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!

Chi Running!

Want my full recommendation? Read my reviews:

Chi Running DVD Review

Chi Running Book Review

To go along with the spectacular Chi Running DVD I just reviewed, I also read the ChiRunning book, ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running.

Simply put, this is a great book and a perfect complement to the DVD. It covers all the Chi Running basics (everything in the DVD) plus it goes into greater detail on various concepts, while also discussing various situations and related concepts like racing and nutrition.

That begs the question, “should I get the book or the DVD?” I would say to get both. It really depends on how you learn though. If you can read a book and instantly understand, then you might be able to get by with just the book. But if you would like to actually see ChiRunning, then the DVD is the way to go.

As for reading and watching, I chose to watch the DVD a couple times before I got into the book. The reason is that you can watch the DVD and then head out the door to practice and go for a run. With the book, I had to read almost 100 pages before really being ready to run. (Although I was much more aware of what I was doing after reading the book.)

Let’s talk about the book…

The book has a good (albeit long) introduction to running and T’ai Chi which compares typical power running to Chi Running, talks about lessons from T’ai Chi, and really helps you understand the why and how of Chi Running.

The first couple chapters don’t explain how to do ChiRunning; rather, they develop the concept. Some people would probably skip over this part thinking it’s a sales pitch, but I chose to read it and I think reading all the background behind the product really helped me jump right in. I highly recommend reading every chapter from beginning to end and keeping an open mind.

Reading this really got me interested in the practice of T’ai Chi, which I had always brushed off as some meditation thing that had no place in sports. Boy was I wrong!

The concepts are extremely interesting. For example, how power really comes from your core muscles and spine, which moves your hips and shoulders, and on down to your fingers and toes. It’s the reason the Cheetah is the fastest land animal despite having skinny little legs!

Chi Running also shares similarities with what I have been doing on my bike for years, but I never thought of applying these concepts to my running! For example, I do core exercises and routines like Cyclo-Core to strengthen my hip flexors and other core muscle groups. I also relax my body and move my legs in fluid circles at 90 rpm (which is a good riding and running cadence) and it lets me ride longer because it requires less force from my leg muscles.

Even better, for anyone doubting Chi Running, everything in the ChiRunning method is based on the laws of physics. It just plain makes sense. (Even if you don’t go for the whole “chi” concept, the science is there to back it up.)

Chi Running, page by page

Approximately the first 100 pages (mainly 29-121) cover the ChiRunning concepts and all the elements of the form, and of course, helpful drills to make sure you get it right. After page 100 it’s mainly body loosening and stretching, but then you actually start running! (The whole time there are good images to guide you to proper form, too.)

Afterwards you dive into more advanced training and detailed situations. Topics include setting up a training program, types of runs (tempo, distance, etc.), setting goals, racing, nutrition, and more. There are also some great tips thrown in, and my favorite part was about running up and down hills. (I have to run hills all the time, and I never did it right!)

Also very cool and very useful is the troubleshooting section. It lists problems or questions you might have while doing ChiRunning. Say, knee pain, for example. Then it tells you the common reasons for knee pain and describes what you should be doing to prevent it.

Then I also loved the tip about drinking water at aid stations without spilling it - I never thought of that before! (See page 189.)

Final thoughts on Chi Running, the book

The book is great because it explains some things I didn’t pick up on in the DVD. Sometimes reading something just “clicks” better in my head, plus there are more comparisons of what things should and should not feel like, making it easier to determine when your form is correct.

Overall I was surprised how much genuinely useful advice was packed into this book. Had I read this when I was just getting started running, it would have answered all the questions I had, along with all the questions I would ever have, even before I knew to ask them!

I’ll be rereading this multiple times to make sure I understand all the concepts and don’t miss anything. That won’t be a problem because it’s filled with witty humor and personal stories, so it’s an enjoyable read.

My final verdict is…

I’ll say it again… This is a revolutionary product and I highly recommend ChiRunning to anyone that runs. If you’re a beginner trying to learn the ropes, this is perfect. If you’re a seasoned veteran looking to put bad habits to rest, it’s for you, too.

It’s also awesome for triathletes because of the emphasis on form instead of leg power. It allows you to run faster, even if your leg muscles are super sore from the swimming and biking!

If you get ChiRunning, the book and DVD are both good, so I’d go with both. If you really want to save cash you could probably learn ChiRunning without the DVD, but having already watched the DVD, I wouldn’t give it up!

Official website: www.ChiRunning.com

P.S. I’d still choose the book/DVD combo seen here. It’s under $50, and what you learn will stick with you for the rest of your life.

If I could go back in time, the first thing I’d do is buy Google stock on the cheap right after their IPO so I would be rich now. But the second thing I would do is order a ChiRunning DVD so that I could have prevented all my past running injuries!

Earlier this spring I learned about a program called Chi Running from ultra-marathoner Danny Dreyer, and I have been putting it to the test ever since.

If you missed my preview before, ChiRunning is a revolutionary new way to run that lets you run with less effort and (I love this part) allows you to avoid injury! I know, it sounds too good to be true. But I have been using it for over a month and I can say that this is the real deal!

My History with Running

Before we get into the review, I want to give you a quick recap of my past running experience.

I started running track in high school, and I had played sports beforehand, plus I did lots of running from ‘here to there’ growing up. I was very active, but despite all the running I did, I never thought about running. Running was always just a part of something else. Whether it was running down the field for a touchdown or sprinting up to the pit for a pole vault, running was just a means to an end.

All that time, I never worked on my form. I don’t think my form was ever very good at all, but I heard different things from different people, and didn’t know what to believe.

One piece of advice that I’ll always remember is when a coach once said “don’t slap your feet so hard.” Well, believe it or not, I wasn’t slapping my feet for the pleasure of it! That’s kind of like saying “hey, run with better form.” If I knew how to use better form, don’t you think I’d use it?

The only thing I could do was run faster with a longer stride hoping my weight wouldn’t all come down on my forward “slapping” foot. But I still hit pretty hard no matter what, and I definitely had a heel strike, which is not very good for your body. (Another piece of useless advice I got was “land on your heels, it’s like a cushion for the rest of your body.”)

Somehow, despite numerous injuries from my poor form, I went on to race 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons, and even a full marathon without doing anything about my poor form. I just thought running beat you up no matter what since it was an impact sport, so I continued in the cycle of run, get injured, rest, and start over again that seemed to happen to everyone.

Until now…

How ChiRunning Is Different

ChiRunning takes the typical “power running” style that nearly everyone uses and throws it out the window! Instead of focusing on building bigger leg muscles so you can push off faster, ChiRunning focuses on relaxing your muscles and moving from your core, which lets you run easier and even use gravity to your advantage.

It incorporates concepts from T’ai Chi and at first it might sound like some hocus-pocus, but give it a try and you’ll be hooked! (Don’t worry, there are also scientific principles behind each and every ChiRunning movement.) Once I learned the method and the reasoning behind it, I became a believer.

Think about this: You know how Kenyans always win the prestigious marathons? Well, Kenyans are pretty small, and their legs are much smaller than most American’s. So how do they carry themselves 26.2 miles on those legs, let alone do it faster than everyone else?

It’s their form! They have mastered proper running form, so they don’t need big leg muscles to win a race. Their form is just so efficient.

So what do you think? Do you want to continue focusing on big leg muscles and treating injuries, or do you want to improve your form and kiss injuries goodbye?

ChiRunning - The Book and DVD Combo

Now you have an idea of what ChiRunning is all about. So let’s look at what you get with their products… (We’ll focus on the DVD to start with.)

The DVD is about an hour long, and it starts by covering the concepts of Chi Running, then it gets into drills and lessons to help you learn proper form and technique. At the end, you can put these lessons together and go running!

The DVD is great because you actually get to see proper running form, and it’s easy to understand all the drills considering you are watching other people do them right there in front of your eyes. It’s second only to an actual class where Danny Dreyer watches you and tells you exactly what to do (and how to do it.)

Another nice feature is how the DVD menus work - you can skip to whatever drill you want to practice on a given day without wasting time.

I think this DVD is the best running coach I’ve ever had!

As for the book, it contains everything from the DVD, but it is in written form. It includes diagrams, which are great, and it goes into greater detail about each piece of ChiRunning. It also includes a lot of extra information for racing, running hills, and other scenarios. (It’s 200+ pages, so yeah, there’s a lot in there!)

I’ll discuss the book in greater detail in a future review, because there is a lot in there, and I’ve already written quite a bit!

ChiRunning DVD Screenshots

Here are some screenshots to give you an idea of what you’ll see in the DVD…

The DVD starts with some nice nature scenes. Here’s Danny Dreyer running past a waterfall:

It includes lessons, which are demonstrated as seen here:

Then it points out correct posture, alignment, etc:

And shows you what incorrect and correct movements look like:

How about checking out a class with Danny Dreyer himself?

(Want to see more? Watch the trailer for the DVD by clicking here.)

Getting Started with ChiRunning

If there’s one more question, it’s “how long does it take to learn ChiRunning?”

That’s a good question, and the answer is surely different for everyone. I was able to put ChiRunning to use in my first run after watching the DVD, and I would improve each run. After watching the DVD a few more times, practicing a few more drills, and reading some of the book, I think I’m doing pretty good with the main principles.

(I only run a couple times per week and I’ve only had the program for a little over a month… but one of my typical training runs has progressed from 4 miles and being pretty sore afterwards to 5 miles at a faster pace and feeling fine and dandy afterwards. I’m impressed!)

If you’re already a good athlete, you will probably pick it up pretty quick, especially if you understand good posture and have strong core muscles. If you’re a beginner, it might take longer, but a ChiRunning survey showed the majority of customers made noticeable improvements within a month.

The beautiful thing is, even though I’m already happy with the improvements I’ve made, I know I have a long way to go before I truly master ChiRunning. That means there is still potential for me to be running faster and longer!

My final verdict is…

This definitely gets the CoachLevi.com seal of approval. I highly recommend ChiRunning for any runner, but especially for people who are dealing with or are worried about getting injured.

If you are a professional runner with perfect form, this might not help you, but for the other 99% of the population, trying ChiRunning is the best thing you could do for your running and for your body. I really can’t give this a high enough recommendation. It drastically improved my running within a month, with quite a few improvements after just one run. Perfecting the technique will take a long time, but it’s worth it.

If you want to improve your running, run faster, have more fun when you run, or reduce injuries, I highly recommend picking up the ChiRunning DVD today. The book is great, too, although you can get a good start with the DVD. (Best bet - buy both together and save a few dollars.)

Official website: www.ChiRunning.com

How would you like to run faster and easier, and prevent injury at the same time?

You’d think if there was a miracle like that, it would be pitched every weekend on some crazy infomercials. But it’s not. (Or if it was, I must have been watching cartoons, because I didn’t see it…)

But it’s real, and it’s called “Chi Running” and it can be found online at www.ChiRunning.com. While Chi Running is not a miracle, it is, without doubt, revolutionary.

Runners (including myself) deal with a lot of injuries from the pounding our bodies take on a daily basis, and it’s not uncommon for people to quit running because they have been injured one too many times. I can’t even remember all of the injuries I sustained while training for my first marathon.

Because of all the injuries, I really cut back on my running and practically quit. But now I am testing the ChiRunning book and DVD, and I’m already sold on the concept. Since I’m doing more running this year, I’ll be able to really put this to the test.

However, since this isn’t an overnight miracle cure (like the things I see on those aforementioned infomercials,) you will have to wait for my results. After skimming the book and previewing the DVD though, I can say that I’d recommend these products to any runner, but I can’t discuss the details yet!

I guess the next best thing is to check out the trailer for the DVD or hey, maybe even buy a copy.

Or… wait for my full review!

*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