For many runners, running is more than an intense form of exercise; it's a passion.
That's why running injuries can be devastating.
Not only do they take you out of exercise for a time, but, if persistent, they threaten you with the possibility that you may no longer be able to practice your passion.
Common recurrent injuries runners experience are shin splints, ankle rolling, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, hip pain, lower back pain and upper back pain.
Some runners develop the idea that there is no way for them to continue their exercise of choice without injury, or that running inevitably leads to these injuries in all people.
Proponents of a cutting-edge running program claim that injuries result from form and not from running itself.
ChiRunning Chi, in Eastern thought, is the vital energy that flows through the body.
Adopting principles from tai chi, Danny and Katherine Dreyer developed ChiRunning, a style that relies on technique to limit strain on joints and muscles while giving you an excellent workout.
This style is very different from ordinary running, and form is one of the main points of departure.
Rather than maintaining an upright posture, ChiRunning dictates that you align the head, shoulders, pelvis and ankles while bending at the ankle to lean your body forward.
This forward-leaning position allows gravity to propel your body forward, limiting strain throughout the body.
Another point of departure from normal technique is foot strike.
Most runners strike the ground heel-to-toe; ChiRunning dictates the use of a mid-foot, or full-foot, strike.
This means the entirety of your foot is absorbing the shock from the ground, rather than just the heel.
According to proponents, this technique reduces lower-body injuries associated with heel-to-toe shock absorption.
Finally, ChiRunning advocates a quick, steady strike pace with the feet falling directly below the body.
When you first begin, this means you'll be taking very small strides.
As your strength increases and you adjust to the technique, you can take longer strides.
There is much more to learn about this running program.
For a brief tutorial, see http://www.
YouTube.
com/watch?v=H26liWMDH8U.
Learning the technique requires a day-long training session.
You may also purchase books on the technique to learn more.
ChiRunning Injuries While its practitioners promise reduced risk of injury, there are a few internet forums on which runners suspect the technique of actually causing injuries.
Most attest to a reduction of lower back and hip pain, but complain of calf tension and plantar fasciitis developing after trying out this new style.
With any form of exercise, there is a risk of injury when it is done improperly.
Calf pain may result from this style if you fail to keep your ankle, foot and lower leg relaxed.
Relaxing these muscles while running takes some time.
Consider using a foam roller to loosen the calf muscle before and after your runs.
A potential cause of plantar fasciitis when practicing this style may be taking strides that are too long.
Since the pacing is fast, you should start out with an oddly small stride.
If you overreach, you'll be striking the ground with the heel rather than the full foot, and doing so a great number of times given the quick pacing.
This subjects your heel and plantar tendon to intense stress, potentially resulting in fasciitis.
For more on injury prevention, see Danny Dreyer's blog at http://www.
chirunning.
com/blog/entry/everything-you-need-to-know-about-plantar-fasciitis.
For runners plagued by pain and injury, ChiRunning may be the style that allows them to continue pursuing their passion.
As with any new technique, it will require some work.
The key to prevention is a firm understanding of the technique and proper training.