Susie O'BrianCertified ChiRunning and ChiWalking Instructor

After 2 knee surgeries, and being told by an orthopedic doctor to "hang up" my running shoes, I listened and quit running . . . until I heard about ChiRunning. By using Chi principles and techniques, I have overcome my joint and muscle pain, and completed 5 marathons (including Boston), a half ironman duathlon, numerous 10Ks, triathlons, and most importantly, enjoy an active lifestyle!

My experience motived me to become a Certified Chi Instructor. I want to share my love of running, and teach others a form that will allow them to enjoy pain free running and walking as they age. I enjoy helping those that are new to running, returning to running after a break, and those that wish to improve their current running form by teaching an energy-efficient technique that will result in a lower rate of injury, and increased performance. If I have done my job correctly, you will look upon running not as merely exercise, but as a life practice to be embraced, improved upon, and thoroughly enjoyed.

In recent years, people have come to realize the way they run rather than running itself is the real source of pain and injury. With this concept in mind, Danny Dryer began developing ChiRunning and ChiWalking in 1999. After observing a "Tai Chi" class, he figured out the concept of moving from one's center and letting the arms and legs flow naturally would be beneficial if applied to running. His application of biomechanics and Chi principles to Running and Walking has helped hundreds of thousands of runners and walkers of all experience levels enjoy a pain-free active lifestyle, and increase performance.

Dreyer's ChiRunning and ChiWalking techniques focus on 4 principles:

For more information on ChiRunning and ChiWalking, visit chiliving.com.

The 4-hour Initial Training Workshops and Corporate Workshops cover the following topics:

The initial workshop and tune-ups includes ChiRunning or ChiWalking theory explanation and demonstration, one-on-one technique training, and "before and after" video analysis.

"Put on your running shoes and spend time with Susie - it will change your life - I ran 5 miles for the first time in my life and had to make myself stop. It was amazing (challenging yes given my current level of fitness) but certainly enjoyable - which I never thought I would have said running any distance would be enjoyable. Knowing also that you can repeat the success any time you want do is internal satisfaction that sticks with you all day and transcends all the other things you must do throughout your day."

-Margaret, Georgia

"I found that learning to run the proper way is just as useful as taking lessons in any other sport, like golf or tennis. Susie has helped me extend my running as a hobby!"

-Chris, Ohio

"I took a ChiRunning class with Susie, and am very impressed with the results & have recommended it to 2 dozen people. My knees do not hurt even after a 2 hour run . . . what a difference from before!"

-Michael, Kentucky