Jeff Galloway dies; run-walk' advocate had been training for an eighth decade of marathons

"Running isn't supposed to be a suffer-fest. It should be something peaceful, something enjoyable, so people can enjoy running and not dread it. Galloway was a pioneer in getting people to run. He removed the barrier to entry, which was mostly mental."

"My mission now, at the age of 80-plus, is to show that people can do things that are normally not done, and can do them safely. Galloway survived heart failure in 2021 and was still hoping to complete another marathon after logging more than 230 during his lifetime."

"So we started walking with a few one-minute jogs. I spent some time with each group, during the runs, to adjust the frequency of walk breaks so that no one would struggle with the running portions of the class."

Jeff Galloway, a 1972 U.S. Olympic team member, passed away at 80 from a hemorrhagic stroke in Pensacola, Florida. He revolutionized running by promoting the run-walk-run method, making the sport accessible to elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Galloway developed this strategy in 1974 while teaching a running class at Florida State University, designed for people who hadn't run in years. His approach removed mental barriers to entry, emphasizing that running should be enjoyable rather than a struggle. He completed over 230 marathons throughout his lifetime and survived heart failure in 2021. His legacy inspired countless individuals to pursue running with confidence and participate in races.

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