Danny Dreyer has been working with runners on their running technique through ChiRunning since the late 90s. He has helped hundreds of thousands of runners feel more relaxed and actually enjoy running (yes, it is possible) by bringing together tai chi and martial arts.
Danny has been working with runners since the time that teaching people how to run was completely unheard of, but he realized the importance of keeping posture straight and supported, and how we can actually do functional core work to support our body as it runs… rather than just sit ups and crunches!
ChiRunning teaches runners how to run with a forward lean, rather than just folding at the hips, and the impact it will have on your running will be huge.
Yes, it is possible to run efficiently, relaxed, and comfortably, no matter what level, speed, size or ability you are, and Danny is here to teach us how.
This episode is for you if you feel like your running technique or your running form is not what it should be, if running just feels uncomfortable for you, and you are ready to make a change.
Today’s Guests
Danny Dreyer
Co-founder of ChiRunning and ChiWalking, a revolutionary form of moving that blend the subtle inner focuses of T’ai Chi with running and walking. His work is based on his study of T’ai Chi with Master Zhu Xilin and internationally renowned Master George Xu, and his 35 years of experience running, racing ultra marathons and coaching people in “intelligent movement.” He has taught thousands of people the ChiRunning and ChiWalking techniques with profound results.
What You Will Learn About
- Why paying attention to and changing how you move, particularly through running, can eliminate injuries.
- One simple thing all the best runners in the world (especially the Kenyan runners) do to make themselves be able to run fast.
- If running doesn’t feel good or comfortable, what you need to do to change this.
- The biggest difference between elite runners and recreational runners, and why not every elite is running to their potential, as their form is bad too!
- Why body sense is the biggest skill anyone can learn, and how it will change your life forever.
- Why it is critical to know your race course long before the race to prepare your body for that moment.
Listen to the Running for Real Podcast
[podcast src=”https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/9084467/height-orig/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/height/90″ height=”90″ width=”100%” placement=”bottom” theme=”custom”]Apple (iTunes) Podcast|Sticher| Castbox| Overcast | Spotify| Google Play| iHeartradio|
Danny’s #R4RPowerPose
Inspirational Quotes
There is really something between building a connection between these two well established sports (Tai Chi and Running).
Nobody had ever taught anyone how to run when I came out with this.
Running doesn’t hurt your body, it’s the way you run that hurts your body.
The more balanced you are as you land, the more smoothly you move across the earth and the less impact you create.
If your core is strong, that alignment stays intact the whole time you are moving through your support stance.
When you fall, the difference in workload to your legs is that when you can run in a controlled fall, all you have to do is exert the right amount of energy to pick up your feet. If you are vertical, you have to exert the energy to push your entire body forward.
Once you learn to move your body in a way that doesn’t feel uncomfortable, you can go out all day, if you feel like it.
The elites that do the best are the ones who follow the rules, and it’s not about power. It is about their ability to relax more.
Resources Mentioned
- Last week’s episode with Mark Cucuzzella and Josh Emdur
- Chi Running website
- Chi Running workshops
- Chi Running School (Danny’s recommendation if you don’t live near workshops, one new thing per week)
- Chi Running Book
- Chi Marathon Book
- Chi Walking Book
Thanks to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this podcast, you can get 15% off your order by visiting this link and using code RUNNING4REAL.
Danny’s Oscar Speech Thanks
I am still trying to wrap my head around how many people we have influenced. It is mind boggling.
- Danny’s wife
- The teachers he has had along the way
- All the support and people he has met along the way
Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed today’s episode.
To share your thoughts:
- Leave a note in the comment section below.
- Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from)
- Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
- Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one.
- Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast player.
Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.
Thank you to Danny. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.
