Chi Marathon

February 27, 2012
After their bestselling ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running, the husband-and-wife Dreyers explain how to adopt a whole-body approach (based on the principles of T'ai Chi) to distance running. Even though the number of participants in marathons and half-marathons is increasing each year, statistics show the injury rate among marathoners can reach a staggering 90%, indicating many are engaged in improper and unsafe training. The Dreyers encourage readers to focus on ease and efficiency of movement as primary training goals, while discrediting the commonly held notion that marathons are all about endurance. The authors quickly differentiate "pain-free running" from "productive discomfort," and lay out a detailed, seven-phase self-paced training plan that includes visioning and planning, technique, conditioning, event mastery, and rest and renewal. By adhering to "Form Focuses" (defined as "job descriptionsâ¦for individual body parts"), Chi runners will improve posture, pelvic rotation, and stride en route to more productive, pain-free running. Though peppered with "Instructor Stories" that read like advertisements for the ChiRunning DVDs and workshops, the Dreyers' running guide will doubtless be of great value to veteran runners and newcomers alike, as well as those who are simply looking for ways to improve their health.

March 1, 2012
Chi Marathon presents a holistic approach to training for a half or full marathon. Coauthors Danny and Katherine Dreyer present a training plan that focuses on correct running form rather than speed or mileage. Chi Marathon emphasizes the mental and physical components of running and encourages runners to be aware of how their bodies are responding during a run. The tone of the book is positive, and it supports the idea that proper technique is the key to pain-free running. The Dreyers expertly detail how to prepare for a racecovering travel, course layout, food and hydration, clothing, and pre- and post-race considerations. The training plans presented are for first-time runners but can be adapted for advanced athletes. Unfortunately, the inclusion of multiple personal testimonials and repeated references to the authors' books and DVDs at times make the text feel more like a sales pitch than a training plan. Still, many runners are likely to find value in the Dryers' program, especially those interested in barefoot or minimalist-shoe running.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)