The Extra Mile
Getting in Step With ChiRunning
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ChiRunning is a mental and physical approach to our favorite sport founded by ultrarunner Danny Dreyer, who set out his philosophy in "ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running," published by Simon & Schuster in 2004.
ChiRunning derives from Tai Chi, a meditative form of exercise that focuses on the spiritual energy that resides in living things. Central to ChiRunning is a redirection and absorption of those forces.
"Adults take on posture habits and incorporate tension into their form, which destroys natural movement," Dreyer said. "We want to make running simple, take them back to how they used to run as children."
And if all of this sounds a little too California, where ChiRunning was developed, or even of some ersatz Easternism, keep in mind that Dreyer probably has more in common with Western capitalistic philosophy, what with his affiliated cottage industry that includes ChiWalking, DVDs and a nationwide lecture and workshop circuit led by certified instructors.
(Dreyer will be in Washington for two free ChiWalking lectures on Sept. 5 and 6; registration for all-day running workshops in July and August is $225.)
I admitted my skepticism to Dreyer, a former professional woodworker, who took my questions in stride -- no doubt, some would say, laughing all the way to the bank. He explained that the central tenets of ChiRunning (aside from a well-timed mix of product, place and promotion) are a mid-foot rather than rear-foot strike and a forward lean that readjusts a runner's center gravity.
"Just like the Kenyans run," Dreyer said, momentarily ignoring the impact of genes, culture, altitude, more than a hundred miles of training a week and the fact that few Kenyans have ever heard of ChiRunning. But his point is that "controlled falling" is the beginning of a structural realignment that will increase running efficiency and decrease injuries.
Testimonials and the experiences of two reporter colleagues tout the healing influences of ChiRunning, although a slower pace and lessened intensity could serve the same end. "Technique is more important than strength," Dreyer said. "Look at Lance Armstrong -- he could have finished [his marathons] with a smile."
ยท HUMAN RACE: Welcome, last Wednesday, to two of the newest members, Theodore and Benjamin. Love always, Dad.
-- Jim Hage
