Chi running – body awareness

Posted on Nov 9, 2009

A runner for more than two decades, Dianne Fritsche of Newbury Park was overwhelmed by how many people — including doctors — said her running days were over after she tore some ligaments in her ankle a few years back.

“Chi running had a different message for me,” Fritsche said of a biomechanically correct running form that integrates the modern science of running with the ancient principles of movement from tai chi.

“One of the key concepts related to chi is harmony,” Fritsche said. “Chi running is simply running and combining that in a harmonious way with your body. By teaching body awareness and good form, chi running brings flow and energy to the sport while minimizing injury and stress.”

Fritsche’s positive results from chi running — including earning fourth place in her age division during the Catalina Marathon in March — have prompted her to start a local group called Sole Runners that meets on Saturday mornings at Ali Baba’s Cafe in Newbury Park.

“Chi running emphasizes body awareness, while teaching the biomechanics of running,” Fritsche said. “Truly tuning in and listening to your body is an integral part. Our program teaches being present in the moment, right now, right here in order to feel and keep an individualistic focus on your form and proper alignment.”

Chi running techniques introduce good body sense and natural awareness to get your body moving in a way that develops strength and endurance in an effective, gentle and safe manner, she said. “It is a comprehensive approach to mind and body fitness and wellness.”

Fritsche was inspired to launch the group after discovering chi running through athletes participating in the Catalina Marathon two years ago.

“They were talking about how well their training had gone because of chi running,” she said. “They were emphasizing how they had no injuries and a better state of mind than they’d previously experienced.”

With that, she sought out their coach, Steve Mackel of South Pasadena, who oversees two marathon training groups in the Long Beach area. He also is a certified coach in ChiRunning, a trademark founded by Danny Dreyer, author of books including “ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-free Running.”

“What stuck out for me was Steve’s energy and focus,” said Fritsche, who bought Dreyer’s book when she returned home from the race. “After reading the book, I contacted Steve and learned more about his group. I started integrating the ideas from the ChiRunning book on my own. In the back of my mind I kept thinking, ‘Maybe I can get Steve to bring his program to Newbury Park.’”

When she approached Mackel about starting a local group, “I thought it would be great to expand out into Ventura County,” Mackel said. “Years ago I lived in Thousand Oaks; I love the area and the places to run around there. I told Dianne with her help and dedication why don’t we give it a try.”

Simply put, chi running teaches people how to run, he said.

“It teaches you how your posture should be, how your feet should feel, how your feet should contact the ground, how you swing your arms, how you hold your head,” Mackel said. “It teaches the proper running form and combines it with the focus and flow of tai chi.”

The main benefit is reducing injuries because you learn proper running form, he added. “It also teaches that running is a practice, not a goal-oriented process. People do ‘practices’ their entire lives, like tai chi, yoga and meditation. It helps us find ourselves in the beauty of the moment.”

Sole Runners meets at 7 a.m. Saturdays at Ali Baba’s Cafe, 2405 Michael Drive in Newbury Park. For more information, go to http://www.solerunners.net or contact Dianne Fritsche at diannef1@gmail.com or 499-6580.

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