I was given a book by on Chi Running written by Danny Dreyer. The book isn't that well written but I wondered if there was any validity to the approach.
I was given a book by on Chi Running written by Danny Dreyer. The book isn't that well written but I wondered if there was any validity to the approach.
Years ago, I read the book to see if I could pick up any tips. I switched on my own from heel strike to forefoot strike before reading it so it didn't provide a lot I hadn't already figured out. That said, if you are constantly injured or you want to switch to a forefoot strike, I'd recommend reading it.
When he starts talking about Chi... well,9 let's just say I read the book for biomechanics, not Eastern philosophy. You might want to just skim past that stuff.
There are some YouTube videos that do a good job illustrating the Chi running biomechanics.
The forward lean seemed to make sense and increased body awareness is a good thing.
I have read that book and did not find anything worthwhile in it.
The first chapter consisted of all these reviews and stories of runners who had their lives changed through Chi running. It actually turned me off. If you have to work so hard to sell it, maybe its not that good.
The idea of listening to your body and naturally finding your stride is essential to running well. However, most really good runners come by this naturally. It is definitely possible to get caught up in the idea of regimented training and goal-setting to the point of counter-productivity. In that sense the whole eastern mysticism angle can be quite valuable for experienced runners who are trying to "force it." Consistency, patience, efficiency in training, and self-awareness are all incredibly valuable virtues for a runner and for people in general. As to the techniques prescribed in the book.. I think there is definitely some merit to what is described, but you should take it with a grain of salt. Don't necessarily try to precisely imitate his styles, but rather understand where he is coming from and why a more relaxed or even slower shuffle can actually be your best approach to distance running long-term.
Yes, I had 20 years of experience with that type of running and then someone gave it a name and wrote a book about it.
fisky wrote:
When he starts talking about Chi... well,9 let's just say I read the book for biomechanics, not Eastern philosophy. You might want to just skim past that stuff.
There are some YouTube videos that do a good job illustrating the Chi running biomechanics.
Yeah, this is pretty much the same as my experience with it. I found most of the concepts completely valid and helpful, but chi has nothing to do with it. If you can overlook his justification for why it works, it can be a quite helpful book.
The concept that gravity can cause forward propulsion is of course complete nonsense in terms of physics.
With regards to 'validity', his approach is not valid in the sense that there is no credible evidence to support his claims. This would need to take the form of controlled trials that demonstrate a difference in performance and/or injury rates. Ross Tucker wrote a good article on him once if I remember correctly. I can attempt to find it for you if you like.
Limey UK wrote:
The concept that gravity can cause forward propulsion is of course complete nonsense in terms of physics.
With regards to 'validity', his approach is not valid in the sense that there is no credible evidence to support his claims. This would need to take the form of controlled trials that demonstrate a difference in performance and/or injury rates. Ross Tucker wrote a good article on him once if I remember correctly. I can attempt to find it for you if you like.
sounds like you need a physics lesson
before my time wrote:
Yes, I had 20 years of experience with that type of running and then someone gave it a name and wrote a book about it.
Eventually we learn on our own, but can take a lot of time; that's why a book can help - to get where you should faster.
Found it. See below. Chi is covered as well as Pose.
http://sportsscientists.com/2007/10/pose-running-reduces-running-economy/
George Ilie wrote:
before my time wrote:Yes, I had 20 years of experience with that type of running and then someone gave it a name and wrote a book about it.
Eventually we learn on our own, but can take a lot of time; that's why a book can help - to get where you should faster.
I started out running like that. 95% of people do. They just forget how after they are about 10.
Limey UK wrote:
Found it. See below. Chi is covered as well as Pose.
http://sportsscientists.com/2007/10/pose-running-reduces-running-economy/
That was an interesting link. More specific to our discussion fromthat link:
http://sportsscientists.com/2007/09/running-technique-part-ii/Limey UK wrote:
Found it. See below. Chi is covered as well as Pose.
http://sportsscientists.com/2007/10/pose-running-reduces-running-economy/
These links are beautiful. Thank you.
Chi Running teaches everyone to run the Danny Dreyer way. Everyone is differnet biomechanically. He obviously doesn't have the common sense to realise this. But then he's a guru in the Bay area, so that's what you should expect. A lot of gurutastic baloney.
Don't lean forward too excessively, it will give you shin splints, form changes should be subtle, most people over exaggerate.