Any Chi Runners Out There?

I have been doing Chi Running for the past couple of months now and absolutely love it – going farther and longer than I have in a long while. Was just curious if there are any other Chi Running devotees out there?

If so, I started a Chi Running Group which you are welcome to join and share your experiences. All runners are welcome, but I would love to share some experiences with fellow Chi Runners in particular – plus I need advice on such things as the metronome … never quite got the hang of using that yet!

I am trying to learn chi running but I think it’s quite difficult! Cudus to you who succeed :)

I’ve heard this from a few people, it seems to be one of those things where you either ‘get it’ or you don’t! I’m not sure … but I know from my own experience it seemed like a natural movement from the get-go and has dramatically improved my running – which, in turn, has also improved my weight lifting workouts.

Being overweight, I am trying to dramatically improved my “core” and Chi Running works in well from that perspective – I enjoy the philosophy behind it and plan to take some Tai Chi lessons this Fall. It seems like it should be a benefit to my bodybuilding workouts…

My doctor has told me not to run at all for a while due to my knees, even though chi running is better I will keep off trying again until my knees are good. But I read trough the book and it really seems good and I really want to learn it but it feels like I’m.. falling… When I try. So it’s weird. :(

I haven’t tried, but I am looking for an aerobic routine to incorporate into my workouts, and this sounds interesting. I am concerned about injury, so if I’m going to run, this sounds like the right approach. Do you have any suggestions for good resources to learn about it?

Chi Running by Danny Dreyer is pretty much the main authority on the subject. After learning about this philosophy and practicing it these past few months, my opinion is to take Chi Running with a grain of salt. Like most things in life, it is not a matter of all or nothing but, rather, incorporating the basic principles and general philosophy into your own, individual lifestyle habits.

For example, I simply take the lessons of proper form and working from your core and utilize that into my running routine – the results truly have been phenomenal for me. I now consistently run 30 – 45" five or six days a week; no rest stops; progressively increasing my steps per minute pace; progressively going longer distances and, perhaps most importantly, feeling absolutely no strain on my legs and knees! AND I have only been doing trail running, which arguably is more difficult, but I’m totally addicted and absolutely love trail running…

I happened to be at a used book store and found a copy of Chi Walking (they didn’t have a copy of Chi Running), so I thought I might start with that. I’m pretty out of shape, so it might be just my speed :) In the meantime, I’ve been playing softball, which turns out to be pretty aerobic for me! I like the idea of trail running though. I used to spend a lot of time running through the woods as a kid, it would be nice to get to a place where I could do it again.

Chi Walking uses a lot of the same principles – body posture and core balance. Softball is terrific, and any sport is great if you are enjoying it. My only caution is that rest ’n go activities like softball can make you more susceptible to injuries … so just be careful, and be sure to warm up and stretch out.

I practice Chi Running. I found a coach to give me 3 lessons in it. It takes quite a bit of practice to get it right and I still have to check in with my form to see I’m doing it right. I’ve been able to increase my mileage and my pace after a few years of off & on injuries. I like it though I think I can improve my technique. I can’t do the breathing thing he suggests (I have a slightly deviated septum that makes it hard to do nose breathing while running – I can sort of do it when I wear a breathe-right strip, but I look pretty dorky). I am also a trail runner though I run quite a bit of pavement as well. The Chi Running seems to help with the pavement running.

I’ll join your group. Thanks for starting it, CrankyGoat.

I have the book, and I’ve read through part of it – it seems sort of strange, but I’ve never succeeded at becoming a consistent runner so I’d like to give it a try. I’m probably a bit old to be starting (48) but I don’t plan to try to become a long-distance runner or anything, just casual finess running and because I enjoy what little I’ve been doing. I have recurring plantar fasciitis in my right foot, and right this minute I’m using one of Danny’s suggestions and it’s in a bucket of ice – I’m hoping that altering my form will help keep it from flaring up.

I’ve been practicing Chi Running for 1 1/2 years. I was never a “good” runner before, it didn’t feel good, I was slow, and got recurrent injuries. Since starting Chi Running I have had a huge improvement and NO injuries despite a big improvement in pace and distance. I am self taught (from the books and DVD), and I’d like to get a coach or go to a workshop. I have also been learning the Total Immersion swimming technique. There are some philosophical similarities and I recommend both programs highly.

And no, 48 is not to late to start!

I just finished a triathlon and the woman who finished steps ahead of me was 62! She won her age group and I was 10/20 in mine. I find her so inspiring.

Thanks, sarabees, for the encouragement! Gave it my first shot today, just a 1-mile jog focusing on my alignment and foot strike, and I didn’t have to stop to do any walk intervals and had no pain in my foot (the one with P.F.). I even felt like going further, but I had to get ready for work. The P.F. is still there, but is more of a tingly ache than actual pain, and it isn’t any worse than it was yesterday so I’m very happy that I’ve found a way to run without aggravating it. Takes a lot of concentration not to drop into old habits, but it’s more than worth it!

IrishEyes – just remember to go slow and easy in the beginning, even if you feel like you can do more. Your bones, ligaments and muscle connections all need time to strengthen up properly. A modified version of the Couch to 5K Workout is an excellent guide.

sarahbees – it’s so nice to hear the successes people have when using the Chi Running principles, I’d like to take a workshop as well – although the more I run, I find I’m taking the principles of form and posture in Chi Running and modifying them a bit for my own body type and fitness level. It still amazes me that after a short period of time I am doing 60" runs without stopping and with a respectable pace! Feels great :-)