Jeff Galloway, the "unlikely Olympian" and book author who shared his love of running with the run-walk-run method that inspired generations of runners, has passed away on Thursday, Philippine time. He was 80 years old.
"Sadly, we lost someone truly irreplaceable today. We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Jeff — a husband, a father, a grandfather, a coach, a mentor, and a believer in every single one of you," his social media page confirmed.
On February 21, Galloway's family announced the runner recently underwent emergency neurosurgery and was staying in the ICU.
He passed five days later.
"Jeff spent his life proving that anyone could cross a finish line. He celebrated every mile, every walk break, and every finish. He coached millions, but found fulfillment in each of your stories of personal accomplishment," the family's message read.
"Jeff had an almost supernatural ability to look at any person, any age, any fitness level… and see not what they were, but what they could become, in fitness and in life.
Jeff did not just make runners. He empowered people to believe in themselves.
He is survived by every person who ever crossed a finish line and thought, 'I didn’t think I could do this'.
Run easy. Walk proud. And thank you, Jeff, for always believing in every one of us!"
The Unlikely Olympian
He became part of the 1972 Munich Olympics squad for the 10,000-meter event.
"My only goal was internal: to see how good I could be. I continued to improve gradually but made no one’s list of prospects for the 1972 Olympic team. This did not bother me—I was enjoying the journey," Galloway wrote on his website about the Olympic trials.
"Even in my own mind, I was an outside contender for a spot as a marathoner, with no chance in the 10K. But since I had qualified for the shorter race, I 'lived my dream' running in the trial heats, qualifying for the final. When the gun fired for the race to pick the 10K team, I dropped into last place for the first mile. Then, I made it a game to see if I could catch the next person ahead of me. Picking off one and then another runner I enjoyed the moment."
He was actually in second place for the marathon trial, but dropped behind so his teammate Jack Bacheler could make the team as well.
Galloway competed in Munich in 11th place for the first heat of the 10,000-meter event.
But it was only the beginning for him.
Run-Walk-Run
In the early 80s, he popularized the run-walk-run method for distance running.
It's simple. You set up a plan of regular short run segments, followed by walk breaks, and then repeat.
"By using a ratio of running and walking, you will manage your fatigue. Using this fatigue-reduction tool early gives you the muscle resources and mental confidence to cope with any challenges that can come later," Galloway wrote in one of his many books, such as Running: Getting Started.
"Walk breaks allow you to tak control over fatigue in advance so that you can enjoy every run."
Running saved his life
In 2021, after a workout on a rowing machine, Galloway suffered from dizziness and fatigue--an onset of a heart attack. It progressd to heart failure.
A week later, his heart stopped pumping and it took a defibrillator to bring him back.
Doctors told him the blockage in his arteries likely began to form decades ago, possibly due to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange. This was used by the US military in the Vietnam War, where Galloway served as a Navy lieutenant, according to The New York Times.
"While recovering from hi sheart failure, Mr. Galloway learned that his decades of training likely helped to save his life. Not only did his consistent run-walking slow the progression of the blockage, but it also helped him to develop what doctors call collateral circulation: His heart grew new blood vessels, which kept him alive when the original vessels became fully blocked," The New York Times reported.
Inspiring generations of runners
Galloway founded a running shop, Phidippides Sports, and became the author of several books on training such as Galloway's Book on Running.
For over 20 years, he was a columnist for Runner's World and became an international speaker for more than 200 running and fitness sessions every year.
"It's clear to me that almost anyone can do this--and it doesn't have to be painful or extremely tiring. All you need to start this process is desire. Not just desire to run, but the desire to become part of a positive process of improvement, bringing together the body, mind, and spirit," he wrote in the book Running: Getting Started.
"There are a few experiences in life that bestow the satisfaction we get from running and walking for an extra mile when we didn't think we could do it," he added. "After 50 years of putting one foot in front of the other, I'm still discovering the benefits and enjoying just about every step along the way."
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Para Games, Asian Games, FIBA World Cup, and FIVB World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.