Marathoner and author Jeff Galloway -- Galloway's Book on Running is perhaps his best known work -- has run in well over 150 marathons. His favorite? Not his personal record 2:16. His most treasured marathon was his slowest. He ran with his father (age 75) at the Boston Marathon in 5:59. His dad quips that if his son hadn't been there to slow him down, he'd have run much faster.
Some runners run to compete. But many of us are in it for the fun. Our focus is not on winning a marathon but on finishing it.
We're not even trying to win our age group. We're there mostly for the enjoyment, the companionship, and the achievement. And for many of us, the walk break is our secret weapon. We have Jeff Galloway to thank for that. Before long, your legs and lungs are accustomed to running. Running becomes second nature to you, like a walk around the block. The walking segment allows you to stay on your feet for anything from 20 minutes to as long as you like.
Thanks, Jeff, for all you've done for the sport. Don't be a quitter, my friend. Be a persist-er.
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| Attending a Galloway running seminar before the Tobacco Road Marathon in Cary, NC. |