Jeff Galloway's Blog

The History of Running…and the Future

The History of Running…and the Future

In a few hours I will be leaving for Europe for a series of clinics in various European cities, and then to the origin of distance running—Greece. This is the 13^th year I’ve served as coach for the Apostolos tour to the "original" marathon and I learn more every year. We have a chance to run on the hillsides overlooking the Aegean Sea, on trails like the ones used by the ancient messengers. I still get chill bumps when I put my feet in the foot grooves used by athletes over 2500 years ago, and take off down the ancient fields of competition.

The marathon race is a commemoration of the run of an ancient messenger, Phidippides. These were the first renaissance men—long before the renaissance. Not only did they regularly run 100 miles or more in a day. They had to negotiate deals, think on their feet, and overcome all types of dangers. This was an honored profession and brought out a series of capabilities and strengths that we find embedded in us when we push through a tough run and solve a problem that we couldn’t do at our desk.

Women also ran in ancient Greek games. Today, the primary demographic increase in running participation is driven by women. By methodically training, toward a goal, Women tell me that they feel a unique blending of mind, body and spirit as they push back self-imposed barriers. To finish any long run and especially a marathon, brings an amazing sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

One of the powerful contributions of running to our society is the raising of millions every year for causes that need it. Every one of us has either known a friend or family member with breast cancer or will know someone who acquires it. The Breast Cancer Marathon & Half Marathon (Feb 17, 2008) is designed to reduce the number of our friends, daughters, grand daughters who could get this disease. Every penny of the entry fee goes to research/care. You’ll save by entering before November 10^th when the early entry fee expires—so enter now: www.breastcancermarathon.com.

This will be a fun weekend with Galloway pace groups/walk breaks, and many activities. But even if you can’t your entry fee will make a difference. Many runners who can’t travel that weekend are entering the race and running a half or full (or any distance) on that day.

We have many ways to receive the benefits of running…and help others!

Jeff Galloway

US Olympian

www.jeffgalloway.com
E-coaching to your goal

Setting Goals To Stay Motivated

Over the past 2 months, I’ve heard from hundreds of runners who are in the final stages of a significant goal—usually a half or a full marathon.  One of the greatest concerns expressed is that of continuing afterward.  After spending months building a great level of fitness, you don’t have to stop now.  Before raceday, write some new goals on your calendar.   These don’t have to be races.  By scheduling some fun “appointments” you can stay motivated and maintain most of the conditioning.  Here are some activities that have kept my Ecoach and Galloway Training Program participants running along, after the big day.

Social runs
Set up a running appointment with friends you’d really like to catch up with, as you enjoy the glow of endorphins.  Add a new friend or two every week, and make it your weekly “social”.

Scenic runs
List several visually interesting areas within a short drive of your home.  Pick one every 7-10 days.  Trails, parks, coastal areas, mountains—different ones each week for variety. 

Festival Events
Instead of a time goal, pick a slow time for you and see how close you can come without checking your pace along the way.  Many races today are supported by the community and offer kids activities, clinics for improvement, lots of food and beverages, and interesting communities for shopping, touring, etc.

Write down at least one of the above, on at least one day each week after your goal race.  You’ll stay in shape as you inject energy into your running!

Save on your entry to Breast Cancer Marathon!
Next month, the price goes up for the BCM.  Remember that 100% of the entry goes to research/care go ahead and enter, whether you can travel to Jacksonville or not.  Some runners are entering the race and running a half or full marathon in their hometown on Feb 17th weekend.  We are planning a fun weekend in Jacksonville and will have Galloway pace groups with walk breaks.

Q & A—Marathon training for those with a “fatigue challenging lifestyle”
Q: I am working 3rd shift, and training for a marathon. This is not my first marathon, but my first working these hours. Right now, I come home from work, and sleep. Then I get up and run. I feel good, but my body feels like it is in slow motion.

I train Monday-Thursdays, leaving Friday to rest and do my long run on Saturday. I feel fine for that. How do you think I should train? I ride my bike on the low mileage days, I feel like I can't run any farther. I do take walking breaks. I am 52 years old, not thinking that age should have a factor.
Let me know what to do,
Ted

Jeff’s Answer:
In general, I've found that those who have a “fatigue challenging lifestyle” can benefit from fewer days of running per week.  I recommend running Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.  One of the challenges of late night work is the warmup period.  Just as you start to shake off the late night work fatigue, it’s time to quit.  If you run every other day, you’ll allow significant time for the muscles to recover.  This should also allow you to run more on your running days.  After you shake off the warmup period, by going slower and walking more often, you should find it enjoyable and easier to go farther.  Many find that a strong cup of coffee (if you have no caffeine problems) helps get the systems ready for exercise.

You are probably not walking enough at the beginning of your runs.  My new book GALLOWAY TRAINING PROGRAMS has the latest info on walk breaks and many other issues. It's available from the link below, autographed, and you can email questions as you read.

Jeff Galloway
US Olympian
JeffGalloway.com
E-coaching to your goal

Beach running retreats-- wonderful and informative --Blue Mt Beach, FL. Dec 14-16, Jan, Feb, Mar 2008
Running Schools--individualized information, running form evaluation, training program set-up: A running renaissance!
Running Retreats--For all runners: motivation with individualized information

Autographed Books Make Great Presents!
Running Until You're 100
Half Marathon
Galloway Training: marathon, half, 10 Mile
Women's Guide to Running
Year Round Plan
5K/10K
Testing Yourself
Galloway's Book On Running
Jeff Galloway's Training Journal
Walking
Woman's Guide To Walking

Join Jeff for the National Marathon To Fight Breast Cancer, Jacksonville FL, Feb 17, 2008. Start your own Galloway training program: Darlene@JeffGalloway.com