Free Marathon Training Program

Question:
As the galloway program is about to gear up here in my area I would like to hear from those who have take part in this program. is the galloway method an effective way to train for a marathon and worth the cost? or can one do just as well of a job in getting ready to run a marathon(first timers) by training either on their own or with a couple of fellow runners?

Answer:
First, before spending any money, it's important to be clear on what you're actually paying for.

The Galloway method is not patented. One can purchase his books for a reasonable
price or even search for his training plans on the web. The package that's offered may include coaching, group sessions, lectures/clinics, etc. Look into it and decide whether it's worth it. It's unlikely that you're paying money to use Galloway's methods -- you can use these without signing up for any program.

There are a number of issues in here worth discussing:

(1) group training

Group training is mostly important for speed work IMO, and not as helpful for just doing easy miles (because running with other people tends to make everyone faster). A beginners marathon training is mostly just about getting the miles in unless you have a fair amount of experience racing other distances. But doing the miles on your own requires a fair amount of motivation. You can do group training via signing up for some program or by just having a training partner. Both of these are good options.

(2) coaching

This is obviously quite useful if you can get one on one training advice from people who know their stuff and are actually watching you training.

(3) setting up a program

An intelligent and motivated person can usually do a reasonable job of this. There is an abundance of marathon training programs out there that make it pretty clear what level of ability they address.

(4) the Galloway method

This is quite controversial as has been pointed out. Personally I wouldn't be happy with walking during a marathon or any other road race, but then it probably wouldn't be optimal pacing for me anyway. Some people (especially undertrained marathon runners) like this way of running. Others do well on other programs. Galloway is generally not regarded as the last word on marathon training.