If you ever studied T'ai Chi Ch'uan for at least for a few months you'll probably agree with the author on many points. The book provides valuable tips for developing a rather effortless running style based on the principles of T'ai Chi. It was interesting read for me because I have never taught about applying my T'ai Chi experience to running. Now that the book presents the big picture I can see easily.

But of course don't expect any magic happen instantly. The book is repetitive and there's a point to it, you need to be repetitive in some sense, too in order to benefit. You have to be actively monitoring what you're doing, too.

If you are a runner and decide to attend to some T'ai Chi classes after this book you are going to understand what it is all about. Maybe the most important part of the book was the part where the author talked about the faces of children as they were running. Children are very relaxed and have fun. (And then we learn how to be stiff, stressed and focused on wrong things which takes a lot of training to get rid of). ( )

I picked up ChiRunning after just having hurt my foot from over-running it. Wrapping my head around the different methods used was difficult at first, but the new approach has proven very helpful. Many people already viewed some of my running methods as unconventional so testing out this new form of mechanics was not a big step. This book, along with a few others, have changed the way that I look toward training in athletics. Form comes first, and speed or distance flow out of a good form. Also, a big fundamental piece of the puzzle is that power flows out from the core, not the extremities. ( )

Very interesting new take on how to run. The author runs about 35 miles per week and is still able to run ultramarathons without pain or injury--at an age most of us would consider it impossible!

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