Do you just get out and run or do you actually put thought into your technique. I am running a 1/2 marathon and an olympic tri this summer. I came across this technique for running and I am wondering if it is worth consideration or not. www.chirunning.com

A lot of tri folk love chi running. I went thru the book and wasn't getting it. It requires a lot of thinking of your form, my personal feeling is if you concentrate on running as much as they talk about you will get better at it even if you are not using there form. Evolution of running has help me more. I do here if you have running injury issues its good to learn. Any way whatever you do YES form is important

If you are interested in improving your running technique for triathlon, consider Evolution Running. I have found improvements in economy of 4.5 to 8% in runners of all levels. The research was conducted using triathletes of all levels and laboratory testing to quantify changes in efficiency. Two of my clients won ITU world championships using these techniques. Margie Shapiro won overall female by 3:01, the greatest winning margin in history, and Steven Duplinsky won junior worlds by 29 seconds. You can learn about the techniques in my book The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training or on a DVD called Evolution Running: Run Faster with Fewer Injuries. Both are available at www.Fitness-Concepts.com

Ken

I read and have used chirunning. From what I can tell, it is very similar to Evolution Running and the Pose Running Method. I don't know the pros and cons of each.

Using Chi Running I was able to gain a decent amount of speed and run longer, easier.

But, I also developed ITB Syndrome in my hip. I don't think that was related to chirunning - rather it was probably due to gait imbalances due to having ankle reconstruction surgery last year. But who knows?

I know on the trifuel forum there are a lot of people that have seen improvments in efficiency and speed by using Evolution. You may want to pick up the Evolution book and DVD as well as Chirunning.

It amazes me that books can be written (and SOLD) that screw with people's heads over something as simple as running. The Nike ad is not that stupid.

Tyson

There are actually three types of running forms that are all very similar, the Pose Method, Chi Running, and The Evolution. I started "Chi Running" a few weeks ago, and I was amazed how much better and faster I felt. I was suffering from PF for about 2 months and it went away completely in 3 days. I can't not say that I have perfected "Chi Running" but I am excited about the new season running this way. So, yes, look into it! Warning, I did hear that it can be tough on your calfs until you get use to running this way.

If running is that simple please enlighten me as to your ways. I am not looking to be screwed with; I would just like some positive thoughts and feedback about how people go about preparing for the running part of a triathlon.

Anything positive you can add is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I basically follow Arthur Lydiard's way of runnning with the hips forward, as if you are being pulled from the hips. Another way I think about it is to run from the core. According to Lydiard a lot of runners run with a pushing action, leaning forward. He also says to look on at a point in the distance a little above the horizon, and imagine being pulled along by a string attached to your chest to that point you are looking at. I find I still lean forward a bit but not as much as if I didn't use this approach.

I'm not sure what the basis of your opinion is. Have you researched running technique?

Ken

To all,

I was being a little flippant. BUT, my advice essentially is to not "over-engineer" it. There are a variety of running styles that are effective. In the end, you have to find a style that is comfortable for you and ends up placing your foot consistently on the ground in a gentle way. Smoothness counts. I've run with guys with drastically different styles, but in the end it is rare that someone is a good distance runner who does not have a soft foot plant. If they have a heavier step, they may be quite fast and have a good marathon time or two, but won't be doing this for more than 10 years or so. One of my training partners has run 200 miles in 48 hours. Another has won the Lake Tahoe 62 mile run twice. One is 68 and for fun just ran 134 miles in 48 hours at the "Across the Years" ultra in Phoenix this New Years. I'm far from that ability, but I've learned a lot from them.

I'm 55 and find I can still go fine and have no knee or ankle problems even though I am completely flat footed. Maybe the best thing that someone starting to be serious about running can do is to fall in with some older experienced guys who can give a tip here or there as progress takes place. If none are available, read a book or two, but take it with a grain of salt.

Listen to your body (and your footfalls). Running really IS that simple.

IMHO

Tyson

BTW I agree that Lydiard has a number of good practical tips without a lot of "hocus pocus."

I have studied running technique for many years on hundreds of runners using an exercise physiology lab. Running technique is not simple at all. Just like in every other sports movement, there are efficient and inefficient movements. Efficient runners may have different styles, but there are fundamentals that EVERY efficient runner uses which are different than the techniques most runners use. We have found that runners of all levels can improve running economy (oxygen consumption at a given pace) by 4.5 to 8%. Two of my clients won triathlon world championships this year using these techniques and many 9 minute milers have learned to run 8 minute miles.

Be very careful asking fast runners about technique, because very few have any knowledge about running technique. Many relatively fast runners are talented nd hard-working, but haven't mastered good technique. Shaquille O'Neal can't teach you to be 7'3".

Ken

[Shaquille O'Neal can't teach you to be 7'3".]

Or shoot free throws!!!!!!!!!!!