I just learned Jeff Galloway passed away. I read a few days ago he wasn’t doing well and was in the ICU after a procedure. I’m saddened because despite only meeting him a few times briefly, he made an impact in my life in a profound way.
Who is Jeff Galloway? He was an Olympian. Probably the only one I’ll ever meet in this lifetime. He’s famous for being at the runDisney races and championing the run-walk method where you alternate intervals of running with walk breaks. This beginner friendly training method helps to manage fatigue from setting in sooner, reduce injury risk, and improve endurance. It allows runners to go farther and over time, faster, by using scheduled, short, active recovery walking breaks. When I started getting into running back in 2018, it really helped me as a newbie to feel less overwhelmed and that this was more doable than I was worried it would be. I was never an “athletic” person growing up and exercise wasn’t something I prioritized in my life up until then. But as I was reaching my 30s and realizing my metabolism was catching up to me, I knew I needed to make a change but felt that I was ‘behind’ as I started to take my health more seriously and was playing catch up. I was definitely overwhelmed on where to start and how to improve when I started running. I also felt intimidated and that I wasn’t a “real runner” because I wasn’t fast, I needed breaks, I didn’t know anything about proper footwear, etc. I felt like other runners were probably judging me.
And that’s what one of the biggest things I loved about Jeff. He was an Olympian, but he wasn’t gatekeeping the sport. He truly was a team player and everyone’s cheerleader. He believed in every runner crossing that finish line. He didn’t judge on your speed or what brand of sneakers you wore or anything. He encouraged everyone to do their best and keep one foot in front of the other. He was what an inspiring leader should be. He wanted YOU to be YOUR very best. He didn’t view running as a competitive sport but a personal achievement. His legacy was one of kindness and compassion. He had a unique ability to make you feel like you mattered - that you ARE an athlete. No matter how busy he was at conventions, he took the time to speak to each and every person who waited on line, sharing his knowledge and inspiring you simply by instilling his genuine belief that YOU can do it, even if you can’t see it in yourself just yet. You could tell he really wanted to help every runner become their best self. I was so nervous at my first Dopey and he took my hand and told me “You’re going to do this.” I don’t know what it is, but his simple belief in me helped push me cross that finish line. I saw him at the last mile before completing my first full marathon in January of 2022, when I was feeling tired and fading fast. I can’t tell you how many times that day I thought about flagging down a medic bike and quitting but in that last mile, his standing there for hours cheering all the runners on and then when he saw me, it felt like he was cheering me on personally to get it done. His simple support made a huge impact on my life that day. To this day, I still can’t believe I did a Dopey!
I realized that his inspiration into my life wasn’t just about running.
In life there are people who don’t want to see others do well because they view everyone else as competition. Other people’s accomplishments make them feel inadequate, even if those accomplishments isn’t what they want for themselves. Jealousy is an ugly thing. Unfortunately, it is simply a very human thing. I grew up with a lot of it in my life. It has reared its ugly head in unwanted frenemy relationships and rivalry. But I don’t want this toxicity in my life anymore. This current season of my life has me wanting to purge myself of people and situations that bleed negativity and selfishness. I don’t want it to poison my mind and heart anymore. I want to see the people I love in my life thrive and flourish. I want to see them win and succeed at attaining their dreams. I want to be more like Jeff Galloway in my own legacy of inspiring others and wanting them to be their best self.
I know I said upon completing my NYC Marathon in 2023 I’d never do this again and that a half marathon would be my limit from now on, but let’s be real, I say a lot of things I end up going back on because let’s face it, I am a clown sometimes. I’m feeling inspired to *fingers crossed* maybe try another Dopey for my 40th birthday. I’m probably going to regret it but what better/insane way to enter my 40s? Here’s to doing what you think is “the impossible,” not once but twice and taking pictures.
