Book Review Chi Running by Danny Dreyer
A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running
Jul 5, 2009
Over 200,000 copies of Chi Running have been sold, since the book was first published in 2004. The current, revised edition of Chi Running (Simon & Schuster, 2009) includes a variety of new and fully updated information including:
- Updated chapter on injury prevention and rehab.
- Natural efficiency of the mid-foot strike.
- How to shorten or eliminate post-run recovery from days to hours.
- Race specific and peak performance training.
- New 10 week program to learn the Chi Running method.
Summary of Chi Running
According to the book’s foreword, written by Mark Cucuzzella, M.D.; “Chi Running not only addresses the causes and cures of most running injuries, it teaches us a way to avoid them before they happen by changing how we run.“
T’ai Chi and Running
Danny is a long time student of T’ai Chi. A few years ago he started thinking about how the basic principles of T’ai Chi, including strong core muscles, could be applied to running. Danny calls his style of running Chi Running.
Basic Proponents of Chi Running
- Align posture.
- Relaxed limbs.
- Loose joints.
- Engaged core muscles.
- Focused mind.
- Good breathing technique.
Forefoot Running Method
Chi Running emphasizes the mid-foot strike method of running. Mid-foot strike running is also referred to as forefoot running. Instead of striking the ground with the heel, as the majority of runner’s do, the runner’s foot first strikes the ground just below the ball of the foot.
Runner’s currently employing a mid-foot running style, such as the Pose Method, should find adopting to the Chi Running method relatively easy. Compared to heel-strike running, Chi Running places a greater emphasis on the calves. It may take traditional heel strike runners up to 3 months to successfully switch to the Chi Running method.
About the Author
Danny Dreyer is a running coach, walking coach and a nationally ranked ultra-marathon runner. Danny also conducts a variety of Chi Running workshops and lectures throughout the country. Danny is also the author of Chi Walking; Five Mindful Steps to Lifelong Health and Energy (Simon & Schuster, 2006). Chi Walking was re-released by Fireside Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, in May 2009.
Danny, along with his wife and co-author, Katherine Dreyer, currently reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Additional information, including a list of certified Chi Running instructors, can be found on the Chi Running website.
About the Book
Title: Chi Running; A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running.
Authors: Danny & Katherine Dreyer
Publisher: Fireside Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.
Year published: Originally published in 2004, re-released 2009.
ISBN: 978-1-4165-4944-4
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