A Passion for Running

Comment by beverly

Wednesday March 23, 2005 @

So are you yet recommending this book for beginners, or is it more for experienced runners with long-standing habits to address?

Comment by mark

Wednesday March 23, 2005 @

Beverly, I think this could PREVENT a new runner from establishing bad habits/form so I think it equally valuable for runners with varying experience.

Comment by susan

Thursday March 24, 2005 @

I had the same sense when reading it last summer, Mark. Though after having trouble with “the lean,” I kind of put it out of my thoughts. Now I may go give it another try.

Comment by Reba

Thursday March 24, 2005 @

Thanks Mark, maybe I’ll just not waste time on the first 2 chapters? My reading list is gigantic while in school, doing a practicum, my own self-help for my brain stuff etc. so I like to be efficient with reading time. I’m really looking fwd to the book now.

Comment by mark

Tuesday March 29, 2005 @

Mark, I ordered it from Barnes and Noble and am 3 chapters into it. I agree. Too much of a sell, but I’ll give to the last chapter before I evaluate. Are we aware of anyone with success on this method (besides those mentioned in the book)?

I’m getting geared up for the Chicago Marathon this fall so, I’ll let you know if it keeps the injuries at bay. Sounds like that could be the biggest benefit, i.e., less injuries at long distances.

Thanks for yor blog. Just found it a few weeks ago and have found it fun and stimulating.

Anybody have any good online running logs they can recommend?

Comment by BEV

Thursday March 23, 2006 @

Have finished reading it three times through. This book definitely does a bit too much “selling”, but to be fair, it may help convince a newbie runner to read yet another book on running!

ChiRunning improves on multiple readings (and I am a former 1:56 junior half-miler schooled extensively on Coe, Lydiard, Ovett and of course more recently Galloway) The need to form good habits is made clear, as well as a recipe to ingrain them in your running. Posture has been a real problem for me as I age, and this book got me taking care of my back with no more Physio. Much of what is in this book is solid, technical, and has impressed the University of Calgary researchers who are confirming that ChiRunning is correct from an anatomical as well as a scientific viewpoint.

It is unfortunately an overwhelming read at times, with a fighter pilot’s checklist of things to do. But perhaps you can get started by focusing on posture, and just keeping your feet underneath you, landing flat-footed. If you’re not toeing or heeling, the lean will come naturally – it has to.

Buy this book, then set about to read it at least 3 times. You are breaking old habits and these die hard!