Jeff Galloway Chicago

I struggled with the decision to write an update to my review, but would not want it to be the basis for someone deciding to join Galloway Chicago.
While nothing in my original review has changed — it was an amazing experience with an amazing group of people who I still call friends — this Galloway chapter has declined severely to the point I wonder how long it will be around.
Last year, my second year as a Galloway-​er, I was a pace group leader, which gave me insight into how the program works. Not to toot my own horn, but really to toot the horn of my fellow pacers — we were the program, trying our best to maintain a quality experience. Leadership and support from our program director (the only paid person in a leadership position) was scant at best and very apparent to newbies and veterans.
I am still an avid runner, but parted ways with Galloway after last season and am not alone. It was the right decision for me as the chapter continues to turn a deaf ear to feedback from runners and pacers, which in turn has accelerated the dwindling enrollment.
Thanks for the memories Galloway Chicago. I wouldn’t be the runner I am today without you, it’s a shame you’re now a shadow of your former self.

started running a little more than 2 years ago, under the impulsion of a friend of mine. Up until then — I always hate running.
Now — you have to know that people — normal, clear-​minded, I-​feel-​good-​in-​my-​own-​skin people — don’t run in France. Mayyyyyyy-​be once a year to catch a bus or a train in order not to miss the meeting of their life.
The benefits of running don’t really occur to us. And to take care of our hearts and cardiovascular systems, we have red wine, thankyouverymuch. A glass a day keep the doctor and the Nike away. Besides we have more lovely ways to take care of her feet — Christian Louboutin, I am calling your name. (Now that’s free advertisement and I would highly appreciate if you could send a pair of comfortable 3-​inch heels this way please. US 8.5, FR 39 — whatever color. Thanks.)
But no I cannot stop running. 5K, n a half-​marathon last year, and — big ta-​da!!! — a marathon this year. Except that this year — I decided to not do it alone and join a running group to kick my lazy ass and keep me going when my feet wouldn’t carry me anymore.
Enter Jeff Galloway.
A friend of mine used their run injury program last year to train for her first marathon and really enjoyed it. Not only did it train her perfectly well for her race but she also met really friendly people who became some close friends of hers and she enjoyed it so much that she became this year a pace leader.
So in April this year — I decided to join her and signed up online. It’s $ 159 for first timers, $ 99 for alumni. It might seem a little steep at first but it’s well worth it if you are serious about your training. You run with people to your own pace (there are a variety to choose from) and the principle is the following: you run for ½/​3 minutes (according to your group) and walk for 1 minute. You meet every Saturday morning and go for a run along the lake front, alternating every other week between short runs and long runs.
It works wonderful.
The Jeff Galloway Training Program is still small in Chicago and your group will most likely be between 3 and 9 people. Some people are seasoned runners and have many marathons under their belt; some are — like me — brand new at long distance running. All of them are really supportive and you never feel alone. Most importantly being surrounded gives you the energy you never knew you had. I feel much stronger than I have ever had and for the firs time in my life I believe I can actually cross the finish line of a freaking marathon. Added bonus: you bond with your companions in suffering (!) and you never feel like you are being a part of a running machine.
Best part? Free tee-​shirts and onesies give aways AND breakfast afterwards!!!
A great way to get started on your own Chariots of Fire.

I am currently training with the Jeff Galloway Chicago group. This national program focuses on running injury free for a lifetime. Each pace group goes through a series of running/​walking combinations to gradually build up speed and endurance. This running group is fun! I feel much less sore than I did doing Hal Higdon’s program and I will complete my first marathon on October 7^th in Chicago!