ChiRunning/ChiWalking Training

Anyone can learn how to run and walk naturally.

Why You Should Learn ChiRunning/ChiWalking at Good for the Soles
There are many sources out there that will give you advice on how to run and walk naturally.  However, because books, video, and the Internet can’t tell you what you’re doing right or wrong, they often  fall short in their delivery. At Good for the Soles, we will teach you how to run and walk  naturally in a personalized, no-nonsense, easy to understand format that is appropriate for everyone.  Jill Murphy, co-owner of Good for the Soles and a certified ChiRunning/ChiWalking instructor, provides immediate and valuable feedback to successfully train a diverse group of participants - something books, videos, and online publications can’t offer.  It is this immediate feedback that will make your transition to natural running and walking as enjoyable and efficient as possible.

How it Works
ChiRunning/ChiWalking workshops begin with some very basic balance and posture exercises, done in a comfortable setting in the lower level of our store, and progresses incrementally to gentle running and walking practice on the Northampton Bike Path.  The workshops are informative , yet relaxed and are a good fit for anyone’s fitness levels and/or scheduling needs.

“Running has never been for me.”
Your running experience (or lack thereof…) is not a factor.  Neither is your age, body weight, fitness level, or history of injuries.  When people think about running, the thoughts that often spring to mind are “too high impact”, “hard on the knees” or “too much work”.  While those concerns are often valid in the case of “Power” running and walking (that is, with a heel strike), they are virtually nonexistent in ChiRunning/ChiWalking.   How could it be so easy, you ask?  Because you already have experience in ChiRunning/ChiWalking – it’s how you walked and ran as a child! ChiRunning is simply running the way nature intended you to.   

What about shoes?
The training also involves educating our customers on what shoe type they should run and/or walk in. We stock quality shoes by Newton, Inov-8, Altra, VIVOBAREFOOT, Go-Lite, Kigo, Somnio, and ZEMgear, among others. Working with our customers to determine if they should be in a Neutral Transition Shoe, a Minimalist Running and Walking Shoe, or a Barefoot Style Shoe is a key step in our training program.

It’s All About You
At Good for the Soles, we will not preach to you about natural running and walking. We will take the time to explain the science behind ChiRunning/ChiWalking and the philosophy that goes along with it then let you decide if it’s right for you.  We are passionate about it, no doubt, but our goal is to educate our customers so they can make their own personal decisions.

Workshop Descriptions

ChiRunning Workshops with Jill M. Murphy, Certified ChiRunning Instructor

ChiRunning Part I:

The Part I ChiRunning workshop will provide you with the basic tools to help you get started with ChiRunning.  The workshop will begin inside the center and will conclude with guided practice outside on the bike path.  The Part I workshop lasts two hours and covers the following portions of the ChiRunning program:

• Introduction to ChiRunning
• Posture
• Lean
• Ankle Lift
• Arm Swing
• Begin to Run!
 

See payment and registration options below  

ChiRunning Part II:

The Part II ChiRunning workshop lasts about one and a half hours and picks up where Part I left off.  This is a great opportunity to ask questions and/or discuss observations that arise in between workshops.  The lessons will again alternate between indoor and outdoor practice and will cover the following: 

• Gears & Stride Length
• Pelvic Rotation
• Cadence
• Breathing
• Focus Pairs 

See payment and registration options below

ChiRunning Part III:

The Part III ChiRunning workshop is the last in the workshop series and lasts at least two hours.  We will again start with a Q&A session, covering questions and concerns from previous workshops, followed by some brief technique discussions.  The workshop will also feature an easy 2-3.5 mile walk/run.  Part III topics include: 

• Body Looseners
• Hill Techniques
• Developing a Running Program
• Video Analysis

ChiRunning Workshop Information:

Military and Student discounts available with proper identification.  

Register early!  Workshops limited to 6 participants per session to insure easy access to instructor feedback.   

If you have any questions, please contact us.

ChiWalking Workshops with Jill M. Murphy, Certified ChiWalking Instructor:

ChiWalking Part I: 

The Part I ChiWalking workshop will provide you with the basic tools to help you get started with ChiWalking.  The workshop will begin inside the center and will conclude with  guided practice outside on the bike path.  The Part I workshop lasts about two hours and covers the following portions of the ChiWalking program: 

• Intro to ChiWalking
• The 5 Mindful Steps
• Lower Body Focuses
• Upper Body Focuses 

See payment and registration options below

ChiWalking Part II: 

The Part II ChiWalking workshop again lasts about two hours and picks up where Part I left off.  This is a great opportunity to ask questions and/or discuss observations that arise in between workshops.  The workshop will include both indoor lessons and outdoor applications, including an easy two mile walk, and will cover the following: 

• Body Looseners
• Breathing
• Hill Techniques
• Wrap Up 

ChiWalking Workshop Information:

Military and Student discounts available with proper identification.  

Register early!  Workshops limited to 6 participants per session to insure easy access to instructor feedback.   

If you have any questions, please contact us.