Sign up still open for weekend ChiRunning and ChiWalking workshops

This weekend will mark a first for the Canada Games Centre, which will host a series of workshops designed to take any harmful impact out of both running and walking.

This weekend will mark a first for the Canada Games Centre, which will host a series of workshops designed to take any harmful impact out of both running and walking.

The series will begin on Saturday with a ChiRunning clinic that will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it will conclude Sunday with two ChiWalking workshops. The first ChiWalking workshop will be held at 8 a.m. to noon, while the second will be from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The workshops are being taught by Dick Felton, who has been a certified ChiRunning and ChiWalking instructor since 2006.

“We have got quite a good number and my expectation always is to give people enough information that they can go out and run injury free,” he said. “I hope to get them to walk away from the clinic enthused about the running and walking and have them active without any detriment to their body and forward progress.”

Felton first became interested in ChiRunning and walking techniques as a result of wanting to compete in an ultra marathon. Since then he has travelled all over North America, including Texas, North Carolina, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver and Sarnia.

The ChiRunning clinic will focus on taking the pounding, pain and potential damage out of the activity. It will teach proper technique, breathing methods and even shoe type that will be helpful in eliminating the chances of injury. The cost to participate in the ChiRunning is $183.75 after GST.

The ChiWalking clinics will stress proper alignment and movement techniques that will help with balance as stability.

The cost for the ChiWalking workshops is $78.75 after GST.

ChiRunning and ChiWalking teaches people the biomechanically correct technique, which uses the laws of physics as well as principles of movement that are found in tai chi. Both integrate mind and body, focusing on long-term performance and well-being.

There are still spots available in the ChiRunning and ChiWalking workshops, which can be reserved by calling event organizer Wynne Krangle at 668-5076 or through email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Felton said signing up for a ChiRunning or ChiWalking clinic reduce the chances of misinterpretation, but he encourages people to research the techniques on their own.

“What I teach people how to do is to take the information in the book and get it in their body and that’s actually what we spend the time doing.”