ChiRunning

ChiRunning employs the deep power reserves in the core muscles of the trunk, an approach that grows out of such disciplines as yoga, Pilates, and t'ai chi. This excellent step-by-step program offers training principles and is easily learned.

Dramatically reduce your potential for injury

Make knee pain and shin splints a thing of the past

Greatly reduce post-run recovery time

Create a safe and effective training program

Make running any distance enjoyable whether you're a beginning runner or a seasoned competitor

Customer Reviews:

Review #1: This is the real deal! A paradigm for running.
2008-01-24
It does take some time to study and learn, but what great thing doesn't take time. The book has all the information, but I recommend taking the workshop and/or getting the DVD also. Even with pictures in the book the exercises and the running technique is much clearer when you can see someone else do it. You can keep building muscles and overcoming injuries, or you can change the way you run.

Review #2: Good book
2008-01-12
I read ChiRunning on the recommendation of a good friend and was very glad I did. It was easy to read and my running has been more enjoyable ever since. Running is presented as a meditation with many aspects of technique to focus the attention on. I was happy to find that the author's technique did not differ much from the technique I had already developed. I haven't read any other running books or had any formal running instruction, so I don't know if he advocates any controversial elements. I gave two copies as Christmas presents to friends and family interested in running and meditation.

Review #3: Fster, farther, with less exertion than before
2008-01-08
I remember running sub 51 second 400m in high school, but I could never get under about 5:50 in a 1600m. My friends who ran 58 second 400s ran 5 minute miles. Why did I fall off a cliff in longer races? My running form was pure power running and my distance form sucked - total heel striker. I guarantee that if you are a heel striker, you will benefit from this book.

Sure, the book is a bit foofy. Oh well. Also, the "junk scientist" (ma_brooks) who argues that there is no "power" generated by gravity misapprehends the physics of the form. The force of gravity on a body can be reduced to a point force at the center of gravity. The body is supported by the feet. If the feet are behind the center of gravity, a torque is created at the feet which causes the body to fall forward -- moving the feet translates this torque to horizontal movement and no need to use calf muscles to push you forward. You're not getting "free energy". The WORK (i.e., power over a time) of the running is done -- not by gravity in pulling you forward -- but by your core, and to some extent, your larger leg muscles. Force is not power is not work...

Review #4: Great Ideas with some entertaining philosophy
2007-12-10
I highly recommend this book. The techniques in the book really do work, no matter what one thinks about the philosophy behind it. I'm 23 and have been running regularly for about 12 years, though only semi-competitively for about a year. In my sophomore year in college, I was training for the possibility of going into OCS and ended up overtraining. I suffered a relatively serious stress fracture by doing the things that the author of this book warns against. I recently completed a marathon using the techniques in this book, and was amazed at the improvement in my time, and the way my body felt after the race. These techniques are solid, especially for experienced runners looking to improve their distances/times. The Eastern philosophy sprinkled throughout the book is entertaining and, as with all philosophy, good brain candy to chew on.

Review #5: Fluffy writing but the technique really works!
2007-11-06
There is a lot of 'fluff' in this book to make it as long as it is.. but once you wade through it.. you will discover a new way to run pain free.

I have been recovering from a knee injury for over 2 years where it really hurt to do just about anything to include sitting for long periods of time or even walking. I am a very active person so I tried a couple of times to start jogging and other activities again but I was just in too much pain. A friend of mine who is a marathon runner told me about this book and how it really helped with his knee pain. I picked up the book, read it and did what the author suggested.

I AM AMAZED AT THE DIFFERENCE!!! Within 2 weeks I was running 3 miles everyother day with NO PAIN!!! And if I start to notice some pain I actually look at what I am doing and it is either my posture changed or the position of my feet (pointing more out than straight)are the cause. I adjust accordingly and the pain is gone. Within 2 months I ran my first 10K in 45:40... Within 3 months I am running just about everyday. My running schedule is now 4 miles, 4 miles, 10 miles, day off, 4 miles, 4 miles 10 miles day off (etc)...

Once you get to the technique that the author offers in this book you will see an amazing change. I used to have to listen to music when I ran.. now I enjoy NOT listening to music.. 'listening to my body' respond to changes in my running and clearing my head...

I suggest this book to anyone who wants to run pain free and learn to enjoy running.