Tested: Chi Running Report

*UPDATE* Unfortunately, the Chi Running Report reviewed below turned out to be infringing on trademarks and copyrights of ChiRunning.com, the number one source for anything “chi running” related. I am leaving the review below for historical purposes, but please take a look at ChiRunning.com instead.

And of course, read my review of the real ChiRunning system!

———– Now on to the Originally Scheduled Review ———–

Chi Running - The Asian Approach to Running Healthily & Injury-Free. Now that sounds like my kind of running!

This past week I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this report, which discusses a Tai Chi approach to running - in other words, how to run with finesse instead of power. (And by doing so, run faster and with less chance of injury.)

This is the first I’ve heard of chi running, but just hearing the name conjured images of top runners floating across the pavement for hours on end, with perfect form the whole time. After reading the report, I think that makes a great “image” to describe the whole concept.

The Chi Running Report

Now to talk about the report itself… It’s best described as an introduction to Chi Running. It is 15 pages long with 12 pages of real content, so you can read it in just 20-30 minutes.

The first few pages give you a look at typical running, Tai Chi, and Chi Running, and then shows how Chi Running is superior to your typical “power running.” Then there are a few pages of running injuries and more benefits of Chi Running. Finally, the report ends with a section of tips to get started Chi Running.

Overall it served as a great introduction to Chi Running and saved me a lot of time researching. However, this is not a complete guide to Chi Running - you won’t read this and then go out and revolutionize your stride! This is more of a stepping stone for further research and training.

My Thoughts on Chi Running

I’ve been plagued with injuries when I run, whether I’m training for a marathon and doing too much too soon, or just because I have high arches and pound the pavement way too hard. So I’m highly interested in the chi running concept!

I plan to keep researching chi running through whatever I can find at ChiRunning.com which is full of chi running advice. Too bad I didn’t see that site years ago!

My final verdict is…

So here’s the deal. Chi Running is a very interesting concept and this report served as a great introduction. However, the majority of the report focused on why chi running is better than power running, with only a couple pages devoted to “simple steps to getting started with chi running.”

That focus on “why” instead of “how” made it seem almost like a sales pitch to get you hooked on the concept of chi running. (Now I am indeed hooked on chi running, although I can’t say I’d spend my money on this report when I can buy a 400 page training book for less.)

The big problem for me is that I already incorporate a lot of the techniques (relaxed muscles, deep breathing, etc.) into my running and bicycling form. If you are an elite racer or have trained with elite racers (in any endurance sport,) there’s a good chance you know these concepts already.

However, if you are a beginner looking for information on how to improve your running, and time is of the essence, this could be right for you. This report will give you an introduction to proper running in a short amount of time, thanks to the easy to read and comprehend format.

Official site: N/A