Injury Free Running

Chi Running is a running technique that was developed by a T’ai Chi practitioner, it is a more efficient form of running and most importantly reduces risk of injury and pain from running. Chi Running is based more so on efficiency than power, the runner’s form is more important than the runner’s speed. This style of running is more beneficial to entry-level  runners and also for distance runners, as the goal is to make running more natural and less painful.

Postural alignment and relaxation is integral to chi running because the combination of the two is the best way to  run faster, farther and injury-free. The Chi Running Technique includes: landing with a midfoot strike, using a “gravity-assisted” forward lean and engaging core strength for propulsion rather than leg strength. This approach makes your running easier and healthier for your whole body.

This technique is based on highly efficient biomechanics placing much of the workload on core muscles, rather than the legs. By putting the workload where it belongs you can reduce or eliminate: IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, hamstring pulls, and the most widespread running injury of all, Runner’s knee.

Notable chi runner Catherina McKiernan is regarded as one of the world’s best ever cross country runners. Having twice represented Ireland at the Olympic Games she moved to marathons in 1997. She ran the fastest debut ever by a woman at the time, when she won the Berlin Marathon in a new Irish record of 2.23.44. In April 1998, she became the first Irish person to win the London Marathon. In November of the same year, she broke her own Irish record to win the Amsterdam Marathon in a time of 2.22.23, which is the current Irish marathon record. Catherina coaches chi running techniques to all levels.

Events abroad our also delighted to announce that Catherina will be working with us on a warm weather Chi Running Workshop that will be sure to great fun.