ChiRunning - A Guide to Getting Started

As if two detailed reviews of the ChiRunning Book and DVD weren’t enough, here’s a story about how I got started and progressed through the process.

Hopefully this gives you an idea of the learning process and adaptation to proper Chi Running (along with how quickly you can do it if you work at it.)

First of all, let me just say that I don’t run very much. We’re talking once or twice each week. I ran more than usual this year in preparation for a triathlon in May, but even then I was lucky to do three runs per week. Most of the time I am bicycling and doing calesthenics, plyometrics, yoga, bodyweight exercises, etc.

So if you run more frequently, you’ll probably pick up on the Chi Running technique faster than I did.

My ChiRunning Experience, Part I

The first thing I did was watch the DVD. Just watching it once was enough to familiarize myself with all the concepts and proper form. I knew it would be a while before my form really improved, but it was easy to make a few changes on my very first run.

I did a couple runs and each time I would alternate between certain focuses, making sure my posture was better and that I was starting to move my arms and legs as intended. The first run wasn’t a miracle, but I could feel it in my gut that I was onto something!

I watched the DVD a couple more times (about once each week) and on subsequent runs I’d concentrate on more elements of my form. Each time I was lucky enough to improve. The big improvement was in how I felt - I could feel myself running more smoothly, which is what I really wanted.

When I wasn’t running, I’d think about the drills I watched on the DVD and do whatever came to mind. A lot of the drills you can do while standing in one place or while walking somewhere, so you can do them at random times during the day whenever you feel like it.

I’d do a few drills every day and then try it all out on my next run, and I’d just keep improving gradually. Slow and steady is the way to go! (Even with a so-called injury-free* running technique, you can still overdo it if you try too much, too fast.)

*ChiRunning will definitely cut down on injuries, but you won’t perfect the technique on your first try, so you still want to be cautious. Don’t watch the DVD and then go run 20 miles thinking you will feel great afterwards!

But as far as quick results, I improved on my first run. Keep in mind that I’m already a conditioned athlete, so your results may vary, but it shouldn’t take long to make some important changes.

It’s the 80/20 principle at work. 20% of the technique, which you can pick up pretty quick, will yield 80% of the results. Then the next 80% will really help you perfect your form.

My ChiRunning Experience, Part II

You know those light bulb moments you have sometimes? Well mine was on a 5 miler when I would just float over the road, feeling great, and somehow I finished and still felt great! Just a month before, I’d do 3-4 mile runs and have to take days off after each one just for my legs to heal!

Unfortunately that moment came after my triathlon, but that didn’t matter, because I knew that Chi Running was for real and that I could realistically get back into running and enjoy it! Right now I’m trying to pick out a good marathon!

So my light bulb went off within a month of starting Chi Running. I have a long way to go, but even if I don’t get any better, I’ll still be miles better than I was just three months ago!

My ChiRunning Experience, Part III

Looking back on my running…

A funny thing is that I have actually tried some techniques while running that are similar to parts of the ChiRunning technique, but I wasn’t sure if they were a good idea or not.

For example, I had heard many times that endurance runners run on their heels because somehow that cushions the foot as it comes down. So that’s what I did. Then one day I tried a running technique that mimicked my leg motion while bicycling, kind of like moving my legs in circles. I figured I was doing it wrong, so I quit.

But after seeing ChiRunning, I now know I was onto something! (Let that be a lesson - you don’t always want to follow the crowd.)

My ChiRunning Experience, The Future

The future is looking bright! I’ve been sidelined by a few foot injuries this month (freak accidents doing some farming,) but I know I’ll be running better than ever because I’m still practicing the ChiRunning poses and drills.

As I do more running, one important thing I plan to do is have someone video me running. Then I can play it back in slow motion and make sure I’m doing what I think I’m doing! (You should do the same. They actually do that for you at ChiRunning camps.)

So I’ll be doing some video and also some photos, and then I can draw on the photos and compare them directly to the photos in the book. (The book includes “correct” and “incorrect” photos, so make sure your form matches the “correct” photo!)

Now enough of my ramblings, I should get outside and run!