Question for those that do the Galloway method

[bounceliketigger]

I haven't gone Goofy yet, but I've completed all of my half marathons and the 2010 marathon using the Galloway method. My tentative plan for Goofy is to do a 1:2 or 1:3 run/walk ratio for the half and then a 3:1 run/walk ratio for the full.

MickeyMom, I totally agree with your internal debate. Whenever I tell non-running friends about it, I preface the description of the method by saying it was developed by an Olympic runner who found he could finish faster and stronger by run/walking. I guess I'm afraid they'll think I'm "lazy" for not running the whole thing? (Not that they're doing any running themselves... )

First of all I have to LOLOLOLOL! To the last part of your comment about non-runners & the Galloway discussion!

So yesterday I stood on the sidelines during a 10-miler because my knee is still acting up after the W&D. A friend was running it & I cheered him on. We'd been having the Galloway discussion on and off. When he finished in 1:39, he told me that a guy doing Galloway blew past him at mile 7. That guy was older, bigger, & apparently faster. I saw him come across looking pretty cheeky. He finished in 1:28. Well whaddo ya know.

I think I'm giving it a go for a long weekend run!

 

[J3nn78]

At first, I felt it was cheating too. But I am much faster with running 4:1 intervals than I was with straight running. I shaved about 90 seconds a mile off my times because I stay strong the entire run, rather than gradually slowing down because of fatigue

 

[MouseDogMom]

Cobbler - I did Goofy this year, and did Galloway for both races. I did some very extended walk breaks (like entire miles ) when I got tired during the full, but overall it was successful.

If you ever get a chance to hear Jeff speak, do it. It's amazing to hear him tell the stories of people who didn't believe they could finish marathons faster using the run/walk, but discovered they could. I know with absolute certainty that I could NOT run for 26.2 miles, or even 13.1, but I'm about to run my 4th marathon in 2 weeks doing run/walk.

I tell people that I'm "doing" a marathon, or some verb other than "running," usually, unless I'm in the mood to go into the whole explanation. But most of the people I'm having that conversation with don't run anyway, so the idea that I can go that distance at all is more than they can comprehend anyway!

Jackie

 

[Lilmattie13]

So I have been reading and lurking, lurking and reading finding this topic really interesting but now have some questions so I must post lol

My dh and I did the mickey 5k on the W&D weekend. I must say while it was a personal accomplishment for the both of us (me losing 130 lbs, my dh 80 lbs) we both felt a little sub par being around all those runners who were doing the half.

We walked around the expo but unfortunately missed Jeffs talk. We so got the bug and began to think that perhaps we would be able to do a half along the way. We have thought about the princess but I dont think we would be able to get in shape in time enough for it. So my goal is perhaps next years W&D half.
We did a run walk combo for the 5k. Not really keeping track of it, we just ran a bit then walked a bit. The next day we were really sore. Probably pushed it a bit.

As I read about people's experience with the galloway methods, I sit here an think, "where does one even begin?" I know Jeff has written a couple of books. Can anyone suggest which to start with?

Also do you think it is realistic to think we would be able to bump up to doing eventually a half.

This method intrigues me because I have two really bad knees. I wear a brace to prevent one knee cap from sliding over, which it constantly tries to do when I run. Both knees have a very bad grade degeneration of the cartilidge.

I wonder if this method might allow me to perhaps do a half or is it just way over my head and I should stick to the 5k's?

So with this long winded post, I am hoping for some suggestions, comments or thoughts to lead me in what I hope to be, a good direction.

TIA

 

[ban26ana]

Honestly, you could probably be ready for the 2011 Princess. The official Galloway training plan just started last week. Since you have already done a 5K, you're probably in good enough shape to jump into this.

I am doing the Princess half, and I've never run before. As in I've started the C25K about a dozen times and never gotten past week 1. But I am tired of my excuses. So I signed up with TNT and now I'm obligated to do this race.

Even if you can't run for long because of your knees, the pace for the race is fairly easy so that you can walk. Here is the Galloway training for the Princess. I know it sounds cliche, but if I can do it, you can do it. And I'm doing it!!!

 

[marathonmommy]

To add more confusion to you, I whole-heartedly recommend you read two of John Bingham's books, "the Courage to start" and "marathoning for mortals". These books will let you know you CAN do it! (As long as your doc thinks it's okay). I have had 3 knee surgeries on one knee, including a reconstruction and will be doing my third half marathon of the season at the end of November. Don't get me wrong, I am not pain free and probably never will be, but the rewards outweigh that. I am curious about the galloway method as well and have tried it now and then , but not for a race. Will probably try next time. I found this method has been helpful, bu this last run .... It made me lazier! I knew my "deserved " walk breaks were coming and I felt like I neeeded more even though I have been capable of running that distance and more with no breaks! Maybe just a bad day...we all have them! Read the books I suggested first. Galloways "Marathon" is good too, but not nearly as inspirational or humorous. Read that one next!

So I have been reading and lurking, lurking and reading finding this topic really interesting but now have some questions so I must post lol

My dh and I did the mickey 5k on the W&D weekend. I must say while it was a personal accomplishment for the both of us (me losing 130 lbs, my dh 80 lbs) we both felt a little sub par being around all those runners who were doing the half.

We walked around the expo but unfortunately missed Jeffs talk. We so got the bug and began to think that perhaps we would be able to do a half along the way. We have thought about the princess but I dont think we would be able to get in shape in time enough for it. So my goal is perhaps next years W&D half.
We did a run walk combo for the 5k. Not really keeping track of it, we just ran a bit then walked a bit. The next day we were really sore. Probably pushed it a bit.

As I read about people's experience with the galloway methods, I sit here an think, "where does one even begin?" I know Jeff has written a couple of books. Can anyone suggest which to start with?

Also do you think it is realistic to think we would be able to bump up to doing eventually a half.

This method intrigues me because I have two really bad knees. I wear a brace to prevent one knee cap from sliding over, which it constantly tries to do when I run. Both knees have a very bad grade degeneration of the cartilidge.

I wonder if this method might allow me to perhaps do a half or is it just way over my head and I should stick to the 5k's?

So with this long winded post, I am hoping for some suggestions, comments or thoughts to lead me in what I hope to be, a good direction.

TIA

 

[Lilmattie13]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I am off to search for those books now!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Lilmattie13 - My first advice would be to talk to your doctor about your knees. Or more specifically, talk to a doctor who's a runner as well. Doctors who don't run aren't nearly as likely to advise you that it's okay! As long as you have medical clearance, then absolutely go for it. Any of the Galloway training programs begin with being able to run 3 miles. You've done a 5K, so you're there. You truly could be ready for the Princess, but since you have the knee issue, it might make more sense to take it slow and aim for W&D next year instead. We have a pace group in our Galloway group that does 1:00 run/1:00 walk intervals, and many people who have injuries or are recovering use that interval and do fine. It's all about finding what feels right for your body.

Marathonmommy - I know what you mean about getting lazier! I went from 2:1 intervals to running a 5K with no walk breaks to 3:1 intervals, and now I'm back to 2:1 and sometimes am anxiously awaiting the walk break. It all depends on the day. But overall, I wouldn't do it any other way. I do hope once I'm 100% healthy to be able to my short runs nonstop again, but if it doesn't happen, I'll be okay with it.

Jackie

 

[ksoehrlein]

So I signed up with TNT and now I'm obligated to do this race.

That's terrific! TNT got me through several races. Feel free to check out the links in my signature. I used my fundraising web pages as a sort of training blog, so that might give you an idea of what to expect. Best of luck with your training and fundraising!

 

[ksoehrlein]

Duplicate post, sorry!

 

[johde]

I ran my first half marathon using a walk/run method. I was doing alot of weaving to get around people. I was doing mostly walking but every time I was ready to run I was significantly faster than everyone around me and covered alot of distance side to side getting around people. According to my garmin watch I did 13.25 miles and when I downloaded it into sporttracks it showed 13.5 miles for the half. For people who have walk/run several races, is this just a potential downside to a walk/run, or is is just a problem with being slower being around people who walk in packs?

 

[FFigawi]

I ran my first half marathon using a walk/run method. I was doing alot of weaving to get around people. I was doing mostly walking but every time I was ready to run I was significantly faster than everyone around me and covered alot of distance side to side getting around people. According to my garmin watch I did 13.25 miles and when I downloaded it into sporttracks it showed 13.5 miles for the half. For people who have walk/run several races, is this just a potential downside to a walk/run, or is is just a problem with being slower being around people who walk in packs?

Neither, really. The 13.1 miles for a half is measured along tangents, basically the shortest possible straight lines between points all along the course. Since it's very tough to actually run the tangents, your mileage will always be more than 13.1. How much more depends on how efficient your path is and how much distance you waste going in and around people, from one side of the road to the other, etc.

 

[Ronda93]

I don't think it's a function of the run/walk. Many people show distances longer than their race on their Garmin/Polar or other gizmo. The course distance is measured on inside corners and straight lines. We don't run that way.

Ronda

 

[johde]

At least on the corners, I was trying to watch the tangents and cut inside corners when possible. I guess what I'm wondering is does a walk/run potentially make the problem worse because of going faster then the prevailing pace during your run interval and need to move side to side alot to get around people.

 

[FFigawi]

At least on the corners, I was trying to watch the tangents and cut inside corners when possible. I guess what I'm wondering is does a walk/run potentially make the problem worse because of going faster then the prevailing pace during your run interval and need to move side to side alot to get around people.

Yes, all other things being equal, doing a run/walk instead of a constant run will add some extra distance. You'll have extra distance moving from wherever you are in the road to the side of the road to begin your walk interval and some extra steps taken to go around people while you're running. I'm not sure how significant that extra distance will be, though.

 

[Lilmattie13]

now can I ask a question as I am new to all this? If you do a run walk method in the race is there a proctocol as to where you should be on the road. Is there some kind of signalling one should do to let people know behind you that you are about to start walking. It all sounds like a method for mayhem. I am seriously considering trying the galloway method but am fearful of a lot of the unknown.

 

[RodBelding]

Just my 2 cents on whether or not you can call it "running" a marathon if you use the galloway method; I ran the Disney marathon in 2010, and am going to run it again in 2011. I've also done a handful of half marathons, and grew up running cross country. I use a 1 mile run, 1 minute walk method for all of my training, and for the my marathons. My marathon pace is about 4 hours flat. I have never once considered it anything less than "running" the marathon. So personally, I would suggest calling it running, but what do I know?

To the question above about race etiquette when slowing to a walk, the Disney marathon (and most others) have water/powerade stations at every mile, and many people walk when getting a drink. You just move over to the side of the road before slowing down, grab your drink and walk a bit. That's the method I use as I don't have to think about when my walk brakes are....

Long may you run!

 

[FFigawi]

now can I ask a question as I am new to all this? If you do a run walk method in the race is there a proctocol as to where you should be on the road. Is there some kind of signalling one should do to let people know behind you that you are about to start walking. It all sounds like a method for mayhem. I am seriously considering trying the galloway method but am fearful of a lot of the unknown.

The general protocol for when you want to slow down to walk, tie your shoe, stretch your legs, or whatever, is to carefully move to the side of the road before you slow down. Slamming on the brakes immediately is not only a method for mayhem, as you so accurately put it, it's also quite unsafe. When you stop suddenly, the people right behind you are apt to either a) run into you, making it bad for both of you; b) stop suddenly themselves, making it bad for them and the people behind them; or c) dart to the side, making it bad for the people around them. Moving to the side of the road gets you away from the rest of the pack and allows you to slow down or stop without endangering yourself or anyone around you.

 

[johde]

In my first race, I was doing mostly walking with some running. When it was getting close to the time to stop running, in addition to moving towards the side, I would also take a quick glance behind me to make sure someone wasn't on my heels. But I was going from being faster than the pack to nearly pack speed. When traveling with the pack of runners, I would think even more care would need to be taken.

 

[Lilmattie13]

Thanks so much for the info. I didnt know there were drink stops at every mile. That sounds like a great idea to be able to slow and walk abit with every drink stop.