After a year of dog-earing pages of the book, I realized I needed hands-on training.Īt the workshop, Cotgageorge filmed our 'before Chi' running technique. (Phew.) But attempting-let alone mastering-this with the book alone had proven to be a challenge for someone who prefers to be distracted midrun (thank you, Peter Sagal) rather than tuned in to body mechanics. This is all spelled out in ChiRunning, the 320-page book that includes 10 lessons, four chi skills, three developmental stages, form focuses, plus pre- and postrun mind-sets. The theory is that by directing your attention to the process of running (form and technique), you'll reduce stress on the body, which will lead to fewer injuries, improved speed, and more pleasurable, relaxing runs. Similarly, Chi Runners are taught to focus: Engage your core, maintain a forward-leaning posture, relax your limbs, and take plentiful, light steps, landing midfoot. Practitioners of Tai Chi aim to train their bodies to stay centered and calm, which leads to efficient yet powerful movement. Together, they would lead us through a day of drills to teach us how to run with maximum efficiency and minimal impact, and ultimately enjoy our running more.Ĭhi Running is inspired by Tai Chi, the Chinese martial art that purports to generate the life energy (chi) flowing throughout your body. If effortless and injury-free were too idealistic, we were willing to settle for the premise on instructor Mary Lindahl's shirt: 'Love running forever.' Lindahl, who has been a Chi practitioner since 2004, was assisted by Ed Cotgageorge, who took a 12-year break from running due to nagging injuries before finding Chi.

We were drawn by the promise offered in the very title of the movement's bible, ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running, by Danny and Katherine Dreyer.

I gathered with this hobbled but hopeful group for a daylong seminar on Chi Running. I usually crossed the finish line, but some part of me-feet, hips, or back-suffered excessively for it. For the past four years, my training had become a delicate dance of getting in enough miles to complete a marathon or half-marathon but not enough miles to end up hurt. We were an injured lot-with a combined medical history that included countless hamstring strains, beat-up knees, tweaked backs, and cortisone shots. On a sunny Saturday morning in Carbondale, Colorado, nine runners, including me, were hungry for happy miles.

Chirunning