In Born To Run by Christopher McDougall, Chapter 28 is a very interesting read about the how and why humans might be ‘runners’; and how ‘African hunters chase antelope … and Tarahumara Indians would race after a deer’ (page 227) in what may be called a Persistence Hunt.
Below is a great video showing Persistence Hunting by the San people of Africa’s Kalahari Desert. Note the running technique used for efficiency; a mid-foot (full-foot) landing and a subtle lean(*) for propulsion. This is very similar to so many other examples of how running ‘naturally’ instinctively utilizes these elements of technique:
- Young children
- Kenyans Marathoners
- Tarahumara Indians
[* Also in this Chapter 28 on page 219 of Born To Run states that 'running is just a controlled fall ...'.]
Take a look … the Persistence Hunting process and how it is uniquely possible for humans is very enlightening.
From about 2:30 to 3:20 in this video is footage of the running technique used for efficiency or endurance or in this context persistence; a mid-foot landing and a subtle lean for propulsion. These are the same primary elements of ChiRunning which is based on simple principles of nature, laws of physics and the body’s design for efficiency and injury-prevention. Interesting that running within our natural environment instinctively from childhood conforms ‘naturally’ to so many ChiRunning concepts of nature.
In the end, how we run is an individual decision. Most runners would probably agree they would like to be more efficient and prevent injury. In many cases, even one simple idea can help anyone run more ‘naturally’; and make a significant impact on our running experience and consistent mobility.
For more information on ChiRunning, visit www.eChiFitness.com or www.ChiRunning.com.
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David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor. For more information on David, please see his About, Contact page or his website at http://www.eChiFitness.com.
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