of mental concentration to focus on all the stuff I was supposed to be doing with my body…which was totally different from what I have been doing for the past year. It felt very awkward. I will say that my feet hurt less at the end of my run. My hip hurt – can’t tell whether it hurts the same, less or more. My back is sore, which means I was definitely using my core, but probalby not getting my posture quite right. I have weak abs, which may contribute to my sore back, as my abs aren’t doing enough of the work. I wonder if I would be better off doing Pilates for two months to increase my core strength, and then coming back to Chirunning ??
I can’t say “Wow – this is the answer I have been looking for”. I will keep trying it for a while – as it makes a lot of sense.
Update July 29, 2006: I have recently changed my mind about ChiRunning, and now follow the Pose Method of running. Click here to read why.