Donna Melville Senior Instructor — Senior Instructor

A little about me….
My name is Donna Melville and I am FREEDOM 55…mother of 4 grown men and grandmother to 3 beautiful grandchildren. I have run 28 years…and it has been a golden thread throughout my life, my best friend and place to locate myself. The taste of my own sweat as familiar as the taste of my first cup of coffee….and just as necessary. I have run several marathons and countless half marathons and been plagued with injuries throughout .. My last injury, a stress fracture, led me to Chi Running and I attended my first Chi Running workshop,did a half marathon the next day and had the best time in memory and without pain..and with joy. And the NEXT day when I got up to get coffee and had the weird experience of no feeling….no tightness or residual soreness in my hips or legs, I knew I was on to something. From that moment I resolved to become a Chi Running instructor and here I am.
I own a business called “Women’s Pace” which has been in existence for about 12 years, where I’ve  trained women to run…from beginner to marathon distance. As mentioned, I attended my first Chi Running workshop in Vancouver the day before the “First Half” marathon..approximately 3 years ago. I had trained only up to 10KM(since my foot surgery) but saw the opportunity to practice what I had learned during the race… not letting fear or commonsense stop me! I started out focusing on the different aspects….not thinking about the end or my time at all…stopped to help another runner…at all water stops….and had comments from other runners that it looked as though I wasn’t DOING anything. I had to agree..it felt that way….a little disconcerting, actually. The run ended..I felt great….and had a better time than I had in many years. Along with ZERO after effects the next day. From that moment I was sold and decided to pursue the instructor training to complement what I was offering to my clients already. The instructor training was with Danny Dreyer, the founder of Chi Running, in Asheville, North Carolina..an intensive 1 week course which had followed 3 months of “homework”. I was the only Canadian instructor candidate there, along with people from Israel, the Netherlands, Ireland…..it was AMAZING!!! these people coming from all over the world to learn more about this method of running/walking. Further to that training, I went to Mexico for 10 days, to practice teaching under the eye of a master Chi Instructor. In June, I  assisted in another Instructor course…...where I became even more passionate about this method of running/walking and LIVING.
My focus is now co-ed rather than women only, as I see the benefit this technique offers to ALL runners, from amateur to seasoned.
Please check out this link….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEZLuikin8M&feature=email
 

  Venue Location Date Time Cost More Info
ChiRunning on the beach in the sun....(smile) Zihuatenejo , n/a Feb.18th-21st AND March 5-8th 8-10:30 every morning for 4 days $275 More Info

4 day Bea(CHI)mmersion

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning on the beach in the sun....(smile) Zihuatenejo , n/a Feb.18th-21st AND March 5-8th 8-10:30 every morning for 4 days $275

Details:

come to enjoy a beach (CHI)mmersion…the workshop will be held over 4 days,in the morning, leaving the days free for yourself, and the nights for DANCING!!
Need more information regarding accomodation etc. contact me at naturalpace@gmail.com

Link for More Info:

http://www.natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning TBA Whitehorse , n/a Saturday, May 26th, 2012 9:30-4 $175 More Info

All Day Chi Running Workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning TBA Whitehorse , n/a Saturday, May 26th, 2012 9:30-4 $175

Details:

In this workshop you will learn the basic ingredients of the Chi Running® Technique.

We will start at 9:30 a.m. The workshop will be interactive with us alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills… the nature of the day will be relaxed and inspiring. There will be a learning lunch break from around 1:00 to 1:30.  Wear your running/walking gear and be prepared for a VERY informative and FUN day. BRING FOOD or money…...and water….you will need some nourishment to feed your brain and plan on eating with the group as we continue our discussion of Chi Running. About half of the workshop is sitting and half MOVING, so dressing in layers is usually a good idea.  This may sound like a lot of running but it isn’t…....really.  I suspect your brain will be more tired than your legs!  . Please RSVP to confirm your attendance…. (if you haven’t already)..... THANKS! You will be guided through many exercises and drills designed to leave you with a clear sense of what the Chi Running technique feels like in your body. We will not be doing lots of running (contrary to what you might imagine), so no matter what condition you’re in, have no fear. We will spend the day alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills…the nature of the workshop will be relaxed, full, and inspiring. I am looking forward to seeing you!!!!
“CHI"fully yours…Donna
“How easy can it be?”

 

Link for More Info:

http://www.natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning Frontrunners Nanaimo, B.C. , n/a January 22nd or March 18th 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. $150 More Info

Nanaimo Full Day Chi Running workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning Frontrunners Nanaimo, B.C. , n/a January 22nd or March 18th 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. $150

Details:

About the workshop…
  We will start at 9:00 a.m. at Frontrunners. The workshop will be interactive with everyone alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills… the nature of the day will be relaxed and inspiring. There will be a learning lunch break from around 12:00 to 1:00.  Wear your running/walking gear and be prepared for a VERY informative and FUN day. BRING FOOD and water….you will need some nourishment to feed your brain and plan on eating with the group as we continue our discussion of Chi Running. About half of the workshop is outside and half inside, so dressing in layers is usually a good idea.  This may sound like a lot of running but it isn’t…....really.  I suspect your brain will be more tired than your legs! The workshop will be ending at approximately 3:30 pm.

Link for More Info:

http://www.natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning Haven on Gabriola Island Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a April 20,21st and 22nd the weekend beginning at 7 p.m. $380.00 More Info

Full day Chi Running workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning Haven on Gabriola Island Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a April 20,21st and 22nd the weekend beginning at 7 p.m. $380.00

Details:

ChiRunning practice helps you focus your mind, lift your spirit and open up your flow of Chi. It combines the inner focus and flow of T’ai Chi with the power and energy of running, creating a revolutionary running form and philosophy that takes the pounding, pain, and potential damage out of this sport. It increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns it into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well being.

This program will include:

  The keys to effortless injury-free running
  The physics of running without using your legs
  Chirunning versus power running
  Introduction to the Chirunning form
  Injury prevention techniques
  Personal check-in tricks and tools
  Learning to use your gears
  Core muscle drills and exercises
  Pre-run body looseners
  Innovative technique drills
  Learn to run with ease up and down hills
  How to conserve energy at any speed
  Learn more about ChiRunning and your leader Donna Spencer at www.natural-pace.ca.

Format: ChiRunning can help you recapture the effortless nature of running. Developed by ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer, it is focused on how you run rather than simply the results of your running: it is more process-oriented than goal-oriented. Bring running gear and layered clothing….expect to be outside.

Link for More Info:

http://www.haven.ca/programs/chirunning.html?searchterm=chi

ChiRunning Campbell River TBA Campbell River, Vancouver Island , n/a April 28th, 2012 9:30-4 p.m. $175 More Info

Campbell River Chi Running workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning Campbell River TBA Campbell River, Vancouver Island , n/a April 28th, 2012 9:30-4 p.m. $175

Details:

We will start at 9:30 a.m….The workshop will be interactive with us alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills… the nature of the day will be relaxed and inspiring. There will be a learning lunch break from around 1:00 to 1:30.  Wear your running/walking gear and be prepared for a VERY informative and FUN day. BRING FOOD or money…...and water….you will need some nourishment to feed your brain and plan on eating with the group as we continue our discussion of Chi Running. About half of the workshop is sitting and half MOVING, so dressing in layers is usually a good idea.  This may sound like a lot of running but it isn’t…....really.  I suspect your brain will be more tired than your legs!
“How easy can it be?”... Are you willing to be shown?

Link for More Info:

http://www.natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning Haven Personal development centre Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a October 12,13,and 14th begins at 7 p.m. on the 12th and ends on the 14th at noon.. early bird $375 (accommodation and food extra) More Info

Chi Running weekend workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning Haven Personal development centre Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a October 12,13,and 14th begins at 7 p.m. on the 12th and ends on the 14th at noon.. early bird $375 (accommodation and food extra)

Details:

Course Description


Chi Running practice helps you focus your mind, lift your spirit and open up your flow of Chi. It combines the inner focus and flow of T’ai Chi with the power and energy of running, creating a revolutionary running form and philosophy that takes the pounding, pain, and potential damage out of this sport. It increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns it into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well being.

Topics:
• The keys to effortless injury-free running
• The physics of running without using your legs
• Chi running versus power running
• Introduction to the Chi running form
• Injury prevention techniques
• Personal check-in tricks and tools
• Learning to use your gears
• Core muscle drills and exercises, pre-run body looseners
• Innovative technique drills
• Learn to run with ease up and down hills, conserve energy

Learning Outcomes:
Chi Running can help you recapture the effortless nature of running. Developed by
ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer, it is focused on how you run rather than simply the results
of your running: it is more process-oriented than goal-oriented. Bring running gear and
layered clothing (expect to be outside).
We will also be spending time learning ChiWalking…

Link for More Info:

http://www.haven.ca/programs/chirunning.html?searchterm=chi

ChiRunning Frontrunners Nanaimo Nanaimo , n/a Sept. 5,12,19 & 26th 6:15p.m. $150 More Info

Multi Day Chi Running Series

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning Frontrunners Nanaimo Nanaimo , n/a Sept. 5,12,19 & 26th 6:15p.m. $150

Details:

NEW 4 week - Chi Running Series  
Location ~ Frontrunners Nanaimo @ 6:15-8:15 p.m.
$150.00 (limit 12 participants of ANY running exp.)                         
The Keys to Effortless, Injury-free Running
• The Physics of Running: Run without Using Your Legs
• ChiRunning® versus Power Running
• Introduction to the ChiRunning® Form
• Injury prevention techniques
• Personal Check-in Tricks and Tools
• Learning to Use Your Gears
• Core Muscle Drills and Exercises
• Pre-run Body Looseners
• Innovative technique drills
How to conserve energy at any speed
Run with EASE up and down hills
Video analysis
Call for more clinic dates…and details
Donna Melville 250-713-WILD (9453)  or email naturalpace@gmail.com
Register online at www.natural-pace.ca

Chi Running practice helps you focus your mind, lift your spirit and open up your flow of Chi. It combines the inner focus and flow of T’ai Chi with the power and energy of running, creating a revolutionary running form and philosophy that takes the pounding, pain, and potential damage out of this sport. It increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns it into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well being.

Link for More Info:

http://www.natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning TBA Edmonton, Alberta , n/a Sept. 22, 2012 9:30-4 p.m. $175 More Info

Edmonton Full day workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning TBA Edmonton, Alberta , n/a Sept. 22, 2012 9:30-4 p.m. $175

Details:

We will start at 9:30 a.m….The workshop will be interactive with us alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills… the nature of the day will be relaxed and inspiring. There will be a learning lunch break from around 1:00 to 1:30.  Wear your running/walking gear and be prepared for a VERY informative and FUN day. BRING FOOD or money…...and water….you will need some nourishment to feed your brain and plan on eating with the group as we continue our discussion of ChiRunning. About half of the workshop is sitting and half MOVING, so dressing in layers is usually a good idea.  This may sound like a lot of running but it isn’t…....really.  I suspect your brain will be more tired than your legs!
“How easy can it be?”... Are you willing to be shown?

Link for More Info:

http://www.natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning TBA Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a August 25th, 2012 9:30-4 $150.00 More Info

ChiRunning Workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning TBA Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a August 25th, 2012 9:30-4 $150.00

Details:

The one day workshops are perfect for busy people and those traveling from out of town who want to learn the Chi Running method in one day. You will be able to learn the full technique and incorporate all the focuses into your daily runs by the time you leave this workshop.Chi Running practice helps you focus your mind, lift your spirit and open up your flow of Chi. It combines the inner focus and flow of T’ai Chi with the power and energy of running, creating a revolutionary running form and philosophy that takes the pounding, pain, and potential damage out of this sport. It increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns it into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well being.

Link for More Info:

http://natural-pace.ca

ChiWalking TBA Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a August 11th, 2012 9:30-12:30 p.m. $100 More Info

ChiWalking

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiWalking TBA Gabriola Island, B.C. , n/a August 11th, 2012 9:30-12:30 p.m. $100

Details:

Chi Walking® will help you:

  improve your posture
  strengthen crucial core muscles
  relax tight and overused muscles
  gain cardio and aerobic conditioning

Whether you are a fitness walker already, want to manage or release weight, are rehabilitating after illness or injury, or have signed up for a walking event and want support, Chi Walking will help you reach your personal goals, including looking and feeling better than ever.

Link for More Info:

http://natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning The Studio Whitehorse NWT , n/a Sept. 15th, 2012 9:30-4 $175 More Info

WHITEHORSE ChiRunning workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning The Studio Whitehorse NWT , n/a Sept. 15th, 2012 9:30-4 $175

Details:

In this workshop you will learn the basic ingredients of the Chi Running® Technique.  You will be guided through many exercises and drills designed to leave you with a clear sense of what the Chi Running technique feels like in your body. We will not be doing lots of running (contrary to what you might imagine), so no matter what condition you’re in, have no fear. We will spend the day alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills…the nature of the workshop will be relaxed, full, and inspiring.Videotaping will be included.  Wear your running/walking gear (layers)  and be prepared for a VERY informative and FUN day. BRING FOOD and water….you will need some nourishment to feed your brain. ChiFULLY yours…Donna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEZLuikin8M&feature=email

Link for More Info:

http://natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning Ekahi Village Wailea , HI Jun 22nd to Jun 22nd 8:30-3 175.00 More Info

ChiRunning Bea(CHI)mmersion

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning Ekahi Village Wailea , HI Jun 22nd to Jun 22nd 8:30-3 175.00

Link for More Info:

www.natural-pace.ca

ChiRunning Royal Roads University Victoria, B.C. , n/a Oct 26th to Oct 26th 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. $150 More Info

Full day Chi Running workshop

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiRunning Royal Roads University Victoria, B.C. , n/a Oct 26th to Oct 26th 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. $150

Details:

Course Description


Chi Running practice helps you focus your mind, lift your spirit and open up your flow of Chi. It combines the inner focus and flow of T’ai Chi with the power and energy of running, creating a revolutionary running form and philosophy that takes the pounding, pain, and potential damage out of this sport. It increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns it into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well being.

Topics:
• The keys to effortless injury-free running
• The physics of running without using your legs
• Chi running versus power running
• Introduction to the Chi running form
• Injury prevention techniques
• Personal check-in tricks and tools
• Learning to use your gears
• Core muscle drills and exercises, pre-run body looseners
• Innovative technique drills
• Learn to run with ease up and down hills, conserve energy

Learning Outcomes:
Chi Running can help you recapture the effortless nature of running. Developed by
ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer, it is focused on how you run rather than simply the results
of your running: it is more process-oriented than goal-oriented. Bring running gear and
layered clothing (expect to be outside).

Link for More Info:

http://www.royalroads.ca/continuing-studies/CYPEHL2689-Y11.htm

ChiWalking Royal Roads University Victoria , n/a Oct 27th to Oct 27th
October 27, 2013 		9:30-12:30 p.m. $100 More Info

ChiWalking

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
ChiWalking Royal Roads University Victoria , n/a Oct 27th to Oct 27th
October 27, 2013 		9:30-12:30 p.m. $100

Details:

Chi Walking® will help you:

  improve your posture
  strengthen crucial core muscles
  relax tight and overused muscles
  gain cardio and aerobic conditioning

Whether you are a fitness walker already, want to manage or release weight, are rehabilitating after illness or injury, or have signed up for a walking event and want support, Chi Walking will help you reach your personal goals, including looking and feeling better than ever.

Link for More Info:

http://royalroads.ca

Present Moment Retreat Troncones , n/a Dec 28th to Jan 4th
over 7 days.... 		8 a.m. Varies More Info

Troncones Present Moment Retreat

  Venue Location Date Time Cost
Present Moment Retreat Troncones , n/a Dec 28th to Jan 4th
over 7 days.... 		8 a.m. Varies

Details:

Dec 28th-Jan 4th ~ 7 day Bea(CHI)mmersion in Paradise at the Award-Winning Present Moment Retreat,
Trocones Beach, Mexico
Transform your walking or running into a safe and mindful practice that can help you move with balance for the rest of your life.
Guided by ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® senior instructor Donna Melville, you will learn to combine the inner focus and flow of tai chi with walking or running to create efficient and graceful movement along with proper body alignment and biomechanically correct movement techniques that give you a great workout, a powerful sense of deep relaxation and spaciousness in both body and mind. You will also discover how to walk or run faster, easier, and injury-free; how to relax and conserve energy at any speed; and personal check-in tricks and technique drills. Of course…it isn’t JUST about running or walking…meditate, practice yoga, have a massage….relax….reflect…
and ask yourself…
How easy can it be? Am I willing to be shown?
www.natural-pace.ca   www.presentmomentretreat.com

Link for More Info:

http://natural-pace.ca

Donna Melville Senior Instructor's Portrait

Donna Melville Senior Instructor

Vancouver Island & Western Canada

Phone

250-713-WILD (9453)

Email

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Website

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