This is a re-post of something I'd written back in October. As the training season kicks into full gear, I thought it was worthy of a re-post.---------------------
Some of you may notice a link on here to a Web site called ChiRunning. If you want to run better, and pain-free, you have to check this out.
Seriously.
I was skeptical when I heard about it, too, but about a year ago, I decided to pick up running. This was right before triathlons got on my radar screen. I started out running a half-mile and then worked up to one mile. The trouble is, my knees started to really hurt - again.
In fact, I decided to take a break from running and work on building leg strength for a few months. If the muscles surrounding my knees were strong, my knees wouldn't be so weak and, therefore, as able to be injured.
Meanwhile, I got interested in triathlons. I read a swimming book, Total Immersion (TI), and just fell in love with the theories behind the author, Terry Laughlin's, techniques. At the end of his book, he recommended ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer.
Soon thereafter, I got a copy from the library. I read it in one day.
I won't go into all of the details about the mechanics of it. It would take a book to explain and Dryer's already written it, but basically it's about falling into your run instead of forcing yourself to run.
Here's a short video of Danny Dreyer, the creator of ChiRunning, explaining the difference between ChiRunning and typical running. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA0Yd4NLKlo
I can say that since running this way since April, I have experienced no knee pain during or after running - none!
If you're tired of your running causing you pain, it is definitely worth your time to check out the book and/or DVD. It may end up not being for you - but what if it is?
9 comments:
This is very similar to the POSE method. I recommend it to all new runners.
Thanks for this! I'll check out the book. Running form is everything.
I know some people who have had knee and foot issues that swear by Chi Running. I'm not a Chi Runner myself but definitely think that mid-foot running has helped me stay pretty injury-free and that it's good for people to see other options, esp. if they're having problems/pains when running.
I have found sticking some nice non-pavement runs (dirt trails, etc.) has very beneficial attributes also and allows you to slowly add in "hard" body pounding concrete/asphalt runs (which most races are run on)
I haven't tried ChiRunning, but I'm a big fan of find-what-works-for-you! glad you haven't had knee pain !
I'm sharing this post with my husband. He's training for his second IM in June.
Interesting training concepts! Training is so fascinating.
You're training concepts are quite interesting. Have you ever incorporated yoga into your routines?
Hey, I have read Total Immersion, and the Pose Running Method. I am reading CHI right now.
I'm no Simon Whitfield, or Craig Alexander, but I do ok.
I practice ChiRunning! Buying the book and attending the seminar were the one of the best decisions I've done to improve my running. I haven't experience sore muscle during or after a long run.
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