Racing

Thank you for the video! I learned a lot from your clinic and have been trying to incorporate all the tips into my runs—and I really feel it's made a difference. I did the Harvest Half in Calgary two weeks after the clinic and I felt really good even though I hadn't done a lot of distance. I was able to keep focused on all the things I should be doing and I did it in 1:58:43 which was a 6 min. improvement over the last time I did that race. And now I'm gearing up for the Seattle Half at the end of November with my family and then thinking of doing the new Vancouver marathon course in the spring.
I hope you both are keeping well and busy with your clinics and running. I hope to see you again.
Julie

Hi Every One, Just ran my first race since the Clinic and I put all new techniques to work and they really worked. Ever Time I felt my strides getting too big, I shortened them up and could feel my speed pick up. Today I got my first "GOLD MEDAL" in the 15k (Spring Trio) I did it in 1 hour and 19 minutes. I was Thrilled.
Jane

Shortly after I purchased your and Roger's book, The Guide to Natural Posture Running, I read it and utilized a few of the techniques the next day during a half marathon. I had decided to run a relaxed race and, at the same time, apply the NPR techniques of leaning forward and keeping my hands at my waist. Since this style of running was new to me I had to continually concentrate to retain the new posture. I felt great throughout the run and as I looked up to see the clock at the finish line I was shocked to realize my time was 10 minutes faster than expected. This was particularly comforting as I was running in the new age bracket of 70 to 74 and in a time of 2:05. I know NPR helped because I could feel a slight improvement in momentum by leaning forward. Thanks for passing along these new ideas.
Sid

Just a note to tell you that I finally broke 2 hours for half marathon, finished the Arizona Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon in 1:58:56 and 51st out of 292 in my age division (60-64) and 61.5% in that age-adjusted performance level (I forget the formal name for this statistic). The NPR really helped, although ironically I encountered a problem of having to rein in my speed in the early going. It seemed too easy to go faster than I wanted. Had to find just the right angle of lean. When tired and slowing I just increased the lean a bit and I was back on target again. Thanks again for you help. Will contact you when we return from Arizona. Hope your training is going well!
Dave

The clinic was great. Although I think I need a refresh already, I was able to knock almost 2 minutes off my 10K time between Paddy's and the icebreaker. With my new form and some training I can probably get another minute (and 5 years) off this summer.
Myles

Enjoyment

Thank you! To say that this past weekend was a fresh breath of fresh air into my running is a huge understatement! More like gave it a brand new set of legs!
I ran about 7.25 miles this evening, which includes when I was doing the drills; and at the end of it, instead of my legs feeling heavy, I felt as though I was just getting warmed up. And going up hills, as you instructed, I just leaned a little more forward, kept my cadence the same, and just focused on picking up my feet and putting them back down again. I didn't feel like I was struggling up the hills like I used to. I really enjoyed my run this evening - it felt so effortless compared to this time last week. I came home grinning from ear to ear.
Thank you all so much for putting in your time this past weekend.
Michael

I really enjoyed your clinic and gained valuable information that I plan to practice and apply to improve my running and prevent injuries. I went to the Y tonight to practice the NPR technique on the track and am glad to report that I was able to work on the areas pointed out in the video analysis in a 45 minute run. I did a short run tonight to work on technique and I plan to try out the NPR technique on longer runs over the next few weeks.
Elise Just wanted to let you know that I've been doing 99% of my runs this year in Vibram fivefingers. In Sept. I did 47k of a 100k ultra in them and it felt amazing. My feet feel so good and strong, because they can actually move the way they are supposed to. I think NP running and Vibrams together are just the best. I wish I could go totally barefoot, but haven't made it there yet.
Kirsten

I really enjoyed the clinic and learned a lot. I’m taking the optimistic view of my poor form on video analysis as an indication that I may actually be able to see some marked improvement in my performance. Something to work on. See you at the start line or one the trails.
Matthew

I thoroughly enjoyed learning the Natural Posture running techniques at the Duckett Performance centre. It has taught me to be a more efficient runner, to relax my shoulders more and to improve my half-marathon time by 3 minutes.
Jason

The warm up, looseners, drills and the training for NPR was non- stressful and low key but very effective – “The three of you form a very charismatic team."
Gwyneth

I had to run right after the video analysis yesterday so I didn't get a chance to say thank you for putting on this clinic. I found it to be an excellent experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their running performance. Before NPR I would just go out and run and it was always laboured. Now I go out thinking about the techniques and am amazed with the results and at how easy it is. Today I did a 22k run at an average pace of 5min/km and felt great throughout. Two months ago I would not have been able to do this! Also, I would like to thank Syl and Cal for sharing their expertise. I found Syl's coaching and Cal's thorough analysis to be very beneficial. Could you please forward this message onto them to let them know how much I appreciate their role in the clinic.
Jamie

I was happy with the out come of the day. I think that natural posture running technique played a significant role in my race. As the race progressed, most of the people I was running with go sloppier and sloppier with their technique and I just stayed mindful about the important elements of NPR and I ended passing a lot of them by the end.
Luke

Speed

I as well would like to report some great progress with my running after the NP clinic. My good friend Rick Hubka initially told me about it several years ago, but I had only dabbled with it a few times. I’m seeing improved speeds in my speed-work, yet not feeling nearly as fatigued. I am stretching the heck out of myself trying to work on my non-existent flexibility (legs, hips, etc)! Early season races coming up will be the true test; Policeman’s and Red Deer full.
Paul

Since the past few weeks attending the clinic, I have been trying to put the advice I learned into place. I went for a run on a 20km run on Sunday and my body the whole time wanted to run anywhere in between 6:45 to 7:15 per km. This is a great improvement over my last times, I'm definitely easily two minutes faster per kilometer. The only question I have for you: Even though my form is faster, my energy levels are not there yet to sustain that speed for long periods. Any advice?
Thanks for all the help!
Karen

It has been almost a month since I attended the Mount Engadine NPR Running camp and I am delighted! NPR works. I have certainly not perfected the technique, yet, and I am constantly reminding myself about the various improvements that I should be doing as I am running. So far these are the things I have noticed since the camp”. I am running faster with less effort than before (lower heart rates)….times have improved by at least 20 sec/km and heart rates are 5-10 beats/minute lower. My legs on the long runs are not as fatigued and I seem to be able to recovery quicker. Even when I am running alone, I have plenty of things to work on with my technique, so my runs are fun once again and they have a sense of purpose. Instead of looking forward to every run, I really really look forward to every run! (I feel like a kid again).
Connie

Tried NPR 1st session elements on 21/2 mile run home from work. Was very tired when I got home and had tight calves – I was faster then usual.
Kathy

Less Effort

I've been running much longer distances, and made significant speed gains with less effort. I thought the clinic would help, but I'm pleasantly surprised what a huge difference it has made.
Steve

I must tell you that I think your NPR clinic helped me. During the first half of the race, there were a good number of rolling hills & on every one I leaned into the hill & found myself going up the hill faster & stronger. Near the end of the race, I remembered to "Relax & lean". Overall, I took over 12 minutes off my previous PR & now qualified for Boston.
Joe

Fewer Injuries

Hello and thank you! I am an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, creator of "the Fitness Fix" DVD's, and marathoner, and just from reading your articles and website I have changed my running over the past year. I have old injuries from car accidents and damage to my lift hip which has bothered me for 10 years. I teach core -conditioning classes and was able to run well, but always had a bit of pain in that left hip and even in my heel - a bit of nagging plantar fasciitis. Last year I ran a 1:45 half in Edmonton in the Master's games, and had severe hip pain after, knowing well that I was over-striding trying to reach my goal. This year without anymore training, just focusing on your technique, I ran a 1:42 in Canmore and though it was challenging to hold that pace cardiovascularly, but I had no pain during OR after besides tired muscles. I felt like I could fly, even on the hills. I am booked with clients six months in advance, so can't take your course, but I do recommend it to my clients and classes!
Thank you for helping our understanding and for helping to prevent injuries. My strength and core training was saving me but NPR optimized me!
Denise

I just wanted to give an update with how things have been since the NPR course I attended in the spring. Unbelievably, I have made it through an entire race season without any serious injury. Over the last several years I have had numerous lower body injuries, which I believe are, related to overuse. I certainly think that the NPR techniques have attributed to this turn around. Finally today, after 3 ˝ years I have achieved what I thought would never arrive – a PB! I managed to take almost a full minute off my previous best half time at the Last Chance Half Marathon. When things start feeling tough, I just have to concentrate on my form and think about the lean. Of course, Chris’s guidance and training programs are of great benefit in conjunction with NPR!
Paul

Personnal Bests

Somehow pulled out at PR at the Harvest Half this morning at 1:47:30ish seconds. Maybe it was the Natural Posture Running Clinic, the great friends that encourage me during our training on Tues&Thurs nights, training with Karin and Davey for the Iron Legs Ultra or the homemade Mac&Cheese my Mom made for me before the race. Whatever it was, everything came together nicely today!!! Sweeeeet!!!
Carla

I credit my adaptation (still learning) of your NP running style with the removal of 7 minutes from my previous personal best to the current results. I have never been able to finish strong like I did this time. I ran a consistent 4:49 from beginning to end, with no fade, and felt strong at the end. I concentrated throughout the race on the lean with the head high and the hips forward. Whenever I would tire I would remind myself of this body position and feel a slight relief. As previously discussed, I found running in the snow and ice and excellent way to practice the NP. I felt when I was properly landing mid foot with the forward lean I would have no traction or footing problems on clear ice. This allowed me to do my last long runs under poor conditions and no injuries. I also practiced this for a short run on the beach in the sand in Cancun. I found that I could back track my foot prints, and see a mid foot landing without the toe push that is very tiring when running in sand. Thanks Roger and Helly for your great inspiration and instruction. I plan to attend other clinics you might have and will recommend your process to others I know.
Bob

After attending the NPR workshop at Mount Engadine Lodge in June, I have been trying to incorporate the NPR principles into my running. I ran Melissa’s 22k (19k this year) and managed to finish in 1 hr 36:30. I haven’t run times like that for about 6 years!. I must admit was a bit choked when I realized that if I had run 10 seconds faster, I would have places third in my age category! Two more words from me: “It works”.
Connie

This was my second marathon in 3 months, a first for me. As I started out the race I concentrated on the NPR techniques, relaxing, leaning and arms but as the miles slipped away so did my NPR until an older gentleman passed by me in a perfect lean. He reminded me to get back to my NPR form and soon I was passing him and many others. I completed the race not only feeling good but also 2:30 minutes faster than my previous race and sealing my Boston qualifying time. I still have a way to go perfecting my NPR techniques but I like the results so far and can't wait for my next race.
Shelagh