Katherine and Danny Dreyer, co-founders of ChiLiving, ChiRunning and ChiWalking, have officially announced their retirement from the company. ChiRunning has helped thousands of runners improve their running form—reducing and preventing injuries, and decreasing recovery time. Runners of all ages and levels have improved their efficiency and performance, and experience effortless runs that are easier and more enjoyable. Watch their announcement here:
A Journey of a Lifetime
For more than two decades, Katherine, Danny and the ChiTeam have taught thousands of people the skills that bring joy to running and walking for a lifetime. The technique was born out of a love for walking and running and to provide a solution for the vast number of injuries people experience while engaging in the sports. Katherine and Danny’s dream was to make walking and running accessible, efficient, safe, and most of all, enjoyable for a lifetime. Their commitment to each other and the business shows in not only their accomplishments but also in the countless heartfelt thank-you letters they have received over the years from walkers, runners and instructors alike.
Katherine and Danny have co-authored multiple best selling books, including ChiWalking, ChiRunning and ChiMarathon. They created training plans, workbooks, a ChiWalking and ChiRunning app, and an online cache of training videos compiled into the ChiRunning School. Most notably, they created a process for certifying hundreds of highly qualified instructors around the world to teach the techniques of ChiWalking and ChiRunning. And personally, they have taught thousands of walkers and runners to move their bodies using intelligent movement to bring energy efficiency and injury prevention to runners and walkers. This is their legacy.
Keeping the Tradition Going
Five Master ChiRunning Instructors from around the world have stepped up to assume the operations and executive leadership roles to ensure a smooth transition building on the work of the Dreyers. Combined, the team has more than 40 years of ChiRunning/ChiWalking experience. Master Instructor Harrison Wong, a Canadian and Chinese citizen residing in Hong Kong, purchased ChiRunning in Asia and is the administrative leader of this region.
The remaining locations across the globe, including North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East were purchased by four Master ChiRunning Instructors, working together as an executive team and pooling their time, skillsets and resources to assure Katherine and Danny’s vision continues. ChiRunning’s new leaders include Constanza Lisdero of Basel, Switzerland owner of Run With Constanza; Lisa Pozzoni of Tempe, Arizona, owner of The Running University; Sarah Richardson of Montpelier, Vermont, owner of Rise And Shine Running; and Vince Vaccaro of Freedom, New Hampshire, owner of Tri Tek Events.
What’s Next for Katherine and Danny Dreyer
After growing, nurturing and managing the company and working tirelessly to build the ChiWalking and ChiRunning brand, Katherine and Danny look forward to well-deserved time off to pursue their newest passions and live out their robust and active lives knowing that they have passed the baton to five long-term dedicated instructors. They have chosen to stay involved in a consultative role behind-the-scenes. They’re excited to dedicate time to each other and the activities that bring them the most joy and fulfillment. Watch their announcement if you didn’t catch it above.
Tune into next week’s blog to learn more about ChiRunning’ new leadership team. In the meantime enjoy the Katherine and Danny farewell video from the ChiTeam across the globe!