Chi Running Vs Power Running

One day, Chee Wee sent us an email about Chi Running. He said it might help us to perform better in running marathon. After reading, I replied: “I believe when one is practicing Chi during running, the person can not talk. Otherwise, leaking gas.”

Chee Wee’s replied: “Ya, I agreed with KC. While a runner is doing the Chi running, he must focus on his core muscles breathing only; no talking ... hahaha! It might not work well with us as we intend to talk during our runs.”

If anyone of you is practicing Chi running, you may want to share some interesting findings with the rest of the runners. Please email me.

Chi Running Vs. Power Running
Power Running is the name we have given to the type of running that predominantly uses leg strength as the means of moving forward. With the exception of the Kenyans, most people are Power Running. In Chi Running you use your core muscles along with gravity to move you forward, while relaxing your peripheral muscles to create high efficiency. And, of course, you use your Chi.

Here is a comparison between Chi Running and Power Running


CHI RUNNING <> POWER RUNNING


Low injury rate <> High injury rate

Based on core muscle strength <> Based on peripheral (arm and leg) muscle strength

Based on learning to relax muscles instead of using them <> Based on strength training

Bio-mechanics supported by the laws of physics, not the laws of strength <> The only bio-mechanics taught are those that support high muscle-usage

Requires less fuel <> Requires more fuel

Requires less recovery <> Requires more recovery time between workouts

Requires use of ligaments and tendons instead of muscles <> The body's ability to produce muscle cells diminishes with age

Creates less impact on the body <> High impact

Muscle cells are not broken down during training <> Muscle cells are broken down during training in order to be rebuilt as larger muscles

Looser joints have less injury potential <> Joints are vulnerable to impact

Less is more <> Bigger is better

Process oriented <> Goal oriented

No pain, no pain <> No pain, no gain

So, if we mastered the technique, we could be running like Michael Jackson's moonwalking style: we are actually running fast but does not look fast. Before our competitors could realize, we have outrun them. How about it?xxunning like Michael Jackson's

To read more of Chi Running, please click here.