Below is an e-mail from James Reid who took my chirunning workshop last Saturday and managed to get his PR in the Sun Run on Sunday:
"Hi, Angela!
Well, it was quite an experience. A b-e-a-uuuutiful day for a run. Loooots of people of all ages - a fantastic mix of humanity. My parents and I walked the 2.5k Mini Sun Run. They were both pleasantly surprised at how fast the time went. A fun experience. It was neat to watch the kids in the race "Chi-run". I was jealous! (I was also jealous of how the teeny ones could decide to call it a day mid-race, get hoisted up into a parent's arms, and fall asleep.) After finishing, I zipped over to the start of the Sun Run, but as most everybody was already lined up, I wound up being at the back of the Green (second) pack (note to self for next year ... register for the front group!) When we got underway, I was determined to hit my goal of 45 minutes, but apparently most of the other folks in the Green group didn't quite have the same goal in mind. :) Anyhoo, I spent the next 10k dodging walkers and sightseeing runners, avoiding barricades and hopping hedges (kinda felt like a trail run!) and crossed the finish line in 46:25 - but hey, that's still a PR!!
What was most amazing was when I had a little stretch of road to concentrate on my ChiRunning form, my running would suddenly feel so much easier! I felt lighter on my feet, I expended less energy, and I sped up! The feeling was quite noticeable and astonishing! It seriously felt like I had just stepped on a moving sidewalk (and trust me, I checked ... there is no moving sidewalk on the Burrard Bridge). I am certain that with practice and consistent application, my objective of taking your ChiRunning course will be fulfilled: faster times with less effort and no injuries!
Thank you, Angela. What a great course. Wonderful experience!"
