Many runDisney runners know about Jeff Galloway. He is an Olympian, the official runDisney training consultant and an all-around great guy. Not only can he be found at the Health & Fitness Expos (both in the speaker series and to chat with in the runDisney booth), he also runs almost every runDisney race, usually with his wife Barbara by his side!
On the runDisney website are training plans that Jeff has created. Whether you are a brand new runner or one looking to hit a time goal, there are a few plans to choose from. However, sometimes runners want a plan that is tailored specifically to them.
Megan was a part of Jeff’s eCoaching program for 6 months. After a rough training cycle, she knew that she needed the encouragement and direction from a running coach and trying out Jeff’s program came at the perfect time!
This 6-month program costs $297 (Megan did pay for this on her own) or $197 for alumni of the eCoaching program. Along with a tailored plan directly from Jeff to help you achieve your personal goal, you also receive:
- A copy of one of Jeff’s books
- Direct email access to Jeff (for questions and clarifications) with priority
- Free monthly eNewsletter
- Opportunity to ride on the Galloway Bus for the New York City Marathon start
- Discounts on fitness vacations at Lake Tahoe
- Meet and run with other Galloway Members at races around the world
So how did it all work? Megan began by purchasing the plan. Within the day, she got an email from one of Jeff’s colleagues with a form for her to fill out. It covered basic information (gender, age, email, etc.) as well as specific questions such as goals, current race times, sample weeks, limitations, etc. The next day, she got an email from Jeff with lots of information regarding how to approach training each week, as well as a schedule of weekend runs – tailored specifically to her goals.
It’s worth noting, this plan was much different than she was used to. Jeff focuses on two weekly runs, along with a long and slow run on the weekend. The long run mileage was high (with a 26 mile training run prior to the Walt Disney World Marathon), however the weekday runs were focused, either on speed or hills.
You can’t run a long run too slowly or take too many walk breaks. You’ll get the same endurance based upon the distance covered. -Jeff Galloway
Throughout the training cycle, Megan emailed Jeff each week with an update of the previous week’s runs. Along with an overview of the runs (specifically the long run), it also covered run/walk ratio, pace, aches or pains and questions. Jeff was quick to respond and answer any questions she had, usually with specific reasoning! It took some tweaking, but throughout the cycle, Megan found the run/walk ratio that worked the best for her and her goals and she learned how to better listen to her body.
When paced correctly, running delivers the best attitude boost you can get. Sustain this by pacing yourself gently during the first mile or three. -Jeff Galloway
The results? She took 4 minutes off her half marathon PR and gained much better control on the mental aspect of running and races!
While the pricing is steep (especially for the new registrant), having direct access to Jeff was very reassuring. Jeff truly is a wealth of information and even pushes your thinking when it comes to what you “thought” you knew in regards to running. Best of all, he offers his encouragement and support in a way that only Jeff can. (If you have ever met him in person, you know what we mean!)
I’ll second Megan’s positive experience with Jeff Galloway’s e-coaching program. I’ve been a member for the past year (one 6-month set as a new member and one as an alumnus) and recently renewed again as an alumnus. During the past year year, Jeff has helped me keep running safely through weak links that flared up (usually at times of increasing pace or mileage) by modifying the plan. As runners, we know it’s not fun to back-off, but by sticking with the modified plans until I was pain-free (usually around 7-10 days), I did keep moving/running/walking and healed strong physically and with new knowledge about what may have contributed to the irritation. I, too, have PR’d by following the plans. Very importantly, I have improved my running form — even through e-caaching without direct visuals — by asking questions and noting how I thought I was running. Through the year, Jeff has responded quickly and I think I’ve only sent a reminder request twice (out of 52 weeks) after which I received a reply within a day. Another plus for me is that with my busy schedule, the e-coaching is on my schedule — I don’t miss a training due to being out of town, for example. I’d also like to put in a positive comment for his staff (Susan is who I’ve been in contact with off and on) — quick, friendly, and responsive! I’ve been very happy with Jeff’s e-coaching.