Chi Running
If you spend a bit of time studying Eastern philosophy, all systems of thought (whether Indian, Chinese, Korean or Japanese) propagate the clear link between health and spirituality, emphasizing that the former is merely the means to an end which is attaining ‘enlightenment’ as a result.
Chinese philosophy, in particular, is built around the fundamental principle of ‘chi’ or ‘qi’ or what is known as the life-force or energy-flow which is integral to sustaining life. Some philosophers not only consider animals and humans to have ‘chi’, but state that the ‘wind’ is the ‘chi’ of the earth.
The logogram (in blue, in the top left corner) is symbolic of ‘Chi’, and literally means ‘steam rising from rice as it cooks’. In drawing parallels to Indian philosophy, it is equivalent to the Sanskrit term ‘prana’ which means ‘breath’. And, in taking a closer look, you’ll find parallels between yoga and martial arts of the Orient, if you’ve watched the immortal Bruce Lee’s movies or those badly dubbed Chinese movies that touch topics such as the Shaolin Temple or the various martial artist forms that are a part of China’s rich culture.
Chi Running
And this brings us to the basic technique of Chi-running developed by Danny Dreyer, an American UltraMarathon Runner (which means he runs distances more than the standard marathon distance of 42 kilometers) and a Tai Chi practitioner.
As mentioned earlier, spirituality is used as the foundation to maintain good health practices, considering running as a ‘mindful practice’. The objective of this form of running is to become self-aware and become one with the road as opposed to the traditional philosophy of using one’s power and strength to finish the course for as fast as possible. Another area of focus (of Chi running) is on form (posture), efficiency and relaxation rather than just the speed and effort put in to complete the course.
To put it simply, in practicing mental focus and concentration based on the ancient practice of Tai Chi, one can train his/ her mind to be able to relax while running.
Danny Dreyer says: “Effortless running is about relaxing muscles, opening tight joints, and using gravity to do the work.”
One big benefit of this method of running is that you prevent injury. Runners who have obtained running injuries, have been able to resume running after adopting this style. In addition, the University of West Virginia has confirmed that these Chi Running students have been able prevent running injury once they have begun this practice.
Here’s a video of Danny Dreyer as he described the concept of ‘Chi Running’:
Danny Dreyer – Chi Running
Beautiful… wasn’t it?
Now that’s not all. As Chi Running is very different from the traditional form of running, it’s important to know how to readjust your running style in ‘alignment’ to the Chi Running style.
So, here’s another video that showcases Kathy Griest, a Master Chi Runner as she sheds light on the method of Chi Running:
Now, in closing I can’t help but point out the fact that very relevant cliché: It’s a case of mind over matter. And the same is true of Chi Running.
You may also be interested in learning about or trying pose running as well.
Have you ever tried Chi Running? If so, what are your thoughts?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m gonna give it a try. I gotta say, it’s gonna take me a while to keep the postures correctly without being mindful of them. Looks really good though.
I tired this method and it worked for me. I couldn’t run for more than 2miles before learning this method now I am running 6 miles every other day without and injury. There is more to this video tho. Also, Pose running is another good method to learn.