ChiRunning, a trademarked name founded by ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer (please see chirunning.com for more information) may the the answer for high mileage runners who wish they could do what I did to our 19 year old off-road truck:

Well, the human body isn't like that, replacement parts that are available like hips and knees are a band-aid solution - literally.

Fact is, the replacement parts just aren't up the the original equipment - especially if you plan on remaining active! Besides that, you can bet your running shoes artificial knees and hips are more expensive than shocks, struts, and stabilizer bars!

So, it's time well invested to learn the secrets of running without injury - and avoiding expensive "after-market parts".

Get the Right Gear

Chi Running is coming up, but first: Start with the foundation: I'm convinced that master's runners benefit from the right shoe. Every body is different, but for me a shoe like the Spira shoe provides great cushioning and good stability when combined with orthotics. (P.S. - I'm not getting any kickback from Spira!)

Mind over Matter

We use the chi technique of running and our minds as an anti-injury tool.

Chi Running is an attitude of mind that lets us run without injury. We've all heard the lectures about warming up and so on before a run - and most of us take that advice to heart - especially as we become master runners.

Just as stretching prepares the body for running, chi running prepares and focuses our minds on optimal running form.

We awaken the awareness of our body to our minds, and focus our consciousness on our physical state: Relaxed, centered, and efficient. Sounds kind of goofy, right? Guilty as charged - but it works!

But give chirunning a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results!

Try these tips and decide for yourself!

Drop the cares of the day, leave the cell phone behind or off (yeah, the Crackberry too!). Zone out your tensions, and look around. Breath the air and feel the breezes. Get into your surrounding by being aware of what's around you.

While doing your warm up be aware of your body. Relax your legs and arms, feet and ankles. Do some mild stretching to loosen up. Walk before you run.

Become aware of your core: align your posture, support your spine with core muscles and use your abdominals to provide strength and support to your running.

Use all of your lungs to deliver oxygen by putting your belly to good use. Visualize pulling your belly button into your spine while inhaling, and exhale by relaxing your belly muscles.

Your breathing cycles should cover multiple strides: Breath in for a couple of strides, and out for three strides. This kind of conscious breathing keeps your body fresh and relaxed far into your run.

Take advantage of smooth trails and surfaces by relaxing your legs and feet as they touch the ground. Gauge your running environment: If you're running over roots and rocks keep your legs and ankles ready for the twist that comes with uncertain footing.

If you're running on smooth surfaces, relax yourself and see your body gliding over the trail in a smooth, fluid motion.

When your footing is good keep your eyes on the trail ahead rather than looking down at your feet.

Keep your head up, shoulders relaxed, and your spine aligned with your feet. Each time your foot touches the ground it should be in line with your spine. Visualize this line as you run.

Stand on one foot, and "memorize" how it feels to have your foot directly under your spine, and your hips and neck in line with the spine. Now, try the other foot. Think about how that feels.

It's a bit like cycling: when you are directly above the wheel line of the bike you can feel the stability and wobbling from side to side decreases.

Start jogging slowly, just enough to get your feet moving in a running motion.

A secret to chi running is planting your leading foot under the body and leaning forward as you run - making gravity "pull" you forward.

Over-striding is at the root of many running injuries. We land on our heels, each foot plant in front of the body.

The over striding type of running is inefficient, and we tend to fall into over striding when we tire because long stride are easier on the cardiovascular system.

Chi runners keep strides short. You will feel yourself landing closer to the mid foot area with your feet in line with your spine.

Pick up each foot consciously as you more to the next stride, and your running form will improve.

When I'm tired I have a tendency to run like I'm cross country skiing: sort of shuffling from stride to stride. Correcting this shuffle and picking up up my feet makes for a more restful run - not to mention that you look a lot better too!

How to Run Faster

Studies of professional runners show that speed increase comes from a faster stride - not a longer stride.

It's the running equivalent of Lance Armstrong's cycling form: high RPM's keep muscles fresh longer. Quick strides and high RPM's train the cardiovascular system to deliver more oxygen for a longer period of time.

Proper running form increases your aerobic capacity, and extends the length and enjoyment of your runs.

Give it try! We know that athletes use visualization for success. We can use the same techniques to improve our running and run injury free!

Too many runners run in pain each year, and far too many runners spend needless time on the sidelines due to running injuries.

The practice of Chi Running can be a key component to pain free running.

More information about the relation between chirunning and injury free running.

That's your introduction to chi running! And don't forget...

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