When I first decided to take up running I used the Couch to 5K (C25k) program. For those of you who aren’t familiar it is a program that starts of with run/walk intervals and overtime the distance you run becomes more and more until ultimately you can run a 5K in 30 (or so) minutes. The thing was at this time in my life I decided that I wasn’t a true runner unless I could run without stopping. No walk breaks. Period.
Well I ran my first 5K after completing the C25K program and I ran it straight through. I completed my first race with no walking so I just must be a runner now – right? Yes, at least that’s what I thought at the moment. The thing is once I wanted to increase my distance I found myself resorting to walking breaks again. I felt like a failure and downgraded myself to a “wannabe runner” and I felt a bit defeated and unmotivated to continue with running. That’s until I signed up for Disney Half (which I wasn’t able to run – you can read about that here.)
RunDisney has paired up with Jeff Galloway to create training plans for a variety of levels. The thing that is different about the Galloway Plan is that he promotes a run walk run method. The amount you run and the amount you walk depends on your level so some might do a 30sec/30sec and others will do a lot more running such as 6min/1min intervals. When I started to train for the half I adopted this method and to my surprise I was able to finish a 5k in less time than I had run previously and I felt stronger at the end. At that moment I was sold.
Since 2011 I have been using the Galloway Method and it is working well for me and guess what? I am a runner. I feel like one despite choosing to take walk breaks. You know why? Because taking walk breaks is okay and it actually makes me a stronger and more motivated runner.
I may never run a race without walking or be an elite runner but I am a runner. I run for me. I run for fun. I run to release stress. I run because it gives me joy and I run/walk because it’s what works for me.
Are you a Galloway Runner? Have you ever tried a run/walk plan like Galloway or Couch to 5k/10k?
This post is IN ABSOLUTELY NO WAY sponsored. I came across Galloway on my own and wanted to share this with you because it’s what has worked for me for years.
Don’t you love it when you get beer at the end of a race?! That’s my motivation!!! I’m not much of a runner (I have asthma), but I did run/walk a few half marathons a couple years back. I used the C25K method as well.
I’ve done the couch to 5k method to help me in a triathlon (I can swim. I can bike. I stink at running!!) The other method sounds great too. …And good for you for taking breaks. Listening to what our bodies need (physical and mental) is important.
Personally, I consider myself a jaunter, not a runner. I’ve never heard of this method – thanks for sharing!
My goal for my first 5K was also to run the whole thing without stopping, since I trained by doing that same thing. I wonder if I would’ve been faster if I’d done a run/walk method.
I am a repeat Couch25K waddler. It’s gotten me through a few races, but I haven’t branched out beyond that.
I remember a few years ago when someone called me a “jogger,” I exclaimed “hey now, I’m a runner! It doesn’t matter if I’m not fast or winning any races. If I’m doing these runs, I can call myself a runner!” I totally believe that to be true for everyone. You ARE a runner, not a wannabe! I haven’t done the Galloway plans but have heard really good things about them. Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work! Running isn’t easy and it is so good for your body! No matter how fast, running is still running!
Cool! I love that there are different methods and training programs so you can find one that works best for you. I’m not much of a runner, but when I do go through running phases, I do feel discouraged when I get to the point I have to walk. Sounds like I need a mental shift.
I used the Galloway method to train for a marathon in 2006. It totally worked. A few years later I was able to run half marathons with no walk breaks (I was actually breaking PRs all the time, it felt great and I felt great). Then I stopped running for a few years. Now I’m back to the Galloway method (and “jaunting” as Meredith mentioned!). Getting back into running has been a challenge but I just see it as the program I need now, to get back into shape again. Or stick with for my knees’ sake. Whatever – I figure as long as I keep moving it’s all good. 🙂
You ARE a runner! You rock and way to keep moving forward. Running is good work and it does so much for your head.