Tell us a little about you. Where you live, what your background is. What (if) you do in addition to being a Certified Instructor.
I am a personal Trainer and a retired Fire Captain Paramedic. I live in the mountains above Palm Springs near the Pacific Crest Trail. Enjoy pretty much most outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and riding horses.
How did you start running?
I started running at a very young age because it brought joy to my life. I have continued running throughout my life.
When and how did ChiRunning come into your life? (The short story)
The short story is I fell on a trail and ended up with an injury that just wouldn’t heal with the help of rest, medical treatment, and PT. I discovered Danny’s book and the rest is history.
In what ways has Chi changed your perception of and success in running?
I was very competitive and always liked the shorter distances and excelled at it. Now I enjoy slowing down taking the longer path and connecting with the world around me. But that does not mean that ChiRunning is for slow runners. It also has helped me improve my speed through better running form and technique.
What do you think is the biggest misconception of ChiRunning?
That ChiRunning doesn’t help improve your form and help get you faster. It takes time but the benefits are unlimited for your mind and body.
What motivates you to run?
The feeling I get from being outside in a scenic location soaking up all the energy around me while running. It’s so invigorating but at the same time peaceful.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Still running after more than 50 years and enjoying where the adventure is taking me.
What led you to become an instructor?
After attending two of Danny’s workshops, I was approached by one of the assistant instructors who encouraged me to consider taking the instructor training. Initially, I thought a few more days with Danny would be awesome so why not grow in my practice. I believe so strongly in the benefits of ChiRunning and ChiWalking that I would like to get the word out about ChiRunning. You can run without pain and actually enjoy adding mileage and seeing where your body can take you.
Why do you enjoy being an instructor, and how has it affected your life?
I love working with runners who never imagine that they could be moving without discomfort and/or enjoy exercise. Being an instructor has opened me up to trying other mindful practices and exploring where my running will take me in the future. Currently, I am taking yoga instructor training to complement mindful body practices and training.
What does your average week look like, run-wise?
Four days of running on/off. One of the days is a long run, one interval, one hill day and a fun run.
What other forms of exercise do you practice to compliment ChiRunning?
I practice Tai Chi and Yoga.
Advice for people new to ChiRunning?
Take it one focus at a time you have a lifetime to learn it just enjoy the adventure of being truly present.
Short answer! Okay, GO.
Most memorable race: Lake Powell Half Marathon – Mile 6 is a ChiRunner’s pelvic rotation dream a downhill that you can fall into while everyone else is breaking.
Ideal weather for running: A partly cloudy day
Focus that currently dominates your running: Playing with the dantien and balancing at different speeds
Favorite place to run: Meadow near my house
Go-to before race food: Banana
Celebratory food after a race: Dirty Beer
Upcoming race/goal: Peanut butter pretzels.
Upcoming race/goal: Nothing on the immediate horizon
Run with or without phone/music: Music serenaded by the birds
Repeat on your playlist:
Fill in the blank.
If I didn’t … find ChiRunning I don’t think I’d still be running now as I enter 61st year of life.
I can’t run without… The support of my husband
My first race was… a 5K in Palm Desert
My current favorite shoe to run in is… xeros speed force
My most difficult run ever was … San Diego World Finest Half Marathon in August with an unseasonal high temperature. Usually running in San Diego is delightful
I’ve run… over 40 5Ks and have placed in more than 80 percent of the time in either 1st, 2nd or 3rd in my age group.
The longest distance I’ve ran… 16 miles – just do not currently have the time available to commit to training for longer events
