|
HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE IN OREGON & SW WASHINGTON ARE SAYING ABOUT CHIRUNNING® & CHIWALKING®, ABOUT YOGA FOR RUNNERS & WALKERS, AND ABOUT WORKING WITH ALICE:
I took Alice's Yoga for Runners & Walkers class last term, and it was very beneficial. The class was a very comfortable level and pace for me, and I learned a bunch of new and helpful poses. As a long time runner who doesn't stretch enough, it was helpful to get some new insights and ideas around stretching, and to spend some focused time on it in a low stress setting. Alice also touched on meditation, which was new for me. This was an unexpected benefit from the class and something I hope to work more on in the future. I found the classes to be a wonderful way to wind down after a busy day, learn some new stretches, and build some awareness around meditation, which was awesome. I'll be signing up for this class again!"
Cormac, Age 56, Portland, OR
Dear Alice: I want to thank you so much for the Chi Running class you taught last summer. My goal was to run a 1/2 marathon on my 50th birthday. On May 15th, I turned 50 and successfully crossed the finish line of the Capitol City Marathon in Olympia, Washington. (I did the 1/2.) I have been plagued by Baker's Cysts at the back of my left knee for several years and thought that I would not be able to run more than 5 or 6 mi/session. However, I followed the Chi Running method and although my knee was not "normal" I was able to body sense around the issue and make adjustments. I followed Danny Dreyer's marathon training program with adjustments, and it was most helpful. I am thrilled and am a believer in the method. As a physical therapist, I treat many runners and patients of Dr. McClanahan's. (Portland podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan of Northwest Foot & Ankle Clinic - http://nwfootankle.com/.) I encourage them to consider the Chi Running method and refer your name to them. Thank you again - I am so excited about running and having the option to participate in 1/2 marathon runs.
Wendy Larson, Physical Therapist. Center Point Physical Therapy - Portland, OR. http://www.centrepointpt.biz/.
The Hood To Coast Relay is special to me in so many ways. Not only is it the "Woodstock of Running", but my inaugural
HTC in 2007 was the first time I was exposed to Chi Running by a physicist from Stanford University. Chi Running has changed
my life of running! Prior to incorporating the principles learned from Alice during my first Chi Running workshop in April
2008, I had been suffering from significant calf and plantar pain and occasional severe low back pain. Done properly, Chi
Running significantly reduces the biomechanical impact with the ground - thus decreasing stress to the entire body,
especially one's feet. As a physical therapist, this technique makes so much sense!!! By utilizing the combination of Strain
Counter Strain Manual Therapy, coaching and support from the Vancouver Fit running club, and by incorporating the
principles of Chi Running, pain has been all but eliminated to these once affected areas. During and after the 2009 HTC
event, I can honestly say I had absolutely no pain or soreness whatsoever. I attribute this to proper training and to eating
the right kinds of foods before, during and after my runs. More specifically I attribute the resolutions of my pain issues to
Chi Running!!!!"
Dwight "Ike" Anunciado, Physical Therapist. Clinical Director and Owner of 360 Physical Therapy - Vancouver, WA. http://360-pt.com/
I've been meaning to e-mail you for some time to follow up on the Introductory workshop I did with you early last year. I wanted to let you know that I've been really, really happy with the results in my running life. It took about six months for me to be able to fully rotate my left hip. I kept doing all the loosening exercises and running. One day, my left hip suddenly joined in! All of a sudden, I had rotation, as well as flexion and extension. You won't be surprised to hear that my chronic piriformis pain started to resolve shortly thereafter. In fact, if I feel my piriformis or upper hamstring start to tighten up while I'm running, I just focus on rotating that hip and it loosens again. I am here to say that it may take months to get all the parts of the running form in motion, but it's SO worth the wait. My chronic hip pain on the left is a thing of the past. Training during the fall (for a HM I didn't run) and the winter for the Cascade HM in January of this year, like I did last year. My time was shorter by a full minute per mile. It was a great race for me. I ran with another woman for a few miles, and she commented on how easy my stride was. Needless to say, I tell everyone about Chi Running and your workshops. After a year, I'm starting to focus more on swinging my arms back because I tend to swing cross-body. (Cascade race pix confirmed this) and on keeping my ankles soft. My only remaining soreness is in my feet and ankles, so I'm working now on a good bend at the knee and picking up my feet. I can't thank you enough for bringing Chi Running to the NW and to ME!
Jennifer, Age 52, Salem, OR
After fighting knee and hip pain for years and nearly giving up running, I found the Chi Running method. I used the book to teach myself, and within a few months my injuries were gone. But it was a private coaching session with Alice that really helped
me refine my form so that I could train for longer distances. Recently, I used the very things she taught me in my first 50K,
which I finished with no injuries and a smile on my face. At age 48, I'm now running farther, faster, and more freely than I ever
have in my life, and I attribute it all Chi Running. Thanks Alice!
Dave, Age 48, Portland, OR
I've been running fairly seriously and running a few marathons a year for 11 years. Prior to taking a Chi Running workshop
from Alice, I had never had any instruction on running form or mechanics, even though I've read a lot and talked to many other
runners about "how to run". Even recently when I asked a good runner and running coach if he could watch me and give me
feedback, he said, "Your body knows how to run and figure out form that works". The Chi Running class finally gave me some
suggestions and insight that made sense in terms of energetics, mindset, form and mechanics. Watching the video of my running,
with Alice, was one of the most helpful portions of the class. I feel like my running will be more efficient and my body will be
safer as I run in the future, almost into my 50's by now. This class was a month before my 48th birthday, when I ran 48 miles fairly efficiently and injury-free. During the day, whenever my form and energy began to sag, I remembered the key points of the Chi Running form to help me feel better and more efficient.
Bruce, Age 48, Corvallis, OR
After completing a couple of Chi Running sessions with Alice, my hamstring pain is gone and I'm done with physical therapy.
The physical therapist was amazed I recovered so quickly. When I came in a couple of weeks ago, it was super tight and quite
painful even just walking fast. I think it was less the physical therapy exercises and stretches that helped me recover than the
Chi Running technique. I'm sure my form is still off a bit here and there, but I know it's better than the power running I was
doing before. And the cool thing is, I know I will be able to keep working on tweaking it and getting it down in the months and
years to come. Every run is becoming an adventure and a joy! I haven't felt like this since college--maybe even high school!
Jeff, Age 40, Former Collegiate Runner, Portland, OR
Efficiency: Productivity without waste. I was initially attracted to Chi Running because I sought to be a better runner.
The fact was, I stumbled across it while seeking answers to why I kept dealing with an array of injuries. Upon reading Danny's
Chi Running book, I found that someone with some credibility finally came out and said what I knew had to exist, "There is a
proper way to run; this is how you do it...". As I began to apply principles outlined in the book, I immediately felt improvements
in my mechanics and felt noticeably better after my runs. This was so encouraging that I tracked down Running Mindfully and
contacted Alice. Smart call. On top of being well versed in Chi movement, Alice is an experienced athlete, sharp, and a well
educated individual. This was made apparent by how quickly she identified some of the basic posture elements that I needed
to focus on, and by how intuitive she was to my understanding the lessons. Once again, enthused with the results
(improvements in my speed and economy), I contacted Alice for a follow-up to focus on hill work. I am now healthy, training
for a couple of Ultras, and running more efficiently than ever before. Running smarter is a whole lot easier than running
harder - and a lot more enjoyable!
Pete, Age 43, Vancouver, WA
I honestly believe that I have seen the largest number of running coaches, personal trainers, physical therapists and massage
therapists in the entire state of Washington, if not the Pacific Northwest. After 7 marathons, and dropping out of my fourth
Portland Marathon with debilitating hip flexor pain, I was sure I would never run again. I could run about 2 miles, and the pain
would be so bad, I could barely walk. When my husband suggested I read "Chi Running" I was skeptical, and although I could see
it was a great way to go, I never really changed my running until I went to a workshop that Alice put on for Chi Running. I could not believe how much better I felt making only slight changes in my running, and when I put it all together, it was almost as if my body said, "At last!! All your muscles, tendons and ligaments were wondering when you would get it right." I am running the NY
Marathon for charity, and for the first time, I actually think I might ENJOY a marathon!! Miraculous. Believe it, Chi Running works.
Michelle, Age 46, Camas, WA
I just wanted to thank you for the Chi Running workshop on Saturday. I went running for the first time in months on Sunday
and was amazed at how little energy I was expending. Usually when I re-start running after a hiatus I'm huffing and puffing and
dying. And, my legs felt great! Chi Running is my last ditch attempt to get my form right and hamstring healed. You did a
wonderful job explaining and demonstrating everything. Thanks again.
Sarah, Age 36, Portland, OR
Hi Alice - I wanted to send you a note and thank you for making an immediate impact in my running! I just completed a
great Hood To Coast thanks to your guidance in implementing the Chi Running strategies. Leading up to HTC, I was unable to
reach a good level of training due in large part to marathon recovery and the hot temperatures we've had this summer. I
haven't run enough to really incorporate all of the Chi Running techniques, but I was still able to compete at a high level for
myself. I found myself able to concentrate on technique during the race and it helped me really focus on my running and
running my tempo. The most rewarding parts have been the improved consistency in my running and a very quick recovery.
Last year, my calves hurt so much it was hard to go down stairs after the race. This year they didn't hurt at all! Quite a
difference. I hope you had a great race as well; I certainly had a blast.
Chuck, Age 35, Aloha, OR
I have been running since April 2008 during which time I have run a handful of half and full marathons, each with the
undesirable effect on the following days of muscle stiffness and not wanting to walk up or down stairs. On May 31st, 2009 I
had an opportunity to take part in a Chi Running Clinic given by Alice Diffely. I’m happy to tell you that I have improved my
times in the two half marathons that I have run since taking your class. I was also able to run 19.61 miles in the Hood to
Coast Relay without muscle soreness. The most important aspect of learning Chi Running is my body doesn’t take the
pounding that it used to. I actually recover more quickly and can go farther on my runs. Alice taught me how to use my
whole body to help me run, instead of just using my legs. I’m 51 years old and because of Chi Running I plan on running for
the rest of my life. Thank you Alice.
Greg, Age 51, Happy Valley, OR
Thanks so much for the great session. I've read the book, but this was the first time I felt like I really "got it". I think
I've been overcompensating and running on the balls of my feet. Now, I finally feel where that sweet spot is. Thanks again.
Karen, Age 26, Portland, OR
This is a long overdue thank you for the Chi Running workshop you did for me and my friends. I have to tell you I
absolutely loved it!! As did my girls! You did an awesome job. You are a great teacher. I am applying the Chi technique
and I have to tell you I am in love!! This totally works. I cannot get over it. I have a running partner who has always been
at least 50 yards ahead of me and now I can keep up with her no problem all because of Chi Running. I have knocked off a
least 2min per mile. Not only that but it just gives me a whole new focus on running, instead of just trying to "get it over
with". I now feel so much more plugged into my body. My brain tends to jump all over the place, so having all the
techniques to focus on is awesome for me. . . . I am very grateful for this. I am telling everyone I know about it. I truly
think it is a must for all runners. In fact I will see people running down the street heel striking and I just want to yell
"lean forward, lean forward". It is so cool! Also my foot pain that I had been experiencing is sooo much better. So I am
giving the credit to Chi.
Jana, Age 39, Centralia, WA
I wanted to thank you for leading such a helpful and inspiring running class this past Saturday. As I think I mentioned,
I've been working with the Chi Running method for about 10 months now, between the book and the video. Your class
affirmed much of what I've been doing. More importantly, it both refined and introduced a number of concepts that I
hadn't quite gotten yet. And I just really enjoyed being around people who wanted to talk about running for an afternoon
(my wife can only take so much). Thank you again. I've had a couple of great, short runs since Saturday to work on what
I've learned; I'm looking forward to many more.
Nick, 36, Los Angeles
The 3-week PRI-inspired yoga mini-series was my first exposure to the Postural Restoration approach, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and practice with Alice. Kindly and thoughtfully, Alice shared concepts and sequences in class that translated a positive change not only to my yoga practice, but to my running, to the way I sit at my desk at work, to my life in general. The ideas, exercises, and sequences that composed each class really helped me clarify what I can receive from adjustments to my own yoga practice and how PRI techniques benefit us. Each session had at least one major “aha!” moment for me – especially in regards to how we slightly adjust the way we hold certain poses (and the ways we use the breath) so that the internal inherent asymmetries in all of us are celebrated. Thank you, Alice!
|