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Run Walk Marathon Training: Galloway Method Overview

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galloway method

Do you ever pass a runner that’s walking and assume they must be injured or in pain? Then a few miles later they pass you…then start walking again…what on Earth is going on?!

You’ve likely heard of the run/walk method, but maybe you’re of the mindset that it’s just for beginners or not for serious runners. After talking to many runners and coaches, I’d beg to differ…so what’s behind this run/walk method that has made it so popular?

Let’s take a look…

According to Jeff Galloway, the one who popularized the run walk method:

“Walk breaks will significantly speed up recovery because there is less damage to repair. The early walk breaks erase fatigue, and the later walk breaks will reduce or eliminate overuse muscle breakdown.”

Important to note this is not the walk once you get tired method, this is the run-walk the entire time method to help prevent that feeling of fatigue. During the walk breaks your body creates endorphins that allow you both mentally and physically to recover.

What is the Galloway Method?

While Galloway is certainly not the first to utilize run-walk, he has made it popular and “acceptable”. Showing that his method of interval running reduces overall impact on the body allowing many people to run farther and/or faster.

For those who have been asking me more about Low Heart Rate training tips to build your base, improve your endurance and stop feeling so fatigued, this style of training can help to initially make that transition.

Here are some keys to run/walk method of training:

  • Basic: Every run is a combo of a run followed by a walk interval and repeat
  • Interspersing intervals of walking and running, you can avoid injury and fatigue
  • Don’t split up the long run – it’s about practicing time on your feet
  • Doesn’t promote cross training, except aqua jogging
  • 3 days of run-walk and one day of walking
  • Very little speed work in the basic plans

run walk marathon training

Select Your Run/Walk Pace

One key element of the program is running a “magic mile” to determine the appropriate training pace for your workouts. Perform by running a hard mile and then using this formula {read complete instructions}:

Add 33 seconds for your pace for a 5K
Multiply by 1.15 for 10K pace
Multiply by 1.2 for half marathon pace
Multiply by 1.3 for marathon pace

Run-walk ratio guideline as provided by Galloway {run:walk} in minutes unless otherwise noted. The run walk intervals will change you as you decide what feels best for you. Many runners start with the 1:1 ratio and move all the way to 8:1.

8 min/mi—4: 35 seconds
9 min/mi— 4: 1
10 min/mi—-3:1
11 min/mi—2:30-1
12 min/mi—-2:1
13 min/mi—-1:1
14 min/mi—30 sec run/30 sec walk
15 min/mi—30 sec/45 sec
16 min/mi—30 sec/60 sec

Magic Mile for Paces

Jeff Galloway training has come up with a calculator from his Magic Mile. Where you do a solid warm up and then run your hardest mile and use that time to calculate your paces.

5k pace: Add 33 seconds to your magic mile
10k pace: Multiply your magic mile time by 1.15
Half: Multiply your magic mile time by by 1.2
Marathon: Multiply your magic mile time by by 1.3

Tips to implement run walk for marathon training:

  • Utilizing a basic GPS watch like the Garmin Forerunner can make this process easier
  • Set your watch to beep or vibrate on each interval
  • This allows you to focus on the run without constantly checking the time
  • If running with a group, just do your thing, don’t worry about others
  • Be consistent with the walks to truly increase your endurance

While these are the basic guidelines, I think this is a lot about testing what works best for you. Training in Miami, the majority of marathon runners there used this to combat the heat and over time, many transitioned to roughly a 1 minute walk per mile.

Since a lot of them ran 7, 8 or 9 minute miles that meant a ratio of 6:1 or 7:1. Play with it to find the rhythm that feels best.

beginner marathon

Run Walk Training Plan

If you’re trying to figure out how to put together a training plan for the run/walk method, honestly it’s pretty much the same as all beginner marathon plans.

You’re still focusing on the same long runs, weekly speed workouts and cross training. You’re just utilizing a slightly different pacing tool than you will with other programs like the Hanson method.

Here you can get a printable Couch to 5K Plan, which utilizes this method to help you create that strong foundation.

Additional Resources:
Low Heart Rate Training Plans
Website – Galloway’s website has a ton of information
Book – The Run-walk-run Method by Jeff Galloway
Benefits of adding a walk to marathon training

Who Should Try Galloway Method?

Are you a good fit for the run walk method? Here’s a few ways to know:

  • Bonking repeatedly on long runs
  • Have hit a wall with increasing distance
  • Running in very hot and humid temperatures {provides body time to cool}
  • Those not recovering well from long runs
  • Newer runners looking to build confidence
  • Masters runners concerned with overuse injuries
  • Anyone getting back in to running after years
  • Heavier runners needing to reduce impact of running
  • Anyone feeling high fatigue throughout training
Struggling to figure out what’s right for you? Continually burned out or injured? Checkout our Online Running Group.

Results From Real Runners

What better way to decide if a plan will work than hearing from people who have used it.

Pam of We Run Disney
I have enjoyed great results using this method. My most recent accomplishment was qualifying for the Boston Marathon on March 16th using the 4/1 run/walk.

Blaine and others have run 2:50 {and faster} marathons utilizing run-walk.

Laura of 50 by 25
For me, the biggest benefit of Galloway’s method is that it provides structure to walking. There are races where I just can’t run the whole way, but sometimes if you start walking, it’s hard to motivate yourself to go back to running. By providing strict run/walk intervals, you take the choice out of it, and just do what you’re told.

Angie
Was skeptical of the program, but decided to test it out with nearly immediate results.

  • March 05, 2011- Distance: 14 miles, Duration: 2:40:24, Avg Pace: 11:26 {without intervals}
  • March 19, 2011 – Distance: 16 miles, Duration: 2:46:46, Avg Pace: 10:24 {with intervals}

Jeff Galloway TrainingWho shouldn’t try this plan?
Realistically it can work for anyone, but if you are really focused on a time goal it may be mentally much harder to stick to the training.

Additionally runners like myself who find that walking some encourages them to walk more might also be side tracked with this method. While I have definitely found it helpful in the Florida humidity, it’s not a method I could use daily.

As noted, I’ve been reviewing all the different methods of marathon training. 
View all the plans and find out how to pick the right one for you >>>

Have you tried the Galloway method?
What advice would you give someone considering it?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinishRunning_motivation_thumb

Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips

 

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Posted by amanda Categories: marathon training, running coach, training plan

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Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

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KEEP GOING. You never know when your moment will c KEEP GOING. You never know when your moment will come. You have to keep showing up when it’s hard when it’s frustrating and even when it doesn’t go as it should. 

⭐️Shalane was a professional athlete by 2004 and didn’t win NYC until 2017.

🏃‍♀️Des Linden took second in the 2011 Boston Marathon. It was 7 YEARS of training before she took first.

👏I have many friends who needed 8+ marathons to get their BQ.

👍Serena Williams has had loses that the press would consider catastrophic and she admits to hating them, but using them to find more strength.

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The list is long of those who didn’t succeed on the first attempt. The thing they all have in common is continuing on, adjusting the plan, staying focused on the goal.

SUNDAY RUNDAY MOTIVATION!! Share with a friend and I’d love to hear what keeps you going after a bad race.
ANKLE AND FOOT STRENGTH - A lot of questions latel ANKLE AND FOOT STRENGTH - A lot of questions lately about shin splints and while they’re commonly the result of adding too much distance or speed too soon...
🏃‍♀️you can also work on strength, mobility and running technique.

Let’s start with some strength pieces!

⭐️ Plus, these movements are stellar for anyone with ankle pain or needing more lower body strength to hit the trails.⭐️

👇👇
10-12 reps x 2 a day
1️⃣Banded rotation - hitting the peroneal muscles that run along the outside of your lower leg these control ankle movement and foot strength. Better ankles, better stability, less shin pain.

2️⃣Banded turn outs - helping with muscles that control the arch of your foot and prevents knee, ankle and foot from dropping in if the arch isn’t staying strong with each step.

3️⃣Toe raises - we’re really hitting the front of the shins with this. Make it easier with legs closer to wall.

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///
Have you ever dealt with shin splints or ankle injuries??
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In truth, I’ve been thinking I needed to hit pause for a few weeks.

💼 I’m so excited about what’s happening in my business, I’ve been hard charging for the last year.

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What reminds you to step back and press pause??

📸from our great trip a few years ago. Those long vacations are my best way of letting go.

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