Chi, pronounced chee, is the Chinese term describing life force energy. It is the energy that unites the mind, body, and spirit. Chi running is a method of running instruction developed by Danny Dreyer. Dreyer comes from a background of 
ultramarathon running and Tai Chi. He had several years of experience as a runner before taking up Tai Chi. After learning tai chi, he decided to combine the principles of the two sports.
Principles of Chi Running
Chi running stresses the importance of efficiency, relaxation, and form. Traditional running techniques focus on power and strength to push the runner through his or her route, which is directly opposite of chi running.
Chi running aims to make running natural and less stressful on the body. The ultimate goal of chi running is for the runner to feel unified with the road, and be consciously aware of the unifying energy at all times. The result is that running becomes effortless and relaxing.
There are several techniques that make up chi running including:
- Body loosening exercises
- Body alignment
- Using a mid-foot strike
- Minimization of arm movement
- A constant cadence
- Relaxing the lower extremities
- Body scanning to reduce pain and discomfort
Benefits of Chi Running for Injured Runners
Chi running is great for runners with pre-existing injuries. Most running injuries are caused because the runner moves in an unnatural movement causing excessive wear on the body. Chi running teaches runners to move naturally; the way they were created to move.
Instead of constantly fighting against the body, the runner is moving “with” the body, which results in far less injuries. A recent survey of several thousand chi runners with pre-existing injuries showed that over 90% said chi running helped them recover more quickly, and definitely helped prevent further injuries.
Benefits of Chi Running for Beginning Runners
One of the barriers that keep people from running is the risk of injury, and the inability to run more than one or two blocks. Learning the principles of chi running from the get go will teach the runner to let their body, and gravity to do the work. This relaxed technique is much easier on the body, allowing the runner to go further and longer distances. The more a person can run, the quicker the results.
The “gradual process” principle of Chi running is perfect for the novice runner. It allows a person to ease their body into the process, minimizing the risk of injury. Many people quit running shortly after trying because they feel they are not built for it. The real problem is they are not using the proper form, and are expending far too much energy. Several Harvard studies show that all people are designed to run as long as they use the right technique.
Benefits of Chi Running for Intermediate Runners
There is a misnomer that running causes injuries. Running does not cause injuries; running improperly does. Fitness runners can go to the next level in performance when they learn chi running because it allows the runner to relax, and conserve energy without sacrificing speed. Fitness runners will also be able to train more due to decreased injuries and pain.
The Benefits of Chi Running for Performance Runners
Performance runners already have the physical fitness. Their bodies are already capable of running long distances. Combine that physical ability with the mind conditioning principles found in Chi running, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
Many advanced runners who learn the principles of chi running report their times improve dramatically; as much as 15-20%. They also report suffering far less injuries, and experience less pain, discomfort, and soreness.
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I have read a number of the posts on this page and feel sad for the pelpoe who have lost their desire to race (or run) for one reason or another. I am a 64 year-old runner, who has run consistently since about 1970. I never ran in college, and only started in med school when I started to put on some weight for the first time. During my neonatology training in San Francisco, I got more serious about running (the 70′s boom) and loved to race back then. I was far from being any kind of star, but ran respectably and truly enjoyed every aspect of racing. I recently came across the Dolphin-South End running club web site and found the archived results of some of my old races there. I could barely believe the times that I ran back then. It almost seems as if it was another person altogether who produced those times.For about 25 years, my career took precedence, and I continued to run, but racing fell by the wayside. About 4 – 5 years ago, however, I started entering races again, and just loved the competition, even though my times were about 1 1/2 – 2 minutes slower/ mile than I ran back in my 30′s. But more than the competition or the times that I run these days, racing simply makes me feel very much alive. The heightening of the senses, the intensity of the experience, the feeling of being the best that you can be — even for just a few minutes in a 5 K — is simply a rush. Until recently, I had no serious injuries, but I have been gradually recovering from one the past few weeks and can’t wait to get back to the races. But even right now, just doing easy running while I heal, it is still a treat for me every day. Running is sometimes a pleasure, sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes pure pain, but being out there on the road always reminds me how wonderful it is to be alive. When I occasionally hear about friends who are struggling with cancer, heart disease, or the other wonderful infirmities of the aging process, the fact that I can wake up each morning and simply wonder how many miles to run today or what race to enter is a blessing for which I am always deeply grateful.