Six months after I ran my first-ever lap around the track, I was pixie dusted by an invite to runDisney’s Eat Up, Meet Up with Jeff Galloway. As ecstatic as I was, I wondered if I would be able to keep up with the 20 youngsters around me in a group run. Having faith in what I had read about Jeff (and thinking he would take pity on this old novice) I made that leap of faith and RSVPed. It ended up being an event that inspires and motivates me still three years later.

Although I struggled mightily to keep up with the pack, I gained strength and some serious encouragement from the ladies around me. And Jeff? He could not have been more supportive and encouraging. He sought me out after the run, spoke to me about my goals and reason for running, and asked me if I’d like a picture with him! Well, that photo is part of my on-line mini-shrine I have cherished since. I knew that day if Jeff and twenty strangers could “lift me up” through a very fast-paced 2 miles, there was real power in the group. It led to Things I Learned Running With Jeff Galloway. And sharing today’s Jeff Galloway’s Blogger Tips!

THE POWER OF THE GROUP

The fun of running with a group pulled me into the sport 57 years ago. Running and training with my friends Steve Prefontaine, Frank Shorter Bill Rodgers, brought out the best of running in me—while we became good friends, and Olympians. As I travel the US this season, for our Galloway training program kickoffs, I see the same fun, support and friendship development. I hope to see many of you at our free clinics. Here are the ways I’ve observed runners of all abilities improve more and have more fun when in the right group.

1. Great friendships

2. The miles go by quicker—telling stories, sharing life experiences

3. Guidance in running with the right group for you, with the appropriate run walk run strategy

4. Because the group is waiting for you, you will stay motivated and get out there more often

5. You’ll learn about some interesting races, places to run, fun running experiences

6. On the really tough workouts and races, the group will pull you through

7. Access to tools for management of nutrition, fluids, motivation, aches/pains

8. The right group leadership can fine-tune the pace of each workout, avoiding injury/exhaustion

9. Helping others who are struggling bestows an amazing sense of achievement

10. Sharing the empowerment of finishing a long run can change your life

Most groups, like our Galloway programs allow runners to try them out for free. Together we can celebrate fitness and inspire others to improve the quality of their lives.

**I received nothing – neither product nor compensation- for releasing this information to my readers. I do it out of pure admiration!!!

Read the Jeff Galloway Blogger Tips Series:

Run Faster With Jeff Galloway

Running Through Beverly Hills and Other Inspiration From Jeff Galloway

Training & Motivation

More Training & Motivation | Run-Walk-Run

Running Injury Free | Arthritis and Science

Highlights of this year’s Galloway Training Programs:

Discount on the Jeff Galloway 13.1 and Barb’s 5K LINK
50% discount of Jeff Galloway’s Running Schools and Blue MT Beach Retreats
Discounts on Phidippides products – Jeff’s store and the original running specialty store LINK
Discounts on ElliptiGO, my favorite way to cross train outside
Discounts on Pacific Health Products Accelerade & Endurox
Discounts on Cooper Complete vitaminsLink
Galloway Alumni hat available just for those who have been a part of our team before
Newly redesigned Galloway Training medal to celebrate completion of this year’s program

A Note From Jeff

Visit http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training-groups/list-of-cities/ to find your closest Galloway Training Program, and ask me for more details about what I love about my Galloway group.