Lengthen from the Crown - running tall

Chi Running is a technique that emphasizes relaxed, efficient movement. One of the key concepts is lengthening from the crown of the head. That is the angled part at the back of the head - not the flat part. This means that runners should think about running tall - be the tallest person around! Imagine a string attached to the crown of their head (or their pony tail), pulling them tall and straight - lengthening the neck and the spine.

By focussing on lengthening from the crown, runners can improve their posture and reduce the risk of injury. It automatically engages the core muscles that help connect the upper and lower parts of the body. When the spine is aligned properly, the body is better able to absorb the impact of running and distribute the load evenly. This can help prevent common running injuries like shin splints, knee pain and plantar fasciitis.

In addition to improving posture and reducing injury risk, lengthening from the crown of the head can also help runners conserve energy and move more efficiently. By standing tall and relaxed, runners can reduce tension in their muscles and move more fluidly. This can lead to faster times and a more enjoyable running experience overall.