ChiRunning Anyone?

[wildstreaktn]

Hi Everyone,
Has anyone tried the running techniques in Danny Dreyer's book ChiRunning?I picked up a copy yesterday while checking on a part-time job at a Hastings store here.I also realized that me working in a book store is akin to a heroin addict working in a poppy field!!!I would wind up owing them money every week! But I digress;just started the book,trying to improve my run time for next tri without doing injury to myself!!If anyone is currently using ChiRunning,let me know how it's working for you.

[Over50Newbie]

Hi Wildstreaktn,

I am a chi runner and I wouldn't do any other type of running. I am 52 and decided to start running last year so that I could do triathlons. I had never even tried to run before last year. I am a swimmer, and you know what they say - they say that we are like fish out of water when we try to run.

Most people that I know chi run because they used to be runners and now have injuries, or their bodies just can't "power run" anymore because it hurts too much.

I am different from them because I am a true beginner runner.

Their web site is very supportive, and I have Danny's DVD, CD, and book. I also met Danny in person last year and he gave me some tips.

I can't say that I LIKE running, but if I HAVE to do it so that I can do triathlons, chi running is the only way to go for me!

Lynette

[KnottedYet]

I really loved the book, and used a lot of the ChiRunning stuff to get me running again. It works, even on me, who was told by a PT that I should "never run again." I don't run fast, I don't run far, but I feel GREAT while I run!

[wildstreaktn]

Hi ya'll,
Thx for the replies,Over50Newbie and KnottedYet.I'm not a natural runner and hadn't run more than 2 miles since I was in the service until now.I am about a third of the way through the book and have already started practicing some of the principles although I haven't taken a run yet since the tri on Saturday.I biked and ran w/o socks,the biking part was fine,but I sweat so much,I got some pretty good blisters on the run.No more running w/o socks for this ole girl! I also don't know that I will ever enjoy running,but I will develop a positive attitude toward it because it is part of triathlon.My goal for my next one is to finish in 2:30 or under,so that means serious improvement in swim and run times,and shaving a few minutes off of bike time.I'll git'r dun.Let's go outside and play!!!

[teigyr]

Sounds interesting. I've never heard of it, what differentiates it between other programs? I'm another one who shouldn't run but I feel that it's a time efficient form of exercise and I'd like to do tri's. I'm starting to run but am just doing it in my "hit and miss" sort of style

[HappyAnika]

A bunch of our friends got into chi running last year, so DH and I bought the book. I read some last fall, then after my 5k I quit running for a bit. Recently DH has picked up the technique again and bought the DVD. I would like to get back to learning it, but honestly I've been so focused on learning to swim I feel like I can't learn chi running at the same time. I do practice a few of the basics when I run, like trying to keep good posture, lean forward, and high cadence. The book did point out to me one of my biggest problems, that I'm a heel striker, and heel striking kills your knees. I had an ACL reconstruction and a scope in my right knee 8 and 7 years ago, and my other knee is problematic as well, so I try to keep in mind to land mid-foot.

So to sum up, we have the book and DVD, DH is progressing well, I will probably start from scratch learning it after my triathlon in July. FWIW, our friend who introduced us to the book last year noticed huge improvements in his running and just completed his first marathon Memorial day weekend.

[HonoluluAngel]

Hi, I'm about halfway through the book and have implemented the forward lean, keeping arms "short" and pumping to the rear. Keep joints and muscles relaxed and open to the "chi". I just started running in August. Prior to that, I loathed it, and therefore never even considered triathlons even though I was a decent swimmer.

I Borrowed the book from library 3 weeks ago, really interesting concepts. At first I thought it was going to be fluffy hippy metaphysical garb, but it is by far the best running book I've read. I've been reading every book and magazine out there and Chi Running is written very well.

My bf is an experienced triathlete/personal trainer and even he is intrigued. He skipped ahead of where I am in the book and told me about the theory of running sideways up hills to use your other muscles (inner and outer thighs) and save your main muscles (hamstrings and quads) for the flat sections. Like you have a secret reserve of muscles to tap into and give your regular muscles a break. I haven't tried this yet but it makes perfect sense.

Ok about the hippy metaphysical part, a good portion of the book consists of mental exercises and calling upon Chi and Eastern philosophies. But let's face it, this sport is more than just brute force, it IS mental. I feel like I can run forever now, am up to 10K no problem. Not very fast, but I place halfway in my age division in my short career. Recommend reading this book to everyone.