Book Review: Running Rewired by Jay Dicharry
In a world where information is ubiquitous, the real skill is no longer finding advice—it’s identifying what is truly useful and high quality, and filtering out the hot air. In running especially, there’s no shortage of opinions, hacks, and “secret” workouts. Very few resources, however, stand the test of time and genuinely move the needle.
Jay Dicharry’s Running Rewired is one of those rare gems.
If you’re serious about running—not just training harder, but moving better—this book is about as close as you’ll find to a runner’s bible for technique and movement. It’s not flashy, and it’s not built around shortcuts. Instead, it offers a clear, methodical system for improving how your body functions as a runner.
What Stood Out to Me
When I first picked up Running Rewired, I expected a solid read. What I didn’t expect was how comprehensive and practical it would be. This is not a book you read once and shelve—it’s more like a manual you keep coming back to.
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Technique as a trainable skill
One of the strongest themes in the book is that running well is a skill, not just a by-product of fitness. Dicharry breaks down movement patterns, stability, and strength in a way that makes it clear why certain issues keep showing up for runners. -
Clear guidance on what matters—and what doesn’t
One thing I really appreciated was how specific the book is about identifying real limitations. It’s easy to hear statements like “you need ankle mobility for running”, but how do you know if your ankles are actually too tight, mobile enough, or perhaps even too mobile and lacking the stiffness required for efficient running?
Dicharry provides simple tests to answer these questions. If you pass the test, you’re fine—move on. If you don’t, you know exactly what to work on. That clarity is incredibly helpful and prevents runners from endlessly chasing “fixes” for problems they don’t actually have. -
Almost guaranteed improvement—if you commit
I’m almost certain that if you follow the principles and exercises in this book, your performance will improve. That said, this is not easy work. It takes time, consistency, and a willingness to address weaknesses rather than ignore them. -
A whole-body approach to running
Running isn’t just about legs, and Running Rewired makes that very clear. Balance, mobility, foot strength, trunk stability, and coordination all matter. Dicharry connects these dots extremely well, especially for runners who’ve hit a plateau or are stuck in cycles of minor injuries.
My Personal Take
Working through parts of this book has been a humbling experience. Even for experienced runners, it quickly highlights areas that are underdeveloped or compensating in ways you might not notice during regular training.
What I appreciate most is that nothing feels arbitrary. Every drill, exercise, and progression has a clear purpose. You’re not just “doing exercises”—you’re systematically rewiring movement patterns that carry over directly to running.
One practical note: many of the routines took me longer than the book suggests. For example, Dicharry describes his “Core Circuit” as taking around 15–20 minutes, but I regularly spent closer to 30 minutes working through it properly. I’m sure this improves with familiarity and efficiency over time, but it’s worth being realistic. If you’re serious about doing the work well, be prepared to invest the time—especially early on.
The Reality Check
This is not a light, passive read. You won’t breeze through it in an afternoon and suddenly transform your running. Running Rewired demands engagement. You’ll likely find yourself rereading sections, revisiting exercises, and gradually layering the work into your routine.
Yes, it’s time consuming. And yes, some of the movements take patience to master. But that’s exactly why it works. Running may look simple from the outside, but it’s a highly technical movement pattern when performed well.
Final Thoughts
Running Rewired is one of the best guides available for runners who want to improve technique, durability, and long-term performance. It’s thoughtful, evidence-based, and practical—rare qualities in a space often crowded with noise.
If you’re willing to do the work, this book can genuinely change how you run. For me, it’s shifted the focus away from simply accumulating mileage and toward investing in movement quality—an approach that pays dividends for years, not just one training cycle.
If you’re serious about becoming a better runner, this is a book well worth your time.
Out there more.
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