Testimonials

Mark has worked with many people from beginners to professional athletes.   Mark brings a focused, high-energy approach to running instruction and giving you the tools to not only learn, but self-correct your own ongoing progress in running and ChiRunning.

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

Mark.

Thanks for checking in...I was actually thinking about sending you an update.

Chi Running has been really good.

I am now training for Ultras very heavily.  I have run two 50Ks and my weekly long runs are up to 5 hours.  I would be unable to handle this type of training if it were not for ChiRunning.  I will be running a 50miler in April and the Vermont100 in July.  No injuries at this point, but I have been augmenting my running with a healthy dose of yoga and core-/hip-/pelvis-specific pylometrics.  I think the combination really works.

 People that I run with always comment that my running looks very efficient and I "look as if I could go on all day."  My cadence is really faster than most people and when I do run races (1/2 marathon, 20K, etc) people always comment on it as I am passing them.

 My wife is in Tucson right now and I would have been there as well...similar to last year...but I could not be out of work.  If I do make my way back to Tucson, I'll let you know.

 Murray

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a long-course triathlete, running efficiency is a critical aspect of training and racing. After a 56 or 112 mile bike leg, running in a manner that wastes precious energy can quickly turn a good day into a tough race. ChiRunning has provided me a way to increase speed and duration without expending excessive force and over-stressing already tired muscles. Running more effortlessly with ChiRunning has increased my confidence to run well which in turn allows me to push harder on the bike. ChiRunning is now my "secret weapon."

Mark introduced ChiRunning to me at a half-day workshop in Tucson. Mark provided fantastic instruction, linking good demonstration, easy-to-remember focus points, attentive guidance, and constructive feedback. Exercises on sand to detect troublesome heel strike or toe push-off as well as video analysis highlighted an already fantastic workshop. Mark not only teaches the techniques, but also engenders a mindful approach to running which put me on a path to continued self-evaluation and improvement.

Moments from Mark's workshop replay is my mind every time I run. This season I was able to complete Ironman Louisville, Eagleman 70.3, a 24-hour adventure race, the Survival of the Shawangunks and all of the running training to prepare. I trained and raced hard without injury as a result of the proper technique I learned from Mark. I still plan to do another marathon this year. None of this would have
been possible without Mark's workshop.

Murray
New Jersey



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 



Mark answered every question completely and chose a truly beautiful location for the instruction.  I appreciated his email after the lesson with details about my specific 'issues' and encouragement to continue to apply what I learned.

Kay
Tucson



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 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 ChiRunning 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



Training is pretty much over for a little while. I just got back from Ironman Louisville.  It was Sunday. Here are my run splits. 

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 4 mi. (31:46) 7:56/mile
SECOND RUN SEGMENT 4 mi. (43:32) 10:53/mile
THIRD RUN SEGMENT 4 mi. (36:06) 9:01/mile
FOURTH RUN SEGMENT 4 mi. (28:55) 7:13/mile
FIFTH RUN SEGMENT 4 mi. (36:20) 9:05/mile
SIXTH RUN SEGMENT 4 mi. (36:02) 9:00/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 2.6 mi. (14:39) 5:38/mile

TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (3:47:20) 8:40/mile 

I had a little bit of a physical meltdown in the second segment and then "regrouped" and found a rhythm.  I got really excited in the last section. 

I feel fine today and not damaged at all.  I think that is one of the most awesome things about changing the way that I am running.  Adding the Chi Running not only makes me faster in a number of situations, but it also reduces the overall impact on the body and legs.  The days after are much more pleasurable than they used to be.   

Murray
New Jersey 



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 



“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 



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