Mr. Galloway, your books are the current best sellers for running. Tell me about them.
I’ve written ten books, two about walking and eight about running, specifically marathons. My original publication, Galloway’s Book on Running, has sold over 600,000 copies, and is the current best seller of all running books. My recent publications are focused on women - The Women’s Complete Guide to Running, and The Women’s Complete Guide to Walking.
How are walking and running different for women, versus men?
When I started running in 1958, the sport was almost exclusively male. Women began to discover running in the mid 80’s. Today 60-75% of new runners are women. I coach tens of thousands and receive over 100 emails daily, most are from women.
Women generally don’t have the competitive urge that men have. It’s easy to get burned out and discouraged when competition is the primary goal. Men tend to be competitive; if they don’t improve their time, many drop out. Women tend to enjoy the satisfaction and achievement they get from running. For them, it’s about keeping life in balance.
Women are also concerned about physical changes in relationship to running: PMS, menopause, menstrual irregularities, bra fitting, running through pregnancy. My book discusses these important issues and lays worries to rest.
Mr. Galloway, are you still a runner?
In my book, Running Till You’re 100, I write about the aging process, and point out how to keep yourself resilient, and moving forward as years go by. Today I’m 62 and my wife, Barbara is 54. We are both still running, three or four marathons a year. I feel as good as I ever did. I have energy, no aches, and sleep only four hours a night. It maintains what I have.
What is your goal as a coach?
My first goal is to reduce injuries to almost nothing. Overuse, due to fatigue causes injuries. More is not better.
Exercise is generic. It enhances how you feel about yourself and improves your life. For every hour of exercise, you can expect to get returned to you, two hours extended to your life. It also adds to the quality and mental abilities during the last 10-15 years of life.
Mr. Galloway, thank you for your time.
Have a good evening.
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