Laguna Phuket Marathon to take “Chi Running’ in its stride

PHUKET: The revolutionary “Chi Running” technique will be showcased at the forthcoming Laguna Phuket International Marathon in a workshop led by one of Asia’s leading exponents of the method that has taken the running world by storm.

Lit Onrubia of the Philippines, a US-certified Chi Running instructor, will lead the workshop at Laguna Phuket on June 9, the day before the seventh annual Laguna Phuket International Marathon, which is expected to draw thousands of runners of all ages and abilities from around the world.

Chi Running is a revolutionary running technique that emphasizes energy efficiency and injury-free running through proper posture, alignment, relaxation and leveraging the force of gravity.

Lit, who at one time was the only Certified Chi Running Instructor in Asia, has been running happily and injury-free for more than 14 years.

He studied under Chi Running Master Instructors Chris Griffin in San Francisco and Kathy Griest in San Diego, and now holds regular workshops in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia.

“Hundreds of thousands of runners all over the world are now running farther, faster and completely pain-free because they started applying Chi Running principles,” says Lit.

“Unfortunately for so many of us, years of poor posture and bad habits have changed our natural alignment and biomechanics. Poor alignment and biomechanics are the main reasons why we move without ease, and with soreness and pain.

“My workshops first and foremost focus is on correcting posture and running form, then breaking it down to explain the elements of efficient movement.

“I show runners how to move with nature instead of against it by teaching gravity-assisted running. One of the most important Chi Running principles is that running should be as simple as falling forward continuously, with a soft landing each time,” he said.

Race director Roman Floesser of Go Adventure Asia, said: “Lit’s workshop is sure to be of interest to many of our runners and will be a fantastic enhancement of their race experience.”

The workshop, which will combine a presentation with practical teaching, is scheduled to be held at Laguna Grove during the afternoon of June 9, as race registrations take place.

The “Run Paradise” Laguna Phuket International Marathon, Asia’s fastest-growing destination marathon, offers a full marathon, 21.1km half marathon and 10.5km run, as well as the 91.5FM 5km community walk and 2km children’s race.

Online registration is available until June 2 at www.phuketmarathon.com with special deals at Laguna Phuket hotels also available on the website.

For more information on Lit Onrubia’s Chi Running, visit www.forwardleanrunning.com

The Phuket Gazette and PGTV are proud sponsors of this major annual event.