Running in Circles

Chi Running is a technique of running that focusses on efficiency along with avoidance of injuries. Running with a circular stride is one of the key elements. The Chi Running workshops provide a full picture of how our whole body works together, with the stride being but one element. What we can say here is that it is helpful to picture your ankle moving in a circular motion, like around a wheel - gently touching down midfoot, floating back and up as a result of the force of the oncoming road, knee bent, then completing the circle with the ankle falling again below your centre of mass and touching ground.

There's nothing here about pushing off the ground using our muscles.

Or about extending our stride forward and landing on our heels ahead of our torso, with a braking result.

Or about shuffling the leg back and forth like a pendulum.

By focussing on a circular motion (along with the other Chi Running forms), there is a reduction of the impact on our joints and muscles, minimizing the risk of common running injuries such as shin splints, knee pain and plantar fasciitis. The goal is to have a relaxed, circular gait behind us that will promote greater endurance and efficiency - with less effort.

Let's go run in circles!