Testimonials ;-)

I wanted to write you and thank you for your help getting me started with ChiRunning.  I completed the Santa Rosa IM this weekend with (my inexperienced version of) ChiRunning and couldn't be happier with the results.  It was not only my first IM, but also my first marathon and I am not sure I could have done it with my old running style.  In fact, the first 17 miles were "easy" except for the expected pain/fatigue of being 13 or 14 hours into a very long day.  You were a very important part of my training and my success.
Thanks again and I hope to continue training with you in the future,

Mike B. - Sacramento, CA
Hi Cheryl, thank you so much for yesterday.  I learned so much!
I went for a 6 mile run this morning, and I used just the leaning principle for the first 3 miles, I was flying!!
I couldn't keep the focus on body position beyond that, but I was so happy that I could ChiRun for that long.  I was running 30+seconds per mile faster, and I wasn't even breathing right, didn't do the twist, and I didn't worry about my arms (too many things to think about all at once 😀).
I can't wait to see my new times when I figure it all out.  Thanks again!  

                                                                      Nina S. - Folsom, CA
I ran my first half-marathon today, and thanks to what i learned in your workshop, i didn't feel drained at the end, my perceived effort was no more than in much shorter races I'd run previously, and most important, i didn't have a single knee twinge from my former IT band problem. You've hooked another convert. ;)  Thank you so much for such a great, and  game-changing, class.
Best regards,
                                                                    Vanessa S. - Folsom, CA
I have run three Boston marathons, Western States 100, a marathon (or more) every year since 1983 and have loved long distance running for the past 28 years of my life. Chronic knee pain and swelling has recently left me wondering if I would have to permanently cut back! Cheryl began working with me when my husband encouraged me to look at my form to see if it would help my knee pain and swelling.

Cheryl helped me to see that changing my arm swing, hip action, and improving relaxation of my lower legs might help. And it did! I went from thinking I was going to have to have an injection in my knee to relieve the pain, to running a very difficult half marathon trail race and then a full trail marathon a week later on my 63rd birthday!

Needless to say, I am thrilled that practicing the ChiRunning techniques has helped me much more than I expected. I plan to keep running for as long as my body and better technique will let me!

Carol N. - Lake Tahoe, Nevada

My belief is that Chi Running is well suited for those of us who are NOT "high level triathletes", who sit behind desks, and who are beyond the age of say 25 years old. It has made my running more pleasurable, more efficient, and with concentration, but without effort, has made my overall time on half marathons faster by 15 minutes..! Once I took the Chi Running class, I realized that even with goofy feet, I could do a marathon and feel good at the end. So, CIM is the test. We'll see how it goes. I'm 64 years old now and my running goal is to run into my 80's - not necessarily faster, but better, with no injuries and feeling good. :)

Dianne Wright

Hi,Cheryl. Just wanted to thank you! Finished the San Diego RNR 1/2 in 3:03 with no issues! No blisters! No sprains, twists, nothing! Thank you for ChiRunning! When I wasn't running I was speed walking but mostly running! It was great! Still tired this morning but not sore as I have been in the past! Thanks again.

Ps. I'll let Cindy tell you how great she did! I'm so proud of her!

Sharon

Wow.  I am having fun with this chi running...your class was great, and I loved that you included everyone in the mix.  That's a great teacher in my book.

Pier

04/23/2012
Thank you so much for adding to my collection of great days.  Yesterday, was such a great day for increasing my knowledge about Chi Running and learning more and more about myself.  It  seems that my extraordinary days all include running whether it's learning, or just actually running.  I know that I have a lot to put into action but I am sure I will be able to accomplish all of the Chi Running techniques.   I know that Chi Running will make running easier and injury free but honestly I can see that Chi Running is another instrument that is going to increase my quality of life. Thanks again for all of you time and effort in yesterday's, workshop.

Heart Survivor and Half Marathoner, Vivian

07/16/2012
Thank you for another one of your informative workshops.  i am extremely grateful for the time and one on one teaching me the chi way to walk and run.  I am practicing as often as I can.   I am determined  that I will be a chi runner.   Once again, I am overwhelmed with your kindness.  Have a great day.

Heart Survivor and Half Marathoner, Vivian
Honestly, I wasn't expecting that Cheryl could make any beneficial changes in my running since I've been doing it for over 30 years. But by the end of one 8 mile run with her, I had learned to improve my speed, especially on uphills, by carrying my hands higher and using the arm motion to control my running pace. I'm now faster on hills than I've been in years. Thank you Cheryl.

Ted S. - Stateline, Nevada

Hey Cheryl! I went to Reno Running Company got new shoes for my birthday. I wound up with the Brook's Ghost 3's today even though I had my heart secretly set on the Saucony Kinvara's. I think eventually I will get down to a minimalist shoe, but I am too chicken so late in the game. But the good news is that the specialist interpreted my gait using the treadmill and camera and she said I had the perfect forefoot strike and I have an exact 90 degree NEUTRAL pronation in EVERY shoe I tried on. I almost cried thinking how much time I have wasted in a heavy, extra-stability shoe...she also said I must have a really good running coach!! :)

Erin Sheuerman Yeung

My 9 mile long run last weekend went great; no pain or problems.  However I was having trouble relaxing.  I knew the focuses and body sensed to do them but I was more tense that relaxed.  Today's run was to be 4 miles and I chose a new route which I believe had something to do with what happened next.  Well, I warmed up and completed my body-looseners and began.  Everything was as usual, I was doing okay but not relaxed like I wanted.  At mile 2 I started saying over and over in my mind; " this is easy, I am light, I could run forever, I am a running rag doll all while doing my focuses.  Then I imagined I had a string pulling my crown skyward while shaking my face to make it relax.  Then it happened !!!, as I shook my face to make it relax I started laughing and my body loosened up and the running became so easy and light I couldn't believe it.  A huge "OH THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE MOMENT"!!!  It was such an awesome feeling that I was laughing and crying at the same time. The running was so easy, light, and relaxed that  I didn't feel like I needed a walk break. I looked at my GPS watch and it said 5 miles and I did not want to stop!!  My run today was a very spiritual experience and I hope I can duplicate it in my future runs.  Chi Running is changing my life.  Thank you, 

Kyle Jones

I attended your information class last night. What you said totally made perfect sense. I ran this morning and shaved a minute off my pace and gained a quarter mile in my very relaxed 30 min run. Tired yes, but definitely less stressed. I am so excited! Also, I enjoy the muscle soreness in my glutes more than my quads. I’m hooked.

Amy

Thanks so much Cheryl.  I will examine to keep reminding myself of my bad habits!  My calf has been somewhat sore, just enough to prevent me from running.  I have been practising stand alone exercises as you instructed.  Yesterday morning I decided I’d do Mt. Rose on my own, no distractions, to practise ChiWalking (with the exception of the arms).  I focused on leaning with gravity from my ankles, landing midfoot below my core using small steps, peeling my feet from the ground, square solid shoulders, on my core (this was hard), imagining the stirring of the bowl with my waist.  My calf only hurt when I returned to my sloppiness.  By the time I got to the top I was able to run down a lot of the way back, with my hiking boots and my backpack.  I would slow down when I got sloppy, focus, and before I knew it I’d be running again!  I needed no rests and I got my PR, 3 hrs and 57 secs.  When I got home, I took the dogs for a walk, no aches today.  I cannot believe what you have taught me, although at one time going up I couldn’t help but think that Dreyer decided to select a technique that requires so much concentration that you simply don’t realize how tired you are!  Just kidding!  I’m very excited and plan on trying a run tonight.  Just had to share!  Take care and see you Wednesday.

Debby