Results > Coaches

"Sid said that my stride and form looked better than ever. I attributed it to your sessions and an improved stretching routine. I'm really excited about the possibilities this year. I really do feel like a different runner! More in control and of course more balanced. Thanks."

-- Tony Ruiz, Distance Coach, Nike Central Park Track Club; Owner, Coach TRuiz Coaching, Inc.


"Jae is one of three people to whom I’ve ever referred team members (the other two being doctors). After one workshop I was able to make subtle but critical changes to my running form that eliminated knee pain I’d been grappling with for years. As a coach already focused on injury preventative running form, this was significant. This has been the case with everyone I have sent to her."

-- Charlotte Gould, RRCA-certified Coach, Founder/Director, Mothers Across America


"Working with The Balanced Runner has brought me great results. Better flexibility, resolution of injuries, fewer aches and pains, and better form which has made my running better and more fun."

-- Angela Riordan, Coach, Bridle Path Track Club


"I recommend Jae’s Feldenkrais® workshops as well as her one-on-one sessions to my runners because she’s everything a practitioner should be—intelligent, insightful, intuitive, patient, and effective. She has a comprehensive understanding of running mechanics and running injuries/imbalances and knows how to help her clients run with significantly less effort, which translates to improved speed and endurance."

-- Tim Haft, USA Track & Field coach and certified personal trainer

Results > Runners

"Working with Jae to improve my form was one of the best decisions I have made for my running. I changed not only the way I run, but how I move every day. This has freed me from pain that held back my running. My marathon times have improved greatly because I improved my form and economy, and eliminated painful practices that inhibited proper training. Not only did I take over 30 minutes off my time and qualify for Boston (my stated goal when I started working with Jae), but I re-qualified for Boston in Boston!"

-- Jo Ann Mannino, Past President, New York Flyers


"I used your cd before a track workout Wednesday and had the fastest workout of the year and then again on Saturday and had my longest run of the year. My body is getting it, but it has a long way to go as I have been running through severe imbalance problems for over 25 years. I was very loose on the 21 mile run and only stopped because it got dark. The next day I was not sore at all. I am using other Feldenkrais ATM lessons too and reading books, but your cd is my "go to" cd.

More runners need to learn about Feldenkrais and how it can help them. I have tried everything else over the years and have not got the results I am getting from experimenting with Feldenkrais. I was ready to quit running, even though I love it, in August, because I was so tired of never figuring out how to run properly. Then I decided to try this as a last chance thing and it is working!"

-- Jim Hansen
http://recoveryourstride.blogspot.com


"When I came to see Jae, I had not been able to run in almost a year. I had torn my hamstring and, despite seeing a highly recommended sports doctor, a trainer, and two physical therapists, I could barely even walk a few miles without reaggravating the injury. It only took a few sessions with Jae to get rid of the pain. I can honestly say she's the only reason I am running again.

More amazing to me, though, have been the changes I've noticed throughout my entire body. I was a sworn adherent to custom orthotics, having worn them since college (now twenty years ago). After my very first session with Jae, I had something I'm sure I had never had before: arches. I stopped wearing the orthotics a few sessions later. Pre-Jae, I had run in orthotics in stability shoes and still probably pronated a bit. Now I wear lightweight neutrals and have no problems with pronation at all.

Even more meaningful to me is what this work has done for my back. I had spinal fusion for severe scoliosis when I was younger, meaning I had two metal rods fused to either side of the upper part of my spine. Since working with Jae and Julia I can stand so much straighter than before and I have so much more flexibility in my back. While driving recently, I caught myself twisting to turn and look over my shoulder while I backed into a parking space. I hadn't been able to do that since my surgery, over 15 years ago. I can't recommend Jae and Julia enough. Working with them has been transformative for me."

-- Nina Pearlman


"Working with Jae has created more body awareness for me and improved my posture, gait, and overall sense of balance. Jae is greatly aware of running bio-mechanics and keenly observant of where and how to finely make minor but lasting adjustments. She reminds me of an expert car mechanic able to perform engine tune-ups on all makes and models of cars, from a basic sedan to racing machine. I would highly recommend Jae to anyone seeking pain relief and improved efficiency in their running."

-- Noah Perlis


"After completing two marathons and picking up three stress fractures from them (foot, pelvis, and hip), I decided I needed help! A friend recommended the Balanced Runner approach and I went along to find out more. In just a few sessions I could see, feel, and understand the difference. Jae and Julia helped me understand and correct the issues that had led to my injuries and gave me the self-awareness to know how my movements impact my running style and speed. Fast forward a few months, and I completed my third marathon -- this time without injury -- and I have since completed my fourth with nothing worse than sore quads afterwards! The Balanced Runner has helped me fine tune my running style and has given me the confidence to train for my fifth marathon without fear of injury."

-- Kathryn Loosemore


"After struggling with a foot injury and related problems for several months, I saw Jae for a single session. Her gentle manipulations, and insightful corrections to my form marked a major turning point in my recovery, and I was able to run a half-marathon only four weeks later, injury-free, and with a time faster than I had ever dreamed possible! Any time I felt a twinge during the race, I was able to immediately make the simple corrections to my form which Jae had taught me to avoid any further discomfort. I cannot recommend Jae's work enough, and only wish I lived closer to her office. However, I will continue to work with her whenever I am in New York-- in my opinion she is an extremely valuable resource for runners, and a lovely person too!"

-- Eliane Green


"I decided I wanted to run a half-marathon without first realizing that I didn't actually know how to run. I had always assumed that running followed the same pattern as walking--just one foot in front of the other--though much faster and with arms swinging. Being in good shape, I assumed that running would come easily. A month into training on my own, however, brought too much pain for me to continue without help. What I learned from my sessions with Jae was that running--and walking--are not simply about moving one's feet. By studying the way I carried myself standing, walking, and running, Jae was able to zero in on areas of my body that I never would have considered as necessary factors for running. Each of her lessons was invaluable in teaching me to approach running from a whole-body perspective and instead of feeling constricted by what I learned, Jae's advice transformed running into a freer experience. She listened carefully to all of my concerns and observations and offered guidance and support, in the form of her honest estimation of my abilities, difficulties and progress. Our sessions facilitated my running practice to shift from being something I dreaded and did out of discipline to one that I fully enjoyed and looked forward to. Within several weeks, my movements had improved dramatically, running was much more easeful, and the post-run aches that had been plaguing me were greatly reduced. Since successfully finishing the half marathon (in two hours and one minute!) I have integrated Jae's observations and advice into all of my physical activities--from yoga to hiking to carting heavy bags home from the grocery store. It is not an overstatement to say that working with Jae changed my life and unequivocally improved my health."

-- Sarah Norris


"While training for my 2nd marathon, I started to experience excruciating pain on the lateral sides of my knees. It seemed to occur whenever I would run over 5-6 miles. I saw an orthopedic specialist who gave me knee braces and prescibed anti-inflammatories.

I attended one of Jae's What Runner's Kneed to Know workshops and 2 private sessions. I noticed a difference almost immediately. My running seemed much less labored and my knee pain subsided. Soon I did not need the anti-inflammatories or braces....I am now training for my 4th marathon--free of knee pain!"

-- Catherine Gallagher


"Jae, I just wanted you to know that a week after my treatment I have absolutely no hip or knee pain. I haven't fit in a lot of running but what running I have done has felt great, with no discomfort afterwards. Thank you so much. I am hopeful for the first time that I can rekindle my running. I have passed your name on to two runners who may seek you out."

-- Amber Meyenberg


"A year ago, my doctor suggested that I work with Balanced Runner due to an ITB problem in my right knee. At this point I was also over-pronating my left foot, and to support this I was wearing motion stabilising running shoes. A few weeks ago I went to purchase a new pair of running shoes, I told the assistant about the type of shoes that I had been wearing but she asked me try a pair of neutral shoes so that she could see where I was pronating and then suggest an appropriate type of shoe. Imagine my surprise when she told me that there was no over-pronation and that she could not understand why I was buying motion control shoes as my feet were completely straight. I have since run 4 races and about 100 miles in my new shoes. I never expected to correct my pronation but it has been an unexpected benefit of working with Jae and Julia -- I don't have any ITB or painful running issues either. Thanks Jae and Julia for all your patience and hard work. I look forward to continuing to work with you on improving my speed now!"

-- Heather Horner


"Had a fantastic run this morning. This stuff is so cool."

-- Jolie Goldstein


"I had a great moment running with an old running partner for the first time in many months: unprompted, she commented on how different my form looked, noticing more fluid, streamlined forward motion in each stride and with my upper body! I knew it was feeling different, but it was great to hear that it looked that way too!"

-- Sarah Foster


"I'm doing very nicely, Jae. I want you to know that, although I took only one of your group sessions eons ago, the learning has stayed with me. I'll be 63 next Monday, and I'm still running..."

-- Jack Levin


"Thank you so much for all the help and guidance you have given me over the past few months. It's been a journey, and I certainly wouldn't have been able to make it to the start of the marathon, let alone the finish, without you."

-- Henrietta Aitken


"I want to let you know I had a fantastic time today with Julia. I learned so much and found the group session to be very useful for my running form.

"Julia was very kind and gave us all the personal time and attention we could have ever hoped for."

-- Alexander Panasuk


"Nothing noticable to report from my run after last session, but today I did a 12 miles run and for the first time I noticed my torso moving together with my arms, the whole ribcage pretty much rotating with the upper arms with a slight extra movement of the arms below the elbow... I felt it more on the uphills and I could engage this rotation to boost my speed and efficiency on the uphills...

"I actually had the fastest time ever for this distance (10-13 miles) as far as I can tell. No major pains either."

-- Akis Petroulas


"I wanted to thank you for your amazing lessons. It has made a big difference in the way I think about my movement. I appreciate the individualized thought and care. You always create a very welcome and warm environment."

-- Julie Lake


"Every time I go running now I think about how much better my running has become since working with you. I remember how I used to run, and it is really amazing how much my form has improved since then--it makes running so much more enjoyable."

-- Katherine Aceti


"Three days after [What Runners (K)need to Know], I did the refresher CD and then ran 9 miles. I had no knee pain or swelling afterwards, which I normally would have had. That was really great."

-- Amy Sherman


"My running has been really good since your class. I notice improvements, and am definitely happy with the effects of the workshop."

-- Rory O'Dea


"I was impressed, and enjoyed the workshop."

-- Margaret Schotte


"Thanks so much for a wonderful class. Initially I was skeptical during the stretches, but today is the best my knee has been in a long time. It's almost like a miracle. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

-- Mary Spera


"Overall my running is more relaxed and feels less constricted. After years of trying to be straight as a board, this workshop was some kind of revelation for me. I'm hoping with this new information I can start doing my long runs and have some kind of enjoyment."

-- Liane Montesa