Sonoma County training group inspires runners of all ages

Robin Brown is 74, and just finished her second marathon.

It was an endeavor the Penngrove resident hadn’t accomplished in 35 years, not since she was in her 30s and a new mother.

Her secret? She uses a training technique called the Galloway method, a run/walk approach developed by former Olympic distance runner Jeff Galloway.

“A runner I met years ago mentioned the Galloway method to me,” said Brown. “After a series of running-related injuries in my late 60s, I recalled that conversation and decided to search for a Galloway program located nearby.”

Brown and her husband now both participate in the Sonoma County chapter of the Galloway Training Program, which has 95 chapters around the nation and six abroad. The Sonoma County chapter is currently coached by Healdsburg couple Al and Anna Myers, who discovered the Galloway program in 2007, when the chapter was originally founded.

“This program builds a base of health and fitness and continues by enriching the lives of all participants with friendships, acceptance and support for each other,” said Myers. “This is a program with which you cannot lose - only win, and in more ways than one.”

The Sonoma County chapter currently has about 90 members, and trains for distances from a 5K to a half marathon. The chapter also has a trail running group.

Jeff Galloway, a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic Track and Field team, created the method after being asked to teach a beginning running course at a university in the Atlanta area.

“These were true beginners and I knew that walking breaks might keep them injury-free,” said Galloway. “I was right. There were no injuries and all 22 ran either a 5K or a 10K 10 weeks later.”

For Rosie Goucher, a 38-year-old legal processor from Petaluma, finding the group made her half-marathon training easier.

“The miles pass so much faster when running in a group,” said Goucher. “I have gained so many new friends since joining this group. We are a family and no one gets left behind or forgotten.”

So what’s different between a Galloway group and other run/walk programs like the popular Couch to 5K app?

“The Galloway program uses a series of tools to provide fun and social running with all of the mental benefits,” said Galloway. “While (we) salute any group or app that helps people get into running, many of these programs don’t use the correct strategies or full set of tools, leading to injury and burnout.”

Brown credits the Galloway training with keeping her injury-free.

“My Galloway training enabled me to complete my marathon without injury and with enjoyment,” said Brown. “I was thrilled I could complete that distance at this stage in my life.”

For runners in the Sonoma County chapter, the Myers show off the unique beauty of Sonoma County by changing the running venues on a regular basis, says Galloway.

But it’s not just the beauty of the venues that draws runners into the group, it’s the spirit of their fellow group members.

“We are fortunate to be members of a supportive and caring group of runners,” said Myers. “Runners who help and cheer for each other, whether brand new to running or with many years of experience.” The group members in turn are grateful for the role the Myers have played through their group coaching.

“Anna and Al are so passionate about their role as group directors,” said Elizabeth Pickens, a Penngrove resident and Kaiser Permanente employee who began running with the group in 2015. “They have made me a stronger runner, leader and person.”

Looking to join the group?

“Don’t be shy. I basically started from zero and am about to run my first marathon,” said Otis Gallagher, a welding contractor from Cloverdale. “There is a pace group for every athlete.”

For more information, visit jeffgalloway.com or the Sonoma County Training Group page on Facebook @sonomacountygalloway. Email chapter directors Al and Anna Myers at sonomacountygalloway@gmail.com.