Folly of Run/Walk method in Marathon.
In a certain way, i am DEAD AGAINST Galloway Method.
When i start off training for my first 42km, i read alot from the web. Galloway method come highly recommended. If millions of people have use it, it shouldn't be wrong!
I borrow almost all the running books from the library on long distance and self taught myself.
I didn't practise Galloway method in any of my last 8 Marathons. It does not mean i am not going to use it in the future.
Galloway method teaches walk/run from the start. A systematic of walk and run, eg 8mins run/2mins walk and continue until the end.
Let face the reality, who use walk/run method when one can run? So far, maybe in ang mo countries, i can only view the handful of runners that i have seem that is using this method. This batch of runners are relative "slower" runners.
I have tried walk/run during trainings at times, although seldom but i can see the benefits. It is a very good method if you make use of it properly with the right discipline and mentality. What i DISAGREE upon is for folks to take the easy way out!
Marathon is not able the race itself. It is the process of trainings that make Marathon a unique event. It teaches discipline and train your mental and physical ability. Respect the distance and do adequate training for it.
Alas quite a few folks abuse the method. I have no time to train, so i use walk/run method. First 42km no time to train, 2nd marathon no time, 3rd marathon still no time, 4th and continue.
This is bad, really bad. If no time, don't force upon it and do 21km or 10km! Why must definitely do a 42km? If you wanna do a 42km, prepare to put in the hours for the training!
As human we tend to put everything to last minute. Even training for a long distance event. Based on this fact, I have to say Galloway method is BAD.
Galloway method give runners the option to go low on mileage and still squeeze for maximum distance on race day. Is that what Galloway method is all about? Allowing slackers to squeeze through and risk of getting injure due to insufficient training!
How sad, when i see some of my friends, rely on it(Galloway) so much that even a 10km run, also have to do walk/run! Yeah, maybe he/she is tired. Everytime is tired. Sad.
The right way to use Galloway method IMO is to train running as it is norm. Last 2-3 sessions of LSD, train on using Galloway method and let the body get use to it. With consistent training, Galloway method will do good and even bring you a PB!
Nothing is wrong Galloway method provide it is apply with the right mentality. Unfortunately, it seems not for those users that practise. :(
3 comments:
Gotta say - I chickened out of running in the last marathon, and only jogged for the last 2 miles......scared of hitting the wall! Wanted to see if I could make it even though I did run for 20 miles 3 times prior.
But maybe I'll try this method next time.
I used the Galloway method for my first 2 marathons. However, I trained for almost 1 year for the first marathon and about 6 months for the second. Agree that Galloway's intent is not for people to skip sufficient training - in fact, his books focuses a lot on getting sufficient LSDs prior to the marathon to build up endurance and stamina. Not right to only take one aspect of his training philosophy (run-walk), and skip the rest (mental preparation, LSDs, hydration, stretching etc)... :)
i use run/walk for 2km now.....8-P....5x400m on the track
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