August Runfessions- I’ve Got a Big One!
I know- August just sped past. That’s okay, because I’m ready for September! But first… it’s the last Friday of the month so it’s time to join Marcia for Runfessions! I only have one, but it’s a big topic- for me, at least. The other day I was listening to this episode of the Florida Trail Runners podcast with Chris Twiggs. Chris has completed the Hardrock 100 SIXTEEN times, as well as other ultras including Leadville and The Keys 100. In addition to describing his races, he also talked about how he employs Jeff Galloway’s run-walk method. Not just for ultras (everyone walks in 100 mile races) but for all distances. I’ve heard of Galloway’s run-walk method but never been interested in it. But this guy is obviously a badass- Hardrock is one of the hardest ultras in the country, and he’s completed it sixteen times- so I was curious enough to do a little further research. This article talks about Galloway’s running story, and says that he has a 2:16:35 marathon PR- using his run-walk method. REALLY??? How is that even possible? The article goes on to say that runners who employ run-walk have fewer injuries, and often faster race times, due to the fact that they’re able to run a little faster and hold onto that pace better during long efforts. Hmmmm. It’s still hard for me to wrap my head around. To me, walking is something you do when you’ve basically failed. Like if you’re too tired to keep running, then you walk, and it’s never a good thing. But I’ve never actually walked on purpose. Let’s be honest here. Things aren’t going that great for me. For whatever reason, I’ve been dealing with injuries ever since my daughter was born, and she’s now thirteen. Up until that time I had the “normal” amount of running injuries (something would come up every now and then) but since then, I’ve had one issue after another. I’ve tried strength training, yoga, running slower, working on my form, more strength training… and I’m still struggling. I need something different, but it’s still hard for me to wrap my head around a run-walk method. It just feels like I’m giving up on running somehow. Also, in the article, it says that a typical ratio is to run for four minutes and walk thirty seconds. That sounds…. really annoying. It seems like it would be hard to get into any kind of groove- you would constantly be switching back and forth. And how would I know when to run and walk? Can I even program my watch like that? (Can someone help me program my watch like that???) Galloway does say that everyone should pick a ratio that works for them- so the 4 minutes/30 seconds isn’t etched in stone (phew.) In the end, one sentence in the article finally jumped out at me: a triathlete coach who trains his runners in the run-walk method said, “It’s good for all of us to learn something new.” Well… maybe I can learn something new. I’m still having trouble getting used to the idea, but I’m going to try it. The worst that will happen is I don’t like it, and I can go back to just running. I know some people reading this use run-walk intervals. Do you plan the intervals in advance? What ratio do you use? How is it working for you? Please advise!