Qi, a mystical life-force or spiritual energy that flows through the body? Sorry, but I see no need for that hypothesis. Measurable, reproducible physical phenomena — mostly involving chemical reactions and mechanical processes — seem quite effective in explaining the physiology and functioning of animals, including human animals.

So the theory behind Chi Running, a book by Danny Dreyer, doesn't move me in the least. But recently several jogging comrades recommended Chi Running, and one went so far as to lend me her copy of the text. Looking into it, the applications of qi (the modern romanization of the Chinese word) to running that it prescribes seem eminently reasonable:

• relaxation
• mental focus
• good posture
• proper stride
• sound nutrition
• rational training

Nothing to argue with there!

_{(cf. TaiChiRunning (21 Jul 2002), SlowerRunnersGuide (30 Oct 2002), RunningAdvice (2 Oct 2003), SurvivalFactors (26 Aug 2005), ...)}

TopicScience - TopicRunning - TopicLiterature - 2006-04-12

(correlates: OneThirdEach, MusicalValues, CarnotCycle, ...)