Certified Instructor of the Month, February 2010

Myriam Kane (Herndon, VA)

I’ve enjoyed running since I can remember and engaged in a regular practice of running since age 14. I had tried learning to run faster but it never occurred to me to learn to run better, until I was laid up w/a torn meniscus.

As the saying goes, “when the student is willing, the teacher appears.”

Well, while laid up recovering from surgery and having been told my running days were kaput…the ChiRunning Book appeared on the market.

With more than 20 years in the health and fitness industry and wary of the many fads, I did extensive research. I read the ChiRunning book, watched the ChiRunning DVD, listened to the audio, and finally went to meet and train with Danny Dreyer.

Being a believer in and a teacher of pilates, everything I was learning made great sense … proper body alignment and efficient movement for injury free and joyful running! Allow the Laws of Nature to assist, relax…what a pleasure! I was sold! I have since then run many miles, 1/2 marathons and trail and road races—all absolutely pain free! I’m not the fastest but I enjoy each run, each race and even more—sharing what I have learned through workshops, large and small, hosting running groups and everyone that cares to listen!

I have had the privilege of sharing this effective technique with teenagers, competitive athletes, first-time runners, recreational runners, rehabilitating runners and kids from 14-70+ years young!

ChiRunning is a very natural concept that works. It’s based on physics and proper body mechanics…it just makes sense. But yet, few of us listen deeply enough to our bodies to find it on our own.  The technique itself gently honors the body, the mind, and their connection. We are encouraged to be gentle…and rewarded with greater gains and less effort. The last time I ran the Marine Corps Marathon I had trained with such grueling intensity that I paid little heed to what my body had to say, and paid the price. I hope to run it again this year, with a kinder approach: gently, mindfully and with joy. And hopefully, with some of you!  
Danny Dreyer, for your insight and courage to follow through and bring others on a great journey … I thank you.