“Care-free running” – The fundamentals of modern running

After 18 months of workshops in Ireland, we’ve come to the conclusion that nature just doesn’t cut it, it’s time to intervene and to intervene strong. There IS no middle-ground.” –Tony Riddle, Technical Director, ChampionsEverywhere

Move like nature never intended and learn the art of careless running on our state of the art science-driven workshops. Our upcoming “Carefree running” workshops, led by international movement expert Tony Riddle, will provide you all the established knowledge you need to continue running in hi-tech footwear or, for the very experienced runners, how to best recover from using a racing flat.

Check dates and book your place

Who is it for

Anyone looking for a quick fix to an injury or plateau in performance with minimum work required. If you’re already injured – don’t worry, as there will be little or no movement involved in the course. We will have sports massage, foam rollers and free pain-killers available throughout the course as well as specially designed insoles to trial.

What you learn

We teach you how to combine the very best of modern scientific research with hi-tech running shoes. At our course you will:

See how the average runner moves today and why it’s ok that you do too
Learn how to run with an IPod, blissfully unaware of your surroundings
Observe and practice with other heel strikers
Learn to block the sensation of running and think of something else
How to live with your own running style and what practitioners to hire to control your injuries

In a nutshell – run as you do today with not a care in the world, fully supported by the best shoes in the market. We will put at orthotics your disposal to deal with any discomfort and seek to eliminate it. Throughout the course, we’ll be reiterating current practices and established scientific facts.

After our courses, we can help provide a full listing of medical practitioners to continue your education and help you develop your running further.

Format of the “Caree-free running” weekend

Day 1: Fundamentals of care free running

On day 1 we record video of your current running style. We record how your big toe lands on the treadmill with a special “focus-cam” enabling us to ignore the wider picture. Then follows our presentation on the latest running shoes and the first principle of care free running: “Leave it to the experts”.

We’ll look at individual toe strikes before prescribing a set of standardised stretches. Most of the day will be theory and chat including a 20 minute demonstration (1 on 1) with Tony Riddle where you get taken through how to construct the perfect playlist to allow you to “zone out” while running. Our personal highlight of the day features the “bouncy castle” jumps to help optimise your movement for your cushioned runner of choice.

We finish with a recap on stretches (which should be done before and after runs) and a quick primer on icing. Note stretching is done at your own risk and we will not be held liable for any tightness, pain or injury caused as a result.

Day 2: Fundamentals of care free living

Elliptical trainer — One of the many great cross-trainers for running we'll showcase during the course

On day 2, we always have a few surprises in store but we will take you through the unnatural movements of man (sitting, slouching, jogging, etc.) – all of which feed perfectly into creating a relaxed heel-striking gait and maintaining your current movement ability.

We move into the gym to record your uphill running (downhill cannot be covered due to no treadmill supporting this) as well as provide basic training on how to move around obstacles – opening gates, getting helped across barriers by marshals, how to park very close to gym entrances and race starts, how to carry a water bottle effectively, what TV-shows provide the best rest stimulus and other tips and tricks are all covered here along with methods to ensure you get enough rest and recovery as part of your daily life. Our coaches will take you through a whole series of seated postures in our specially designed ergonomic chairs. Also covered are isolation exercises: crunches to accentuate good jogging posture and how to use seated gym machines to minimise discomfort while getting stronger.

In the afternoon, we analyse your uphill running before watching a DVD on running drills proven to increase muscular action during your running stride. The DVD will be available for purchase of the day, so you can watch it again at home. The day ends with a hard interval competition on elliptical trainers to burn off the calories from the relaxing weekend.

I’d like more information

There’s really nothing more to know – just show up, relax, lean back and we’ll do the rest for you.

Upcoming workshops

Below is our current schedule for the next months:

April 1st: Holistic Wellness Centre, Laragh, Co. Wicklow (book now)

You can purchase both our 1-day and 2-days (full weekend option). The weekend option is the best both in terms of value for money and in providing you the full picture. For first-time attendees we recommend booking Day 1 if you can only attend one day.

Pricing

€500 for the 2-day weekend with a €450 early bird offer if you book 4 weeks in advance. You will get two free sessions of physiotherapy as part of this package, we recommend booking straight after the course as you’re likely to need treatment within 3-4 weeks of starting running again.

How to sign up

50 spots are available for each class so we can provide you with minimum attention during the weekend from our coaches and you don’t feel put on the spot. You’ll be charged a €100 deposit when booking with the rest of the price payable on the day.

Reserve place and pay deposit now

Book early to avoid disappointment. Note that deposits are non-refundable as our workshops generally sell out and late cancellations do no allow us to fill spots back up. Workshop numbers are strictly limited to 50 people.