Today, for the first time in a long time, I felt like a real runner on my long run. My secret? I walked. Not the whole thing obviously but I decided to try out the Galloway Method which includes scheduled running and walking intervals. In the past, I’ve judged people who run using this method as not being “real runners” but this morning, I realized I have been wrong, really so wrong…By using this program of scheduled walk breaks, I was able to really feel like a “runner” during the running intervals. Sometimes I get a little too opinionated about things before giving them a shot. Oops!
So anyways, the reason I decided to give this method a shot this morning was because of my recent “injuries” or rather aches and pains that won’t just get better and go away. This method is supposed to be less stressful on the body because you don’t stay in the same motion for the whole run, you take the little breaks and therefore give muscles a rest for a bit. I’m not positive if this part rang true for me this morning but here are some of the pros and cons that I did experience:
Pros:
- I finished my last two 18 mile runs with a moving average time of 9:44 and 9:48. This run, 9:36. Also, it was HOT today versus the cold temps from my last two 18 milers.
- The first 12+ miles of this run were fun! I have not felt so happy to be running in a really long time! Normally the first few miles really draaaag but today, I just powered through!
- It was easier for me to ignore my pace and the elapsed time/time remaining with this method.
- Allowed my stride to remain correct for longer because I was never zoned out for multiple miles as a time.
- Hills were MUCH easier to tackle.
Cons:
- Miles 16-18 were still kind of hard…
- Mentally it was weird to just stop walking when my watch beeped when I was out on a “run.”
- Slightly hard to get in the zone early on but I ended up getting to the point where I could zone out just as well as when I run and run and run.
- My arm felt so much less sore! I think the being able to extend my arm every 5 minutes allowed my muscles to not seize up as much.
- It was harder to calculate when to turn around and take Clif Shots.
Logistics:
- I used a 5:1 ratio.
- I used my Garmin to time my intervals. I estimated a 10min/mile pace so I programmed in 30 repeats of 5 minute intervals of running, followed by 1 minute of walking. In all, I ended up covering 18.4 miles because of my slightly faster than 10min/mile pace.
- When I was supposed to walk or run, I just did it regardless of how I felt – aka, could run longer. In other words, I left my pride at home today.
- I went out for 10 repeats, turned around, ran home and refilled on water and Clif Shots and then ran another 5 repeats, turned around and ran the last 5 repeats.
I was rather doubtful of a successful run this morning but because I allowed myself to try something new and be open to a suggestion, I discovered how much runfun it can be to run for hours! I was honestly smiling during most of this run! (Well, until I got SUPER hot and was running out of water with 2+ miles to go..those just plan sucked.)
today's running fuel
A few other random things from this run… I tried a Strawberry Clif Shot. Let’s just say it was DISGUSTING! It tasted like overripe, cooked strawberries. Gross. (Sorry if this is anyone’s favorite flavor!) I felt really thirsty this whole run which did not bode well for my little bottle that I could carry! I need body glide. I wore my new shoes and they felt good for most of the run but made my feet hurt when I got back and started stretching…
After my last few runs, I’ve ended up feeling really horrible and sick to my stomach about 2-3 hours after I get back so today I attempted eating as soon as I walked in. This was the most delicious smoothie and almond butter and jam sandwich I have ever had!
After more stretching, I tackled another ice bath… 20lbs again! Brrrr….. But I really do think this helps SO much 
A necessary evil if you will!
Legs....tired.
So in summary, if your current running routine is not working for you. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just find something that lets you be a better runner than you thought! (Obviously not a Kenyan, it’s not THAT kind of miracle story!) I suppose this morning could just be a fluke but I am guessing not. I am guessing this might be the solution to help me finish out this training cycle! I guess only time will tell! Hopefully I am not jinxing myself by typing out all this sunshine and rainbows!
Happy Saturday, Everyone!
One more picture because he's cute!
I used the Galloway method for my first marathon 4 years ago. I still swear that it makes my time just as good if not better. Plus, it breaks it up especially if you are doing it alone. Great job on a strong, pain free run!
Yes, it is so weird that you don’t get slowed down by this! I was positive it would slow me down but then sure enough, it speed me up 10 seconds/mile!
I’m glad it was successful for the both of us! The method… Not the lack of water. That just sucked.
Running out of water is one of the most painful things ever…. I am afraid of ever being stranded in a dessert for this very reason!
This sounds very interesting! I’ll have to give it a try, thanks for sharing!
Let me know what you think if you do! Maybe I was just a weird one that it worked so well for me?!
Thank you for your post. I, too, am one of those who giggles a bit when I see runnings abruptly slow. Yet, I know the benefits and now that I am approaching my first ever marathon (yikes! it feels crazy to type that without preceeding it by “half”), I know I need to play with the Galloway method to increase milage without injury. I hearby pledge to give it a shot on my next long run:)
Yes, that is one thing I will have to figure out if I keep this up for race day! Not coming to an abrupt stop right in front of people
Good luck with your training! It’s quite the experience!
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