running technique developments... interesting article

Search the forum for Chi running and you'll get lots of info. It works for me.

I just tried it tonight... sure works out the calf muscles. Did you find you had to build up your calves for it? Or maybe im just doing it wrong, but I dont think so. My pace sped up by about half a minute per mile with the same amount of effort and a lighter foot strike. Again, at the end of the workout my calves were pretty worn out and tired.

I studied evolution running, and my calves were sore at first.  It took about a week or ten days to get used to it.  The running stye is so much easier on the knees, back, feet and faster too.  I have looked at chi and there are similatities.  Good luck.

Hmmmm yeah looks like the evolution running technique. I think I may try it for a while. I felt really good after the run and it did feel a lot easier on my back and knees. Plus it just means I have another muscle group in my legs I get to focus on

I think it's funny that the title says "new development in running technique", but in the article, they say "these ideas have been around for millions of years" !

The two additions by the canadians sound like what Dreyer writes about in his book, so I'm not sure how they get to take credit for them.

In any case, I'm a terrible runner, so don't listen to me...but I've enjoyed Chi Running, and while I'm not drinkign the Chi (or POSE or Evolution) kool-aid yet, I am definately headed that way.

I totally agree with the comment that the calves hurt like crazy when you begin a transformation to being a forefood striker, as compared to a heel striker.
i was sore for a couple weeks, but all the other aches and pains associated with running went away for me. i feel like i run farther, and with more efficiency since adopting some of the POSE type techniques.
you are not alone with the sore calves. stick with it and you will probably be happy you did.

good luck!
~B

I've always been skeptical about the claims of the "new" running techniques -- seems like a good way to sell instructional books and videos (and if there's one thing triathletes like, it's instructional books and videos). However, I've never tried them, so I'll withhold judgement and wish the best of luck to those who try them (as long as they're not in my age group).

The best running form advice I've ever gotten was from Jeff Galloway -- "CHIPS" -- Chest high, HIPS forward. It's a simple key that encourages an upright body posture and more efficient style.

Same thing the Dreyer teaches. Different catchy names. It's what's made Terry Laughlin so succesfful. I'm not knocking any of these people, they are successfully reaching out to millions (?) who want to run better (swim better) with fewer injuries (swallowing less water...)

Chi running turned me into a runner. Then again, I had NO technique going into it. I suppose when you're starting from NOTHING than ANYTHING is better than what you're doing currently (IE, me.). I went from running 14+ minute miles to doing about an 8:30 mile now (which I have NEVER done before). It is exciting to see how EASY it can be if you just change one or two things. I never thought that it was the WAY I was running that made me hate it, I thought that running just sucked and people who enjoyed it must be pure insane...ya know, if it hurts its good, type? I don't buy into the whole "chi" side of all of it, and I've even done tai chi, I think the technique itself and the looseners he gives in the book are good, but the mental stuff...meh, i'm better off with my CD player and my Bane.

Well whether it is a new technique or not doesnt really matter to me. I just want something that is efficient and will reduce chance of injury. From what ive read in general, heel striking has the potential to put a lot of stress on the knees and back. It just seems that this "evolution" running (or whatever you would like to call it) reduces that and moves the strike point closer to the ball of the foot. In my guestimation, I would think that the more natural way to run would be the way you are less prone to injuring yourself....

I think the message you're getting from everyone here is that we've all tried some version of this...and it has worked for us! Go for it.