ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer with Katherine Dreyer, paperback, 236 pages, Fireside (2004), ISBN: 074325144X
Danny Dreyer is the creator of "ChiRunning", a revolutionary concept that blends the subtle inner focuses of T'ai Chi with running to obtain a low-impact athletic experience. It is based on his study of T'ai Chi with Master Zhu Xilin and internationally renowned Master George Xu, and his thirty years of running experience. Ancient wisdom with modern physics are combined to transform your running tecnique, to learn to run using your highly efficient core muscles while relaxing the rest of your body, allowing gravity to do the work instead of your legs. All the benefits of this new form of running are now available in Dreyer's first book "ChiRunning" which offers a revolutionary approach to effortless, injury-free running. Both the beginner and the competitive runner will be able to increase speed with less perceived effort, experience reduced recovery time and enjoy a smooth, efficient running form. Toby Tanser, sub 2:20 marathoner, author, coach, and member of the New York Road Runners Board of Directors, talks about Dreyer's book as "The most exciting and revolutionary book to hit the running community this decade". And continues: "After years and years of plowing through books, as an author and sports writer, I am rarely jolted by today's sports literature. The same theories, regurgitated advice, and unexplained methodology make for dull reading. Scanning Dreyer's work I was captivated, and re-reading the book I was thoroughly entranced, by the vast wealth of information packed into the 200-pages. On every single page I was making notes of matters 'crucial to improving my running'. The easy going text has clear explanations and visuals that will have you jumping from your seat to discover 'secrets' that will, I believe, perfect and enrich your running experience. I was shocked reading the book, it was color to a black and white library – and believe me I have read at least one thousand running books in the last few years alone. This is my first positive review. I absolutely loved the book. This would be my Desert Island choice running book". Danny Dreyer has been a running coach for eighteen years. He has taught thousands of people the "ChiRunning" technique. He is a popular speaker and teacher for training groups such as the "San Francisco Marathon", the "Aids Marathon", Team in Training, U.S.A. Fit and many others. He publishes a monthly "ChiRunning" e-mail newsletter, and has been published in Running Times, Runner's World and other running journals. Dreyer is an accomplished ultramarathon runner and has raced every distance from 10 kilometers to 100 miles. In addition to teaching running classes Dreyer is also a personal coach. This differs from a running coaching in that he works with people to help them set and accomplish their personal goals, solve problems, and generally discover increased fulfillment and balance in their everyday lives. He has lived a lifestyle steeped in holistic living, meditation, and personal wellness for over thirty years. Healthy eating, physical exercise and rejuvenating activities are mainstays in his life and the foundation of what he teaches. "A good runner leaves no footprints".
