If you’ve heard of runDisney, then certainly you know the name Jeff Galloway! I had the absolute privilege of meeting and running with Jeff at the Walt Disney World Meet Up & Eat Up event prior to the September Wine & Dine Half Marathon , and then again during the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend’s Meet-Up and Fly Away. To be honest, I had some trepidation as I set off very early both mornings. Would little ‘ole me be able to keep pace with a member of the 1972 US Olympic track team? How would I fit into the pack of runners during the 2 mile dash, and would I be good enough. I think perhaps Jeff had read my mind, because he could not have been more down-to-earth or gracious to me and the entire group during both events.
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| HE approached ME, asking if I would want a picture- what a guy. |
He listened with sincere interest as I recanted tales of my work with professional athletes and weekend warriors, and how frustrating it can be to rehab runners who think they only have two gears: fast and all-out! The Galloway Run-Walk-Run Method has literally validated my treatment approach, and enabled me to start running at the seasoned age of 52. We even joked that his no-injury approach could take its toll on my business. For the sake of the sport, I’d gladly take conditioning and maintenance programs over acute or chronic rehabilitation any day. Jeff has spent 34 years tweaking his injury-free marathon training program, and has veritably placed running a distance event within the reach of just about anyone who wants it. Like me! Is it any wonder that Disney choose Jeff Galloway as their Official runDisney Training Consultant?
Whether you are kicking around the idea of trying a runDisney event, or are a veteran marathoner, you will take something away from Jeff’s philosophies:
- It seems even non-runners know about the pre-race ritual of carb loading the evening before a morning race, but evening races do present unique nutritional challenges. Presently, runDisney offers three nighttime races- the Expedition Everest Challenge, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, and most recently, the Never Land Family Fun Run 5K – so this is critical information! In this video, Jeff addresses how, what and when one should eat before a contest.
- Jeff uses the Run-Walk-Run Method himself. For our 2 mile run in September, we used a 30 second run to 30 second walk ratio (or about a 14 minute mile pace) along the trails behind the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It felt great! We were able to converse throughout the run to assure there was no huffing and puffing. (As I try to preach to my patients, once you start using those accessory muscles in your upper body and neck you are wasting energy, and depleting exactly what you will need to finish your endurance contest.) In January, we were trying to make some serious time while running through Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park, and the pace was closer to a 10 minute mile. I found myself lagging behind a bit, but that allowed me a solitary (and first-ever) run through a Disney castle…
- I also full in love with his Run-Walk-Run Interval Timer, and though I have a Garmin and a Baby-G, this is what I now take on my thrice weekly runs. It is SO easy to program, easy to read (after a certain age, you don’t want to have to bring reading glasses on your runs) and you can choose vibrate and/or beep as an alert to change pace. I guarantee: if you runDisney you will be surrounded by “beeps”. Subliminally, I feel as though I am running with Jeff every time I hear that tone!
- As a physical therapist, I am often guilty of “do as I say, not as I do”. Jeff, I noticed, uses all of the techniques he purports in his training videos. His running style conserves energy, which is especially critical at the end of an endurance run. He uses a small stride, and minimizes any upward movement or spring, staying low to the ground. If you’ve ever experienced that lovely burning in your hips at the end of a race, you’ll understand why this makes so much sense. By making these adjustments in my own running style, I’m hoping to push back my “wall” during training for the second leg of my Coast to Coast Race Challenge, the 2012 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, in November.
- No matter the endurance contest, the subject of hydration is always raised. Here again, Jeff has intelligent, tried and true advice. He suggests the “no puking” policy! Drink regularly, but in small amounts; once you experience that slushing sensation in your gut, you’ve gone too far. Avoid this by limiting your water intake to 2-4 ounces every 2 miles. Imbibing too much fluid can actually create hyponatremia- a serious metabolic condition created by a salt/fluid imbalance in the body. As you run, your digestive tract will shut down and water and solids will no longer be digested, so moderation is key.
If you run, or if you merely entertain the possibility, I highly recommend you hear Jeff speak in person; there is no better ambassador for the sport. By following the Disney Parks Blog or @DisneySports on Twitter, you can learn about upcoming meet ups. Not ready for a run? Have no fear- Jeff speaks at every runDisney Expo.
Not near a Disney Park? Look for an upcoming free running clinic near you, or sign up for Jeff’s individualized e-Coaching Program. I’ve learned so much from Jeff Galloway, but I’m not done. After our days together, I’ve ordered a copy of his book, Running Until You’re 100. After all, I have about 50 years of Disney races to look forward to!!
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