Chi Running Cork

tommyh1977

Hi, I know the whole Chi Running thing has been covered here before, just wanted to know has anyone done any workshops with Ruth Farrell in Cork? If so how did you find her training? I know Catherina McKiernan teaches Chi, but is a lot more expensive. Granted she has some fine medals to prove her ability to run but in reality would she be any better than any other chi instructor?

Thanks in advance

rom

tommyh1977 wrote: »

Hi, I know the whole Chi Running thing has been covered here before, just wanted to know has anyone done any workshops with Ruth Farrell in Cork? If so how did you find her training? I know Catherina McKiernan teaches Chi, but is a lot more expensive. Granted she has some fine medals to prove her ability to run but in reality would she be any better than any other chi instructor?

Thanks in advance

I did the one with Catherina McKiernan a bit back. Having someone of her caliber recording your stride and giving you a few tips on how to improve it is worth the money in itself I thought. No idea who the other person is. But in the afternoon also there is a Q&A that you can ask her anything else about running which I found great also. When I did it there was a woman there that was about 3hr 2/3 mins for the marathon. She got advise about her stride that could be the difference in knocking those few mins off. Even after 10/12 marathons no one had told her the problem and when we were shown it , then it was plain as day. I personally found it money well spent and think I might go back in a year or so as I am trying to adopt some of it gradually as there is a lot to take in. Of course there is great benefit for people just starting out running also. Up to yourself really but I can't see how the class could be delivered better. I should get a discount next time for this post If someone has experience of the other instructor then it would be nice to see there view also and how they found it.

huskerdu

I also did the Catherina McKiernan Chi running workshop, but obviously can't compare with with any other course as its the only one I have done. But, here is some information to help you compare, if you find out more about the one in Cork.

I was thinking about your question about how she can justify charging so much more than other Chi running courses.

1) She is a Chi Running Master, not just an instructor (This presumably means that Danny Dreyer thinks shes better)

2) Strong Brand (A lot of people are drawn to the fact that she is an international calibre athlete, you get the benefit of her experience, not just her training in Chi Running)

3) Recommendations ( She is a very good teacher)

Also,for the workshop you are considering in Cork you should find out how many people would typically be in a class, and what the format of the day it to compare the two. When I did the Catherina McKiernan workshop, she had another instructor working with her and there were 12 people, so we all got a fair bit of one-to-one time.

What happened on the day was

We were all individually recorded running
Introduction to Chi Running
Hands on Training in a small gym on doing the drills necessary to learn the Chi Running technique

A run in the park, where we were coached on the Chi Running technique

Lunch

All the recording were watched and we got advice on our running stance
Q&A - All running questions welcome
Another run, where one of the instructors would run beside you for a time and comment on your gait and stance and help you practice the Chi running technique.

rom

huskerdu wrote: »

I also did the Catherina McKiernan Chi running workshop, but obviously can't compare with with any other course as its the only one I have done. But, here is some information to help you compare, if you find out more about the one in Cork.

I was thinking about your question about how she can justify charging so much more than other Chi running courses.

1) She is a Chi Running Master, not just an instructor (This presumably means that Danny Dreyer thinks shes better)

2) Strong Brand (A lot of people are drawn to the fact that she is an international calibre athlete, you get the benefit of her experience, not just her training in Chi Running)

3) Recommendations ( She is a very good teacher)

Also,for the workshop you are considering in Cork you should find out how many people would typically be in a class, and what the format of the day it to compare the two. When I did the Catherina McKiernan workshop, she had another instructor working with her and there were 12 people, so we all got a fair bit of one-to-one time.

What happened on the day was

We were all individually recorded running
Introduction to Chi Running
Hands on Training in a small gym on doing the drills necessary to learn the Chi Running technique

A run in the park, where we were coached on the Chi Running technique

Lunch

All the recording were watched and we got advice on our running stance
Q&A - All running questions welcome
Another run, where one of the instructors would run beside you for a time and comment on your gait and stance and help you practice the Chi running technique.

Similar to my day too but it was just her instructing. Another person could have helped as she couldn't keep an eye on all of us.

BobMac104

in fairness it actually sounds decent enough. Running form etc is something i am really interested in as i think its a way of improving/reducing risk of injury in the long term.

macinalli

I also did the course with Catriona McKiernan and to be honest the best thing was her attention to detail and refusal to just let you do it by half measures. In my case my biggest issue was with how my foot hit the ground and she kept at me all day until she was happy I was changing to the way that she wanted.

I don't know this lady in Cork, but for something like this I think the most important thing is (i) the instructor knows what they're at and (ii) they're engaged with what they're doing. My €0.02 worth.

gnu

It's great to hear good reports about the workshop. I've been trying to implement the form focusses by myself but I'd really like to do this next time I get a windfall.

opus

You can try it for free if you're signed up for CCM!

Certified Instructor Ruth Farrell, of Effortless Running & Walking, will be holding two ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Demonstration and Tips Session at our Registration and Expo on Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd June (registration days) from 2pm - 3pm in Cork City Hall.

The chi (pronounced 'chee') technique incorporates the movement principles from Tai Chi, creating a new approach to effortless and injury-free running/walking. The key to this form is postural alignment and relaxation combined to create the best way to run/walk faster, further and injury free.

For runners using this technique you land midfoot strike, use a forward lean from the ankles to engage gravity and use your core strength for propulsion as opposed to power running with your legs. For walkers the chi technique blends walking with the internal focuses of T'ai Chi to improve balance, strength and awareness, and through moderate exercise has increased the health and longevity of thousands.

Ruth's session will incorporate some drills and exercises to help with your alignment and balance, posture, arm swing, y'chi, hill technique and relaxation.

These free sessions are open to participants of the Cork City Marathon and numbers are limited (first come basis) so registering for participation is essential. If you are attending you will need to wear suitable running/walking clothes and runners.

So don't miss out on this great opportunity to get some last minute advice and tips to help make your race more enjoyable and effortless.

Email Ruth now to book your place effortlessrunning@gmail.com and please state whether you are a runner or walker.

For more information on Effortless Running & Walking please go to www.effortlessrunningruth.blogspot.com

Cork City Marathon
www.corkcitymarathon.ie

BobMac104

Great thanks opus!

opus

I did the one day workshop with Ruth Farrell last Sat, pretty much the same sequence as described by huskerdu above & I got my before & after videos in email this evening. There were only 8 people there so plenty of individual attention.

As to how it will affect my running only time will tell, certainly some interesting ideas. Will be trying it out over the next while so will see how it goes.

Also she holds monthly practice meets (free) so I'll probably head along to one or two of those as well.