Jeff Galloway, Olympian and Pioneer of the Run/Walk Method, Dies at 80 — jeff galloway
jeff galloway, the Olympian and mentor to many American runners, died on Wednesday at the age of 80 from complications from a stroke and brain bleeding. After qualifying for the Olympic Games in the 10, 000 meters in 1972, he went on to become an influential running author and a formative figure in the modern running movement.
Jeff Galloway’s influence and method
As a runner of "limited talent and limitless dedication, " Galloway became known for promoting the life benefits of running for more than 50 years. He was a pioneer of the run/walk method, also known as the "Galloway Method" or "Jeffing, " which instructed runners to add walking intervals into their runs. He was described as what he called an "unlikely Olympian" and applied his teaching skills to recruit, inspire, and educate runners across the United States.
Early life and education
Born John F. Galloway (called Jeff) in Raleigh, North Carolina, he was the son of a naval officer, a circumstance that produced a disrupted childhood. By 1958, in eighth grade, he had attended 14 schools and was, by his own account, an overweight kid with no sports experience who was struggling academically. Trying cross-country, he found that running could be "a boost to my spirit and brain" and could "bestow a sense of hope, " and he discovered the sport's supportive group dynamics. It took more than two years for him to show any talent.
College and running breakthroughs
At Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, Galloway eventually ran a 4: 28 mile and won a state high school 2-mile championship, running 9: 48 at age 17. Running helped him improve academically and he went on to Wesleyan University in Connecticut. The lack of a high-pressure track program at Wesleyan brought unexpected bonuses: friendships with Amby Burfoot and Bill Rodgers as cross-country teammates, opportunity to train indoors at Yale with Frank Shorter, and the freedom to race on weekends in New England's extensive choice of road races. "I loved running road races, " Galloway said. Those experiences helped him become All-American and improve on the track to a 4: 12 mile and 14: 10 for 3 miles.
Military service and running
On graduation, at the height of conscription for the Vietnam War, Galloway opted to sign for the officer program of the U. S. Navy. He did active service for 18 months as a gunnery officer off the coast of Vietnam. On brief shore visits, his priority always was to run as the best way of relieving the stress of war zone service. On completing three years' service, his aspiration was to become a teacher, but he also wanted to test his potential as a runner, although he was still not close to international standard. The next line of the source is unclear in the provided context.
Career, reach and contributions
Over a career that spanned more than 50 years, jeff galloway founded running stores, running groups, running camps, and running travel. He was involved in creating important races, was one of the sport's most sought-after speakers, and wrote and marketed a best-selling training book. He adapted with the times by moving into social media, podcasts, and race promotion. With that record of innovation and reach into the running community, Galloway was described as probably the most influential single contributor to the evolving running movement in America. He never lost his modesty or accessibility, and many of his followers and clients came to regard him as a personal friend.
Disclosure and final notes
The original article included a disclosure that it earns a commission for products purchased through some links. The runner who qualified for the Olympic Games in the 10, 000 meters in 1972 left a long record of coaching, writing, and promoting the sport.
He died on Wednesday at age 80 from complications from a stroke and brain bleeding.
