Jeff Galloway's Blog

Making The Olympic Team: My Experience

2008-07-03T13:32:56-04:00

As my friend Jack Bacheler and I entered the track for the final quarter mile of the Olympic Trials Marathon, the crowd jumped to their feet. With only one spot left on the 3 person marathon team, most expected a race to the finish. I glanced behind us one more time to make sure that no competitor would catch us and told Jack that he was going to Munich--but he didn’t hear me. The roar of the crowd was overwhelming and empowering as we ran stride for stride toward the finish.

Fourteen years before, I was a fat 13 year old entering a new school that required athletics after school. The "lazy kid grapevine" told me that the track coach was the most lenient--you could jog to the edge of the woods, goof off (out of sight from the coach), and jog back at the end of the period. I didn’t like exercise but, as fate would have it, met some kids that were funny. At first I tried to keep up with them to hear the jokes.

I wasn’t an instant star. It took 4 years of hard running before I finally qualified for the Georgia State High School championships. I continued running at Wesleyan University without an athletic scholarship, but didn’t achieve any NCAA overall ranking. It was during Vietnam and I drew a draft number of "3". I was not good enough to apply to one of the armed service track teams so I served on a ship in the Navy. When my service was over in 1970, I decided that I would try to qualify for the Olympic Trials race. My times were so much slower than needed, and this was unlikely. But I was looking forward to the journey when I first met Jack Bacheler.

Rumors spread that a new track club was forming in Florida, the FTC. The Florida Track Club was a vision of University of Florida track coach Jimmy Carnes. He had offers of support from area businessmen including Gatorade inventor Dr. Robert Cade (who helped us travel to key competitions). But 1968 Olympian Bacheler gave the club legitimacy while he worked on his doctorate. The first time I met Jack I liked him. He was fun to run with, but focused on steady improvement through hard work.

Like me Jack had not been an instant running star, but had made the previous Olympic team. A friend during college days, Frank Shorter, had joined Jack a year before and had already become a leading candidate for the 1972 Olympic team. I cannot understate the power of these mentors at this stage of my running. I continued to make steady improvement until February of 1972 when I qualified for the marathon trials in a major time improvement.

Frank had arranged for he and Jack to train at altitude for 2 months before the ’72 national championships, which were 2 weeks before the Olympic trials. When they invited me to join them, I didn’t hesitate. I was probably about 12th on the national rankings of marathoners. My plan was to run in the national championships in hopes of achieving a qualifying time to get into the 10,000 meter race. I needed to improve by over a minute so this was unlikely.

During most of the hard workouts at Vail, I could not keep up with my teammates. But even when struggling, I was inspired to do my best when running with Jack. When he sensed that I was motivationally challenged he always said something that made me laugh or gave me hope. I drove from Vail, CO to the Nat'l Championships in Seattle. Conditions were perfect for distance running. My training had paid off and I qualified to get into the 10K race.

I knew that I didn’t have a logical chance of making the team in the 10K. Even after my surprise improvement in Seattle, I was probably ranked about 10th—and only 3 qualified for the Olympics. It was over 90 degrees at the start of the race so I decided to just get through it. I was in last place through 4 laps and then passed someone. Because many of the runners had started too fast, and I did not, I found myself catching up to the stragglers, passing one, then another. I played a game with myself, guessing when I would pass the next person. With about 6 laps to go in the 24.5 lap race, I decided to see who was ahead and was shocked to see that it was only my two teammates, Jack and Frank.

Jack was struggling, probably from lingering fatigue and I passed him and finished second. Even on the hot day, I had run under the Olympic qualifying standard. I cannot express the joy in this unexpected accomplishment, but this was tempered by what happened to Jack. Coming down the 80 meter homestretch, Jack was in third place. But the crowd was encouraging the local favorite, John Anderson (son of the Mayor). Jack was weaving under the fatigue and bumped John on the way to John’s 3rd place finish. An official called a foul on Jack and disqualified him from the race.

I knew that Jack could strengthen our team in Munich if he could qualify. So I offered my services as a pacer during the marathon trial, one week later. This was my specialty and I looked forward to the chance to help my friend, while improving our Olympic chances. Jack had set a tone of cooperation and support for one another in the FTC and it was time for me to give back.

We started in the lower half of the pack and moved up every mile until, at 21 miles, there were only 2 runners ahead of us. Jack was not feeling good and so now I became the cheerleader. I had had a great mentor as I talked Jack through some low moments.

It was an overwhelming moment for me. This former fat kid was running in the Olympic Trials, in a tie for 3rd place. But the best part was bowing to my good friend at the finish so that he could finish 3rd. My victories in races like the Peachtree Road Race and the Honolulu Marathon don’t come close to the lasting joy of helping a friend.

In the Olympic Marathon, two months later, our team finished better than any in Olympic history: Frank Shorter 1st, Kenny Moore 4th, and Jack Bacheler 9th.

On The Road With Jeff - April 23-May 6, 2008

2008-05-08T16:18:28-04:00

April 23-May 6th Charlotte, San Jose, Carmel, Monterey, Cincinnati, Raleigh, NYC, Mahwah

Charlotte NC—John Lineberger conducts a comprehensive, year-round program, and one of our largest. I met several folks who travel more than 45 minutes each way to run with the friendly group. They confided that this is the only way they would do the longer long runs. Now, they simply love the members of their training group.

San Jose CA—Jenny Lockwood leads our growing group in this very runable city. We had an energizing running school and a “meet and greet” in Urban Sports, our running store partner. Thanks go to Lance, the owner. This is another socially fun group with a running problem.

Carmel CA—This is a quaint and very scenic coastal town that is unique. Barbara and I stayed at Sunset House, a “homey” B&B type place with fireplace. A few minutes of downhill jogging brought me to one of my favorite beaches in the world. If you're interested in staying at one of these cozy properties contact Bobby Richards (bobbyrichards6@gmail.com) and feel free to mention my name.

There's a wonderful scenic path just above the beach that winds for miles. On Friday morning I teamed up with Rich Pepe, owner of Little Napoli (Dolores St at 7th). We took a walk/jog to the beach, did some cadence drills, and then enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Little Napoli, as I talked about staying injury free for life. Pepe promotes a number of fitness activities and serves delicious food.

Monterey CA—For most of Saturday I gave clinics to help runners deal with the many hills of the Big Sur International Marathon. I love this event—the committee is composed of dedicated people who work together to produce a masterpiece marathon experience. Many runners have reported setting personal records on this course because there is more downhill than uphill. My advice is to relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery and good people.

Big Sur Marathon—The weather is usually ideal or almost ideal for the 10 years I've been coming to Big Sur, and April 27th was no exception. One of my roles during the weekend is to be part of the “Bob and Jeff show” with pacing tips and announcements before the start. A few minutes before the gun fired, Bob asked me, on air, what I planned to do during the race. I explained that Barbara and I were shooting for a time around 5 hours, using a run-walk-run strategy of (run a minute/walk a minute). Bob invited anyone to join us as I climbed down from the platform, and waited with Barbara to start the race.

At the first minute I did a 5 second countdown so that our runners could get over to the side of the road to walk. I looked behind and saw about 60 folks with us. For the next few miles we picked up a few more each mile and held steady through about 19 miles where some fell off. But as we swept through the next 6 miles we picked up another dozen or so who were losing steam but were able to run one minute at a time with us.

I've heard from many in the group who ran their best time that day, or who were not prepared for the event, and had a wonderful experience by using 1-1. I came in after the 5:05 mark. Barbara ran off and left me, finishing about a minute ahead. The next morning I was in heaven, running down Carmel beach.

Cincinnati April 30—Our very social Galloway group in this city, led by Suzelle Snowden, has two sponsor stores. I gave a clinic at 5:30pm at Meters & Miles, and a 7pm session at Fleet Feet in Blue Ash. The second clinic had a very large turnout with lots of new folks aiming at a Fall half or full marathon. There were also requests for last minute tips for the Flying Pig Marathon, on May 4th. Cincinnati has experienced an increased growth in running due to this event—which is fun.

Raleigh May 2 and 3—My noon clinic was held at the new campus of Rex Healthcare. On the wall of the auditorium was a picture of Rex Hospital, where I was born. I spent many happy times during my youth in Raleigh. We had a successful “Mizuno meet and greet” at the Raleigh Running Outfitters on 6 Forks road.

Due to the great leadership of Ron Wahula, our Raleigh program has the largest Galloway enrollment. Ron has a series of great folks helping with marketing, social functions, etc. They have fun and have helped thousands to change their lives in a positive way while bonding with new friends every year.

Monday in NYC—our kickoff in the big Apple was at the Westside YMCA. We had the largest group of new runners that I've seen on any of my NYC trips. That program has unlimited opportunities to grow.

Tuesday in Mahwah—my good friend Ed Nekel allowed me to stay at his house. I had two great runs on the Saddle River trail system in Paramus NJ. The Mahwah group is small but growing and full of energetic folks. I conducted a clinic and did a demo run that featured the cadence drills and acceleration-gliders.

This weekend I will be in Conway AR and Springfield MO. There's still space available for my running school in Conway, on Saturday May 10th (contact Carol at ccmiller@mindspring.com).

We're starting a new program in Springfield MO which will feature a new hometown event: the BassPro Marathon on November 2nd. I will be there and I hope that many of you can join me.

Enjoy your runs---Jeff

April is “marathon decision month”

2008-04-22T17:18:24-04:00

Most of the folks that I work with to train for marathons, make their choice in April. Why so early? The major marathons are so popular that they fill up quickly if you don't sign up as soon as you can. It is also true that most of those who enter Marathons in the Fall are currently doing very little running and know that they need to rev it up. Each day this month, on the average, I am in front of an audience of runners who fire constant questions about how to avoid “the wall”, staying injury free, estimating potential improvement, and running faster this year. I always recommend that the first goal be to finish in the upright position.

My greatest satisfaction is the evolution of a series of simple training components that give the individual almost complete control over how he or she will feel at the end of long runs and on the big day. You don't have to puke or hit the couch or bed after long runs if you follow a few easy steps. Last year I put out a revised version of the training manual for my groups to reflect the updated information: GALLOWAY TRAINING PROGRAMS.

The popular marathons for the fall and winter are Portland OR, Marine Corps Marathon (online registration opens April 30), Chicago (almost full), NYC (lottery now open), Breast Cancer Marathon but there are many, many more to chose from! A great resource for choice is www.marathonguide.com. Be sure to read the reviews.

This past week I had a delightful spring fun run out of my Phidippides Store in Sandy Springs GA, and then headed for Florida:

* Sarasota: A new Fleet Feet store in this city will host our Galloway Training Program. We had a great turnout for the first kickoff. Pat Jones is the director.

* Daytona: We had an overwhelming turnout for the kickoff on Saturday. The members and the group leaders seem to always have a good time together.

* Lakeland: The fun run around Lake Hollingsworth was a real treat. What a beautiful and clean city. Our running store partner, Fit Niche, does a great job in fitting and advising runners - in a beautiful new location. This group is growing significantly, due to the friendly leadership of our director Brendan.

* Tampa: We continue to have great leadership with co-directors Linda and Iris. Our running store partner, The Running Center has been a good resource. It was great to see so many members that have been with us for years, welcoming the new members.

For more info on these and other Galloway Training Programs, go here.

Mizuno has been a great resource. Their representatives provide knowledgeable information and some special discounts for our members.

Sidelights: Between clinics on Friday I went for a run and interrupted the mating of two black snakes. One was crossing the road toward the mate when I approached, and it retreated. I don't believe, however, that this was a serious interruption in the expansion of the snake population.

In Lakeland, Florida, cars stop for swans crossing the road. I witnessed one such crossing that took a very long time.

The rest of April:
* Charlotte NC - On April 23rd, an evening “meet and greet” at the Dowd YMCA on Wednesday, 7:30pm.
* San Jose CA - On April 24th, a running school from 12:30-5:30 pm, then a meet and greet (email ccmiller@mindspring.com for more info)
* Carmel CA - On April 25th, a Friday morning session of gentle running, eating, italian recipes, with myself and Pepe
* Monterey CA - Saturday, April 26th clinics at the Big Sur Marathon expo with book signing
* Big Sur Marathon—Sunday morning along the coast. I've not found a more beautiful marathon course!
* Cincinnati: On April 30th I’ll be giving out last minute instructions for The Flying Pig Marathon.

Enjoy your runs---Jeff