Chi Running
This revolutionary approach to effortless, injury free running was developed by US national coach and ultramarathon runner Danny Drewer. It has had a dramatic impact on the reduction of pain and injuries normally associated with running as well as improving speed with less effort, something every athlete seeks.  Catherina was so taken with the success she experienced from it that she trained as an instructor and is now Ireland’s first certified teacher of the system. And so back to the RSC and an early Saturday morning start for the class. Joe Cawley was nursing the after effects of a wedding, while others were afflicted with aches and ailments due to other excesses or perhaps the onset of old age. The system it seemed was in for a stiff test.

Chi Knees Torture
After a brief introduction the willing victims were videoed in action to assess their running style or maybe lack of it. Then it was back to the classroom, where elements like posture, balance and body position were corrected to stabilize the core muscles. ChiRunning uses the natural pull of gravity by teaching runners to lean forward, while maintaining this correct posture. Also rather than push off with the toes the heels are picked up and the stride lengthens out behind the runner, not in front as is common for most athletes.  One by one Catherina adjusts heads, hips and heels before connected invisible strings to pelvic bones and chins to, a mixture of amusement and amazement. Little by little Alex Crosse’s feet go in, Maura O’Doherty’s backside goes out, while Martina Carver’s bellybutton goes back to it’s neo-natal position. Everyone begins to feel the difference, even if knees, backs and spines start to ache as the body assumes strange positions. Finally we’re lined up against a wall, a unique opportunity for any passing firing squad and taught how to lean correctly. Once everyone is happy that they understand the principles, it’s back out to the track, where we get a chance to put the theory into practice by running a few laps. Catherina emphasizes that it’s not an instant fix and will take several months of practice before it starts to come naturally. However even after a few hours there is unanimous agreement that it definitely changes how the body impacts with the ground. We promise to practice faithfully and we had better, as she will be back in two weeks to check out our progress.

Read All About It
ChiRunning not only heals and prevents injuries but has many other benefits, such as strengthening core muscles, improved posture, looser joints, better breathing technique as well as many running more relaxing and fun. For more information you can contact Catherina at chirunning@eircom.net or check out the website at www.chirunning.com. 

Meanwhile she’ll be back in Waterford in two weeks time at the Waterpark Rugby club for the second class in this series.