Chi Running Basics
Posted by Ray Gill
Filed under Running Videos
Learn the basics of Chirunning with this 2 min tutorial. It really helped me get the basics.
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i agree with mennea
Um, I really don’t get it. I mean, for one thing, I am having a hard time getting what she is saying, and if I am doing it right, then it feels pretty tense for running.
And then, after all she said, she still leaned forward and ran, like I do. Um…? Ok, so are we supposed to just basically run like a rag doll, with limbs flailing?
ACTUALLY…I’m already running this way. And it is very easy. Also, I have not experienced any back pain or hip pain with running this way. There isn’t much to think about. Basically, don’t stick your ass or your chest out and stay centered in your hips and over your feet. For people who have done yoga this is actually pretty basic.
What are you talking about? Chi running is great! When she said lean forward she didn’t mean while you’re running. Uh … she meant it’s that easy to begin just leaning forward a bit. In chi everything is aligned. DUH
If you don’t lean forward at all, you won’t go anywhere. That’s what babies have to figure out to learn how to move. Even when we are walking, we need to lean slightly forward to go anywhere. That’s all she is talking about in the video.
ya’ll are putting too much into this. Chi running? are you serious. this shit is for people who have nothing left to do but come up with crazy “methods” to running. wow, it amazes me. well whatever works for your head i guess…
Wow, you’re absolutely right. I guess we should rethink our lives and do something productive like typing insults on YouTube videos.
yup i guess thats why your here right? to set us straight. hehe.
I have the book right now(but since i’m more of visual/audio learner it’s abit hard for me to learn it)I really hope i can master this form someday(I can’t find cheap Chirunning dvd on ebay right now)i want to also learn the Chiwalking after this.
Hi Cathy, thanks for explaining how to setup good posture/body alignment, very helpful. I had a look at your running technique and if you play it back in slow mo you will see that your pull is late, toeing off, to much vertical oscillation, landing ahead of your hips, and landing on your heels (very noticeable). Also to note that your leg turnover rate seems quite slow (less than 180 strides per minute). I’m not having a pop, just giving some constructive criticism
. Regards Slap.
does it take long to learn and use the technique? iv tried to but i am obviously doing something wrong cos it hurts my hamstrings!!
if your hamstrings hurt it’s probably becuase you are using your muscles to lift you legs rather than using your core. When you engage your core and relax everything else the forward lean is enough to move you forward and you feet should float up rather than need to be pulled. Of course this is a lot easier said than done, just try and focus on keeping you core engaged and your legs nice a relaxed.
Post a video of yourself running before criticizing someone else. Just some “constructive criticism” as you put it.
You don’t make any sense DB, a person does not need to post a video of themselves running to be able to analyze and give comment on someones running technique. It’s not personal or a contest. FWIW, have done loads of vids, and have many of the faults that Cathy is showing in her running technique.
She looks like Deena Kastor.
Yes they do.
Anyone can repeat what they have read. Let’s see YOUR form and technique.
If you can’t understand that simple idea I can’t help you.
POSE running ftw!
what is the difference between “your feet floating up” and pulling them up? you have to use some sort of muscle contraction to move your feet up so can you please elaborate on what “floating up” means? thanks.
In the correct posture and using the forward lean correctly, as the rear leg extends out behind you the foot will peel off the floor and lift off with no effort as it gets to maximum rear extension. I think this is one on the key differences between Chi and POSE running. POSE advocates lifting your foot off as fast as possible which might be before your leg is in the natural postion to peel off the ground so you are having to use your leg muscles to do the work.
Does that make sense?
you can try this quick test to feel the difference. Stand with your feet one in front of the other with the weight mostly on the front foot. First simply lift the rear foot off the ground and feel how the hamstring engages to do this.
Now return to the starting position but this time lean from the ankle so all the weight is over the front foot and feel how the rear foot naturally rolls off the floor with no effort. thats how I learned how to do it.
thanks, this makes sense now. from your original wording, it sounded you had some secret to make my legs magically run by themselves. too bad you don’t =(
i run how my body wants
Nice video tutorial. Please visit the link below and post some feedback on my first attempt with this technique. Search Go1ngPostal Chi Running
sounds like you may benefit from strengthening your lower back. Try doing some “Bird Dogs” or “Supermans”. both exercises are great for your lower back.
Very interesting and a beautifully succinct explanation of the ChiRunning posture. I am still not quite there yet with perfect form. I think I’m going to have to resort to filming myself at the track to make the final changes.
Ray, all,
Thought you might find this video useful:
- ChiRunning Simplified!, Efficient and Injury Free Natural Running Technique
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H26liWMDH8U
David.