I attended a free class and I was so impressed by Mark that I decided to sign-up for the workshop. I love the idea of becoming a more efficient runner by incorporating the ChiRunning techniques and preventing injuries through proper posture/form. The 4-hour workshop was well presented with clear instructions. I immediately put it into practice. It has totally transformed the way I think about running. I now look forward to heading out the door for a run. Many thanks to Mark for being a great instructor and sharing ChiRunning. Pam - Tucson

Hi Mark – Thanks for your time and energy for the workshop on Saturday. On Sunday, Jon and I went to a track and tried to practice what we learned… I had the metronome on and was able to maintain a constant cadence. I tried to lean and kick my feet up to go a bit faster … while maintaining my cadence. I get it ! I didn’t have my Garmin on so I don’t know how much faster, but I could definitely tell the difference. I will definitely continue to practice and use the tools that you shared with us – thanks again. I really enjoyed it. Diane - Phoenix

WOW!   Great class yesterday, I went for a 5 mile run this morning with different pace intervals.  About a half mile into the run the front of my calves started getting tight.  I remembered one of you saying that it was from leaning too much at the speed I was going.  I simply stood up straighter about an inch and instantly the tightness went away.  I set the metronome for 166 to start, at first it was like this is crazy fast by the middle of my run it was like this cadence is kinda slow.  It was amazing going from pace to pace with almost no extra effort just kept leaning a little bit more until I was in my planned pace zone.  Once in the zone I was also able to keep a much steadier pace rather than bouncing all over the place.  This will deffinatly make running more injoyable. Thanks David - Las Vegas

Good morning Mark, I ordered the new book, DVD, and metronome last night online; I can’t wait to get that! In the meantime… I went running this morning with no iPod.  (It was only 78d at 6:20am!)  I wanted to incorporate the techniques I learned yesterday in class.  I have a 1.7 mile loop in my neighborhood that I was doing with the run/walk method.  My goal was to first focus on my form – I remember in the video my arms crossing over the center of my body.  The second goal was to go as long as I could before I start walking. I started a slow run thinking “straighten your spine – level your pelvis”.  The tight jeans with a stubborn zipper visual really works for me!  I was also pretty mindful of not letting my hands cross over my body.  I actually tried to push my elbows behind me, but thought I shouldn’t have to put so much “work” into it, so I let that thought go.  Just keep the shoulder low and swing naturally from the shoulder joint itself… don’t let the hands cross over… oh yeah… straighten your spine, level your pelvis… hey, I can feel my whole foot under me… where are my feet?… I think I need shorter steps… hands are beside me…good… my shins aren’t hurting!!… cleansing breaths…  my god, my lungs are gonna explode, but my legs feel great…straighten your spine, level your pelvis… I had this recording going on in my head the whole time – who needs an iPod – ha! About the half way point, I thought… I know I’ve blown through at least 3 walk breaks and I’m still going (fairly) strong.  I was very winded, but felt like my legs could go on forever. I ran the whole 1.7 mile loop without walking – I can’t believe it!!  One of my goals yesterday was to run a whole mile without stopping.  I guess I can cross that off my list – yahoo!! I have lots of practicing to do – the metronome will help.  I also had an aha moment… This morning on my run, I thought, “ok, my arms are behind me, my legs are under me and then behind me… oh! This is what they mean by getting your body out of the way!  Cool!!” I just wanted you to know this was the best run I’ve ever had, and I know it’s just going to get better from here.  The whole Chi Running concept is mind-blowing. Thanks for all your help! Darla - Phoenix

Mark Thanks again for a great workshop, so much valuable information and drills in four hours. Well worth the trip from North Dakota-thanks. Mike - Bismarck

Lynn and I really enjoyed your class. My reason for taking the class was to see if I was using the info I got from the book and DVD in the correct way. It was very helpful to see the video of my running and to see what I needed to work on. I have been telling anyone who would listen about ChiRunning and how I am now running pain free for the first time in years. Thanks again for your help. Tim - Phoenix

Dear Mark, Thanks for this follow-up, and the helpful reminders after the clinic. Since our clinic, I began applying the ChiRunning techniques during my runs, and it has thusfar been incredibly successful. I ran 3.25 miles yesterday without so much of a nip of pain in my knees. I'm hoping I can sustain the same feeling during longer runs! Because of this success, I am hoping to invest in more ChiRunning materials soon. Yay for ChiRunning! I will soon be considered a convert. I very much appreciate your following-up, and i thank you for teaching me this wonderful gift. Lauryn - Tucson

Prior to my training session with Mark, I had completed 4 marathons and was a regular runner. However, I struggled with my form while running longer distances. Trying to correct it always seemed overwhelming, but Chi Running gave me a strong basis on which to strengthen my form and technique. My running has vastly improved over the past 3 months since the initial training session. Mark was a fantastic instructor who provided specific instruction to both me and my training partner. I would recommend Chi Running to all runners. Tom - Tucson

Hi Mark, I am so amazed how Chi Running has helped me survived the long runs. Running the 18 mile stretch was no joke, the weekend before was another 20.5 miles. But I am so happy to tell you that using Chi Running with the right Form helped me survive the distance and helped me gain more speed Injury free. As we get closer to the race, we are now tapering off our runs but still keeping in mind your advice. I can't thank you enough for the training I got, it was very well worth the time. I would recommend the Chi Running to all ist time runners and even those who have run before just to reinforce what you have taught them. Again, thank you so much. The race is Oct 21. Your teaching will be with me every step of the way. Belle - Tucson

Hi Mark, Just a quick follow-up. I have been running 3 times per week since we met. I find the shorter strides and mid-foot strikes are making a difference in my foot pain. I'm still not going fast or far, but I'm excited that I see improvement in both distance and less pain. I also found a running partner! I talked my dental hygienist into joining me in the pre-dawn hours. It has been nice to have that extra push out the door. I really learned a lot in our session and have been trying to apply the techniques. I plan to buy the Chi Running book so I can refresh my memory of what we went over. I just wanted to thank you again. It was not only informative, but fun. Jeanine - Tucson

Hi Mark: Sorry, for the belated response, I wasn't MIA intentionally but I have been really busy during the last month because currently I'm at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, which means, YES, you guessed it right, I passed the pre-employment test. I ran the mile and half at 13:58, right on the money of what I was supposed to with no injuries to report. Then in here I ran it again at 14:48, but to be honest I didn't push it hard enough plus I twisted my ankle right before I ran it which makes me happy with my time, anyways I finished really strong and watched my form the whole time. I want to say thank you because I feel your workshop was instrumental in a better understanding of the Chirunning technique and passing my pre-employment test. Well that all for now. Take care, Alex - Tucson

At 57, I had become a shuffling, heel striking, pain enduring runner.  My feet hurt, my knees hurt, and my hips hurt.. My times were declining.   My quality of running was  declining.  When I heard of your free 1 hour training session, we attended more out of respect for you than anticipated results.  Both Pam and I enjoyed your seminar, and on the way home we passed a young "kenyan" woman running so free and eloquently utilizing what looked like chi running--we both said " wow'  we can do that and decided to try it the next morning.   That 6 mile run the next morning was amazing... we both thoroughly enjoyed the ease and freedom we experienced.  No pain--anywhere!   To top it off we ran that run,  which we have been running for approximately 3 years , 2 minutes faster than our normal "fast" time --a 4% decrease!   Pam and I are believers--- I don't know if we will continue the time decrease but we are both looking forward to the ease and eloquence that chi running brings us. Thank You Gar - Tucson

Hi Mark; Thanks very much for your 6 month note. My running is much improved since we had our session, and there are times when I feel really "in" the area I want to be; when that happens my running feels light and effortless. Many thanks and best wishes, David - Tucson

Hello Mark: The presentation you gave yesterday on Chirunning was excellent. I learned a great deal and plan to follow your suggestions. I also really enjoyed your coaching style. You focused on my strengths and gave me good feedback, which I am also planning to use in my training from now on. You made it fun; yet, you provided an excellent forum for us to ask questions and voice opinions. I definitely got my money's worth. Thank you again for such an informative and pleasant afternoon.Sincerely, Arnaldo - Tucson

Hi Mark, Thanks for the great course. I learned a lot and now I just have to practice. You are a great teacher and I enjoyed spending time with you. I appreciated that you called me an athlete. No one has said that for a long time. Looking forward to staying in touch. Sande - Tucson

Dear Mark, Things have been going well with ChiRunning. I had only ran a half dozen times in the past 2 years. When we had the class I was up to running once a week. I started running really slowly and since our class I've finished 2 Olympic distance triathlons, run 3 times a week with a few mountain runs of 2 hours plus and am planning on running the Flagstaff 1/2 Marathon Sept 27th. I've been following your advice and didn't even know it. I've been concentrating on my form, have increased the distance slowly and I'm planning on starting some speed work in a few months for my final triathlon of the year in November. I'm just so happy to be back running and am even considering a marathon next year. Thanks for giving us the course, it's been great. Stan Baird - Tucson

Hi Mark, Thank you for your reminders. I went on to the Chirunning website for review of some aspects, especially posture and relaxing. I needed to go over the aspects of Chirunning. I had a pretty successful marathon in Oregon in May. I needed a 4:45 to qualify for Boston, and did it in 3:39. Got 2nd place in my age group. I felt pretty good throughout, except my calf tightened up in the last 2 miles. I'm still very inconsistent in doing my warm-up exercises before a run. I'm determined to work on that. Today I did my first longish run since the marathon (10 miles.) I was with a group and was too up tight. Didn't practice much of the Chirunning techniques. I'll work on that. It was hot, but I'd like to enjoy the runs more. I plan to do another marathon in the Fall and hope to be even more successful. Thanks again, Bev - Tucson

I cannot thank you enough for ChiRunning. My form and speed have improved tremendously. And get this…I actually ENJOY running! Thanks to you, I plan on training for several races knowing that I will complete them injury-free and with a smile on my face. I am continually amazed at how effortless it can be and just how much I enjoy running now. Thanks again, Elsbeth - Tucson

Mark, Once again, your words, ideas, and teachings went through my head a lot as I ran and completed the Vermont100 this past weekend. I couldn't have done all of the training and would not have been able to complete this run without your words and flashbacks of your workshop going through my head. Thanks. take it easy, Murray - Salt Lake City

Mark, My wife Janet and I took a class with you back over labor day weekend and I just wanted to check in with you real quick. I just finished a 30 mile week…last year at this time I was in physical therapy for a back problem and had the therapist telling me that I would never be able to run long distances again. Although my Chi Running form is not entirely correct yet, I’m still making progress and I make improvements on every run. The fact that I can run 6.5 miles and more with no discomfort is amazing. I know you and Danny don’t advertise Chi Running as a back cure method but I am convinced that focusing on my core has built up strength in my abs and lower back and the running has actually helped eliminate what was supposed to have been chronic, lifelong back pain. Without trying to sound like a commercial, the book and your instruction has literally changed my life. Take care Craig - Tucson

Mark, I am continuing to build on the class. I continue to focus on my form and am getting to where I can hold it over longer distances - for me that is up to 8 miles. I am being patient, running 22 miles per week and intending to build to 30. if I am healthy and strong at that point I will see. When I attended the class I was running 6 miles per week, coming off of plantar fasciitis, and have had no recurrence. Tom - Tucson

Hi Mark, Sorry it took me a while to respond. I cannot say enough positive comments about my experience practicing the techniques learned from you and Mary's Chi running course. I have avoided injury just by being more aware of my form, and being in the 'zone' is amazing. I plan on running Chicago this year in my best Chi form. Thanks very much! I have been promoting your class and have a couple of friends interested. When will you be back in Albuquerque? Kindest Cynthia - - Albuquerque

Mark, Thank you for a wonderful workshop! The day exceeded my expectations! I know believe I have a solid foundation to start Running. Please keep me on your mailing list. I have some friends who are serious runners and I plan on telling you about Chi Running Again Thank you for everything! Terry - Phoenix

Mark , I want to tell you how much I enjoyed myself today at the Chi Running Workshop. You have a great teaching style, very warm and approachable, but I loved the way you kept the group on track without squashing the interaction between everyone. I am very excited about beginning to run again, and hope to take another workshop, and/or see you at some future running event. Thanks for the great event – and giving me back one of the things I love to do! Mauri - Phoenix

Good morning Mark~ Thanks for the follow up. My running is going well. A bit of a break over the holidays but easy to get back into. I do find that I have to concentrate on not slumping cause my breathing goes haywire and I start getting nauseous. So I just concentrate on the string pulling me up, my core, and leaning. The metranome is extremely helpful. I am injury free. No aches and pains. I am running my 3 miles 3 days a week and I am surprised at how effortless it is. Good stuff!! Thanks again. Happy new decade! Nadine- Tucson

HI Mark, I just wanted to shoot you an email and let you know how much the Chi Running has helped me in just this short time. I raced the Tucson Half Marathon on Sunday! It went so well! My ambiguous goal was to get under 2hr and I went 1:52:29. I could just feel gravity pulling me through the race. The posturing, fast cadence and mid-foot strike were all things that I tried to keep in tuned with when I began to feel tired or sluggish, and then I felt so effortless. Now the last 2miles of the run I must admit were far from proper form. The distance was a little long and nasty little hills...more to work on. My co-workers running the race told me when they saw me I looked strong the whole way through with good form. So it is nice to hear from an outside source that there is a noticeable difference. Well I just wanted to let you know how much it has helped me and will continue to! Thank you so much! Krystle- Tucson

I just wanted to share with you that I was able to run several times this past week and loved every moment. Once, I went to South Mountain and ran a trail (one of many there), which was perfect. When I do not have time to drive anywhere, I can just run in the park where we trained here next-door to my address. So far, I can run about twenty to twenty-five minutes continuously, and then I have to walk. But, I think that will improve. Thanks to your remark about how you were sitting at your desk, I now sit differently at mine, trying to solve a knee problem that came out of nowhere. It is already much improved. So, I simply want to thank you very much, again, for sharing your wonderful expertise in such little time.Have a great week, Angela - Phoenix

Thanks for the e-mail. I am still practicing the Chi Running (slow going due to past injury). I am still stuck on the 10 X 100's at a slow pace however it has helped me to focus more on my Chi Running form which is a positive. The more I read about running injuries, the more I see how my old style caused the problems. Thus, the Chi Running form will definitely enhance my running and prevention of injuries in the future. What took years to cause the breakdown, I know will take months to heal. Again, thanks for the Chi Running class. I can see the improvement already. And every running book and magazine I have read in the past three months all push the smaller stride and the relaxation form. The flexibility specialist is 100 % behind Chi Running and uses it himself. He is running marathons and has not been injured since running the Chi form. Thanks again and hope life is treating you well. Take care, Terry - Tucson

I’ve been following the form focus running program in the marathon training program, and I’m really impressed both at how it is helping me integrate little bits of the form, but even more, with how this “moving meditation” clears my mind and makes me feel good. I don’t actually have 24 weeks before my marathon, though, so I’ve been wondering how to take greatest advantage of the program. My conditioning is already pretty good- I can run 2 hours,, so I’ve been concentrating on the form focuses from the first weeks as a way to improve my form gradually. Does this make sense to you? Would you recommend anything different? I’ve also been trying to use Chi walking when I walk. It gets easier with each attmpt. I feel inspired! Thanks for the great workshop. Jessica - Salt Lake City

The best part of learning from Mark about ChiRunning is his hands-on approach (reinforced with handouts and video) and his obvious experience working with runners of every skill level and all of our idiosyncrasies. Clearly, he's seen everything; he knows how to tailor his advice to each person's quirks. Plus, Mark makes himself available through email or over the phone, offering encouragement and his expertise whenever questions arise. Because of that, there's no reason to wait to sign up. Start with Mark and he'll be there as you progress through each phase of your running. Nancy L. Howe, M.S. Scottsdale

“I’ve been running for over 20 years and joined one of Mark’s Chi classes 5 months after starting the technique. I was having difficulty “locking into” my lean and needed professional help. Using his video camera, Mark isolated my problem areas and gave me excellent advice. He’s still willing to answer my running questions even one year after the class, which is a testament to his dedication to Chi Running. I’ve been running injury free for well over one year, my times are continuing to improve and I’m enjoying the art of Chi Running more than I ever expected. Regardless of your running ability or your Chi Running knowledge, Mark is an excellent teacher who has a true passion for the sport.” Kevin Wallace - Tucson

I have always been one of those people who has felt that running is too hard on your body.  After reading ChiRunning and attending Mark's ChiRunning class I have a whole new perspective.  Not only has my running form improved but I could immediately feel that my legs were a lot less stressed. Thanks Mark! Salvatore J. Tirrito M.D., F.A.C.C. Tucson, Arizona

I didn't start running half marathons until I turned 50.  After watching my mother suffer from arthritis and diabetes, I wanted to do something that would keep my body healthy. Skeptics warned that running is bad for the body and would create new aches and pains. The Chi Running course adjusted my style from what I learned in gym class, to one that allows me to meet my goals while reducing the risk of injury. Paula McCloskey - Tucson

I'm quite grateful for the insights learned in your weekend course. As you know, I signed up to prepare for a backpacking trip with my daughter. That went really well. I'm 53 yo and my last backpacking trip was 35 years ago. I trained for this trip employing principles you taught us.We hiked 18 miles in Yosemite in 3 days starting at an altitude of 9200 ft. with a load of 33 lbs. On the last day, we hiked up Tenaya Peak at an altitude of 10,400 ft then descended in unmarked trails while lugging our loads. My toes hurt from the brutal descent but surprisingly my back, hips, and knees held up. Thanks for the insight of "engaging the core" and "squeezing the buns". this stuff truly works. Lou Lancero - Tucson