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ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running
A groundbreaking program that teaches you how to run faster and farther with less effort, and prevent and heal injuries, for runners of any age or fitness level. In ChiRunning, Danny and Katherine Dreyer, well-known walking and running coaches, provide powerful insight that transforms running from a high-injury sport to a body-friendly, injury-free fitness phenomenon. ChiR...more
ebook, 320 pages
Published
May 5th 2009
by Touchstone
(first published 2004)
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I have always said I am not a natural runner--although I still try to run. But in just two weeks I feel like I may actually be able to run long distances someday.
Two mistakes I was making I was able to correct right away--breathing properly (longer counts using my nose and not my mouth) and shortening my pace. I will continue to experiment with the "lean." It seems a little strange to me, but I will say that this morning's run seemed a bit of a breakthrough in that regard. I think I may get it...more
Two mistakes I was making I was able to correct right away--breathing properly (longer counts using my nose and not my mouth) and shortening my pace. I will continue to experiment with the "lean." It seems a little strange to me, but I will say that this morning's run seemed a bit of a breakthrough in that regard. I think I may get it...more
5 likes · like · see review
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I'm reading this as a counterpoint to Dr. Nicholas Romanov's Pose Method of Running.
---
Imagine that you have invented a device which has two functions:
1. It selectively weakens one part of the human anatomy.
2. Whatever part that the device weakens, it also allows to function in its weakened state.
For example, this might be a sort of earpiece that gradually causes you to go deaf; however, so long as you continue to wear the earpiece, you maintain your faculties of hearing.
Obviously, no one would...more
---
Imagine that you have invented a device which has two functions:
1. It selectively weakens one part of the human anatomy.
2. Whatever part that the device weakens, it also allows to function in its weakened state.
For example, this might be a sort of earpiece that gradually causes you to go deaf; however, so long as you continue to wear the earpiece, you maintain your faculties of hearing.
Obviously, no one would...more
24 likes · like · see review
Loy Machedo’s Book Review – Chi Running Danny Dreyer
My foray into the world of sports & fitness began with the fateful yet accidental meeting of my School Fitness Coach in a garden one early morning. How I bumped into him – well I was ‘trying’ to jog behind a group of girls whom I identified as girls from my school and Volia! What do you know!!!. (I know...I always got myself into situations like these.)
From that meeting on, he introduced me to a world of running and that lead me to one of t...more
My foray into the world of sports & fitness began with the fateful yet accidental meeting of my School Fitness Coach in a garden one early morning. How I bumped into him – well I was ‘trying’ to jog behind a group of girls whom I identified as girls from my school and Volia! What do you know!!!. (I know...I always got myself into situations like these.)
From that meeting on, he introduced me to a world of running and that lead me to one of t...more
I got this book because I had hit a 3 mile wall with running. I would be out of breath and in pain at that point. Now I know I was using my muscles inefficiently, taking too big of strides, and had bad form. Ha ha.
This book has helped me a lot so far. I see it taking years to really implement everything. I do feel a greater ability to run farther and with less pain already. I like how Dreyer suggests running to "practice running" for the sake of being a better runner rather than to get fit, or...more
This book has helped me a lot so far. I see it taking years to really implement everything. I do feel a greater ability to run farther and with less pain already. I like how Dreyer suggests running to "practice running" for the sake of being a better runner rather than to get fit, or...more
I kind-of bought this book by accident (one-click when I meant to add to a wish-list, lol). But, since I bought it, I read it.
I have always struggled with shin splits when I run, and a few years ago, started taking shorter steps, and trying to land in a mid-sole area. This helped with the shin splits, but was VERY difficult to do, and I could never get beyond 4 miles or so before becoming exhausted.
The concepts taught in this book have made the difference. I find my pace to be consistently fas...more
I have always struggled with shin splits when I run, and a few years ago, started taking shorter steps, and trying to land in a mid-sole area. This helped with the shin splits, but was VERY difficult to do, and I could never get beyond 4 miles or so before becoming exhausted.
The concepts taught in this book have made the difference. I find my pace to be consistently fas...more
About two years ago, I read a book called ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer. Before I read the book, like a lot of people, I assumed that if I didn’t look like I was working, then I wasn’t running correctly. With my face squished into a determined grimace, and my body tense, I ran hard for thirty minutes on the treadmill. Bouncing up and down, I pounded up my imaginary mountain four mornings a week. Within two weeks of doing this, my ankles hurt, I had shin splints, and I was discouraged. I took a brea...more
May 18, 2011
Juliette Swett
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-practical
About two years ago, I read a book called ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer. Before I read the book, like a lot of people, I assumed that if I didn’t look like I was working, then I wasn’t running correctly. With my face squished into a determined grimace, and my body tense, I ran hard for thirty minutes on the treadmill. Bouncing up and down, I pounded up my imaginary mountain four mornings a week. Within two weeks of doing this, my ankles hurt, I had shin splints, and I was discouraged. I took a brea...more
ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer (pp. 256)
Hands down this may be one of the most useful books I’ve ever read. I’m not the best runner. I want to be a better runner. I’ve read a lot of content on running, but this was by far the most informative and instantly impactful to my comfort while running.
The book defines it’s style of running as Chi Running using principles of Tai Chi versus the more commonly written about and taught ‘power running’. Describing running it can be daunting and boring, but Dreye...more
Hands down this may be one of the most useful books I’ve ever read. I’m not the best runner. I want to be a better runner. I’ve read a lot of content on running, but this was by far the most informative and instantly impactful to my comfort while running.
The book defines it’s style of running as Chi Running using principles of Tai Chi versus the more commonly written about and taught ‘power running’. Describing running it can be daunting and boring, but Dreye...more
One of the people on my team at work loaned this to me because she knew I was trying to get back to running, and was struggling with a lot of tightness and soreness after my workouts. There's some good advice in this book, but it's interspersed with a LOT of success stories and bad scientific method. What I want from a guide like this is:
1)Why I'm telling you this stuff
2)What are the components to my program
3) Here is the program.
I think most of this book could have been boiled down to about 4 b...more
1)Why I'm telling you this stuff
2)What are the components to my program
3) Here is the program.
I think most of this book could have been boiled down to about 4 b...more
1 like · like · see review
The book itself is good not great. However, the impact it has on my running is nothing short of a miracle. I consider myself an amateur runner. At 39, I thought it was time to fulfill my bucket list item; run a marathon. I was under-trained when I ran a half marathon in May 2012. I ended up injuring myself and suffered IT Band syndrome throughout the summer. During that time I read Born To Run and was intrigued to learn more about minimal or barefoot running style. That journey led me to Chi Run...more
I read Chi Running in preparation for an upcoming 4-hour Chi Running seminar I signed up for (but haven't taken yet). The book did a really good job of laying out all the principles of Danny Dreyer's style of natural running and how to incorporate it bit by bit into your own runs. I appreciated the meditation/concentration focus of the book as well -- a lot of running is all mental so it makes sense to talk just as much about your attitudes and perceptions during a run as your stride length and...more
I'm not really sure what "Chi" actually is...something to do with getting the right conditions (posture) such that energy can flow from your spine througout your whole body. Maybe its a mix of Namaste Yoga, Pilates and Tai-Chi? But if this book could help me or you learn to run effortlessly and injury free I was interested.
Danny Dreyer (a self professed walking and running coach) claims that after accepting his methods of Chi-running the following happens..injuries decrease, times improve, perc...more
Danny Dreyer (a self professed walking and running coach) claims that after accepting his methods of Chi-running the following happens..injuries decrease, times improve, perc...more
There were certain chapters in this book which was very informative and useful - mainly the how of ChiRunning, the stretches, uphill an downhill running, and really the whole section on the "learning" process. There were also lots of real pictures of the poses and postures which will be helpful when visualising the technique.
What I didn't like were the chapters on diet and the first 3 chapters (too waffly).
I'll have to check if this was one of the books Timothy Ferriss references because I cou...more
What I didn't like were the chapters on diet and the first 3 chapters (too waffly).
I'll have to check if this was one of the books Timothy Ferriss references because I cou...more
I will definitely be re-reading this one. In fact, in the first chapter (or maybe the introduction?) he advises the reader to read it all the way through first, then go back and consult it for instruction on applying the technique, the form focuses, and all of the other principles of ChiRunning. I like the method for its troubleshooting-type approach: right technique is a process, not an achievement, so whenever something isn't working, or whenever an injury or a problem surfaces, consult your f...more
Explains how as adults we have lost our way on how to run....the idea he says is to run like a child. This is actually the way the kenyans run for the most part, so he can't be too far off!
So the premis of the book is this...to run properly without injury you need to lean forward while keeping you posture straight, as you lean forward gravity will cause you to be pulled forward, then you simply lift your feet with the tendons/ligaments in the top of legs where your hips connect to the legs, and...more
So the premis of the book is this...to run properly without injury you need to lean forward while keeping you posture straight, as you lean forward gravity will cause you to be pulled forward, then you simply lift your feet with the tendons/ligaments in the top of legs where your hips connect to the legs, and...more
Despite many shortcomings (including a ridiculous name), the information on running form and technique make it something special. I’ve been toying around with some of the suggestions for three weeks now, and I’ll fully admit the Dreyers hit on something important with this method. As a minimalist running convert, I’d even go so far as to say this book provided me with the missing piece I’ve needed to fully hit my stride. So two thumbs way up for the information, which I think would benefit the v...more
This book has completely changed the way I run. It makes so much sense! I wish I had heard about this sooner. I have a feeling that this book will be an important resource for me for years to come. I do have issues with a couple minor things: 1. He doesn't think strength training is necessary, but I think toning and conditioning have been an essential part of my fitness regime. Maybe you shouldn't strength train like a body builder, but toning can only be beneficial. 2. He does not believe in se...more
Feb 05, 2008
Kipahni
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
publiclibrarybooks,
2008-books
"Make your work day a moving meditation"- a quote from the book.
This book has some amazing tips on how to run the most effective and enjoyable way. Since implementing the chi form of running I have been able to run longer distance and add more endurance. The only down side is that I wished it came with a DVD so that one could see the form in action.
This book has some amazing tips on how to run the most effective and enjoyable way. Since implementing the chi form of running I have been able to run longer distance and add more endurance. The only down side is that I wished it came with a DVD so that one could see the form in action.
I have always avoided running, but have wanted to figure out how I could 'run and not be weary'. When I realized that I was holding my breath it was like a light bulb went on "hey, maybe I can run!" I don't run far or fast, but I feel that because of the tips in this book I am learning to run and enjoy the experience.
No doubt, this was a good book filled with good ideas. I don't disagree with anything the author says and I totally agree that most runners suffer from injuries due to some flaw(s) in their form. The hard part, however, is changing that flawed form. Personally, I like to NOT think about anything many times when I run. Other times, I think really hard about problems, difficult situations, and plans that I'm working on—making progress as I pound the pavement. Thinking really hard about my running,...more
Oct 06, 2011
Taueret
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kindle-store,
non-fiction
This book is so packed with technical information on how to run- not just inspirational "anyone can run" stuff, but step by step (see what I did there) instruction on form. Maybe I should write that with a capital like this: Form. The older and frailer I get,and the more my joints remind me daily of adventures with poor form in other endeavors, the more I appreciate anything that keeps my knees going, my hips hipping.
I am a visual learner, and would certainly benefit from watching the dvd that e...more
I am a visual learner, and would certainly benefit from watching the dvd that e...more
Effortless, injury free running sounds almost too good to be true, but being a fan of both running and mindfulness, I thought this book was worth a try. Last year I completed my first half marathon, and while training for that, I started having leg tightness and knee pain that would start six or seven miles into my runs. Since the half, I haven't run more than a few miles at a time. I want to run moderate distances again, but it would be great to do it without the pain.
I have read the entire bo...more
I have read the entire bo...more
This technique is very similar to Pose method with a few differences. I will be trying some of these methods to see how they work for me. I only gave it 3 stars because I don't agree with some of the information (mainly diet) and I found some of the descriptions a little muddled, but it could have been just my muddled mind! He kept telling the reader to refer to the DVD or buy the DVD to get better visuals. This made me feel like he was leaning more on his DVD than necessary, but I understand it...more
Mar 01, 2011
Katrina
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Runners, Beginning Runners, other Athletes
Shelves:
adult,
non-fiction
I just finished listening to this last night, so I haven’t actually put into practice any of the principles taught yet, but all of Dreyer’s explanations and the exercises he puts you through all make (and feel) sense. Dreyer’s narration is easy to follow, with a conversational tone, and the steps broken down into understandable parts. I was surprised at how intuitive the “lessons” were. This book is definitely something you’ll want to download onto some portable device, as one of the CDs actuall...more
This book was sort of an addendum to Born to Run for me. Born to Run convinced me it was time to correct my running form. But after my first few weeks of barefoot running, I realized I needed more specific instruction than Born to Run gave me. It referenced Chi Running, so I figured it was worth a try. And it proved to be just what I was looking for. That being said, chapters Four and Five are really the heart and soul of this book. To a seasoned endurance athlete, the rest feels a bit like fluf...more
Read this one about 10 years ago. Having no formal running training, this book helped to lay down the foundations of running dynamics for me. I picked it up again in preparation for my marathon (3 days away!) as a refresher. Still had some good tips on form that will help me. As the title implies, most of the book is caught up in eastern philosophical ideas, like letting energy flow through your body, and similar floofy quasi-magical ideas. That part I remember not sitting well with me a decade...more
This book kicks ass. After suffering a toe injury a few years ago, and basically giving up running for a couple years, I discovered ChiRunning.
Based on Qi Gong concepts of finding then moving from one's center, this book goes into great depth on how to listen to your body and relearn how to run the way that we did when we were little children, striking with a mid foot strike and moving naturally.
I've run farther, more relaxed, and far more enjoyable as a result of the lessons taught in this book...more
Based on Qi Gong concepts of finding then moving from one's center, this book goes into great depth on how to listen to your body and relearn how to run the way that we did when we were little children, striking with a mid foot strike and moving naturally.
I've run farther, more relaxed, and far more enjoyable as a result of the lessons taught in this book...more
It feels weird to rate this book, because I usually rate books based on whether I enjoyed reading them. I read this for a different reason... to try to learn to run in a way that will not hurt my knees. I'm not sure I'm going to do all of the lessons in the book, but I already made one change yesterday in my running form and my knees did not hurt while I was running. There are other things that I am going to try to incorporate as well. By the way, I have this on my nook, which I do not recommend...more
It's a good approach and concept to running. It is about changing your form to be more efficient and to reduce injury. The technique seems sound and I think it will improve my running. My only complaint is that the first few chapters provide little information and are mostly geared towards trying to sell you on the idea of chi-running and then advertising what will be covered later in the book. This was incredibly irritating; if I weren't interested in the technique, I wouldn't have picked up th...more
Great pointers which has really helped my running. I am not sure you need a book of this length to get the points of running form across, but I can forgive that because the technique has been such a great help for me. I feel as if my 3 marathon training cycles have been with the handbrake on. New Balance has a, shall we say, highly similar guide to this running form on their website and that would be a good place to start if you are unsure about purchasing this book. The title does sound a littl...more
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