Meaning in Motion: How “Jeffing” Helped Me Dance Across the Dublin Marathon Finish Line
I walked during my marathon.
On purpose.
And it was one of the smartest performance decisions I’ve ever made.
Last week, the running world lost a quiet giant: Jeff Galloway, Olympic runner, coach, innovator, and the generous spirit behind the run–walk–run method, affectionately known as “Jeffing.”
I’ve been thinking about Jeff all week, and what he gave to people: permission, confidence, safety, joy, and a way in.
Jeffing Is Not a Compromise. It’s a Strategy.
The run–walk–run method is inspiringly simple: alternate intentional walk breaks with running before fatigue sets in. Jeff developed it in the 1970s while navigating his own injuries and performance plateaus; he famously proved its effectiveness by walking through every water station during the 1980 Houston Marathon and finishing faster than he ever had running continuously.
In the UK, runners lovingly call it “Jeffing.” I call it brilliant.
For me personally, Jeffing became the strategy that allowed me as a movement professional, dancer, and cross-training devotee, but not a “hardcore runner,” to train safely, efficiently, and joyfully for the Dublin Marathon.
A Team, A Cause, A Meaningful Goal
At the time, I was in a low spot in my life. I joined a training team at the Atlantic Club, where I was working as a coach, personal and group trainer, and group dance-fitness leader. Our Joints in Motion team trained together with a shared goal: to complete the Dublin Marathon while raising funds for the Arthritis Foundation.
Our group was wonderfully diverse:
Experienced and elite runners
Recreational runners
And people like me—relatively fit, curious, committed, but not necessarily in love with running for its own sake
I’ve always believed deeply in cross-training—trying many different activities to build fitness while reducing boredom, burnout, and overuse injuries. I also had a very practical goal: train safely, avoid injury, keep teaching the dance-fitness classes I loved, and finish the marathon smiling.
And yes—I hoped to dance across the finish line. These were my clear goals.
The Race: Tough, Joyful, Human, Unforgettable
Jeffing worked beautifully.
It allowed me to truly experience the marathon, not just endure it. I savored the breathtaking Irish scenery during my walk breaks. I laughed when some fellow runners ducked into a local pub mid-race, hoisting a beer, reminding me of “good craic,” (having fun and enjoyment) and that this was, after all, Dublin.
I started early so I could finish before dark. And there was the moment I’ll never forget: the elite cohort of lead runners flying past us early starters with precision, power, grace, and otherworldly speed. Watching that mastery was thrilling and humbling, and somehow it propelled me forward.
The crowds along the course, thousands of cheering strangers, felt like a collective force pulling us toward the finish. And when I crossed that line, with a little jig, sore, but injury-free, fulfilled, and joyful, it truly felt like the thrill of a lifetime.
That evening, celebrating with our team, each of us sharing our own version of the race, was bonding in the deepest sense. This was not just endurance sport.
This was Meaning in Motion.
Why Jeffing Matters
For a “non-runner” like me, the run-walk method wasn’t just a training tool. It was an empowering philosophy.
Jeff Galloway believed that:
Walking during a run conserves energy
Reduces injury risk
Builds confidence
Makes running accessible—and sustainable—for more people, across more of life
In other words, it helps people run more, not less.
As a movement scientist and positive psychology practitioner, I see this method as a brilliant example of working with the body, not against it. It honors individual differences, encourages listening inward, and reframes performance as something personal—not punitive.
A Living Legacy
Jeff Galloway didn’t just help people finish races.
He gave people permission—to call themselves athletes, to enjoy the process, to stay curious, and to keep moving across the lifespan.
I’m deeply grateful for his work, his wisdom, and his humanity.
And I’m grateful for the reminder that there are so many ways to move, to modify movement, to build progress, and to pursue meaningful goals—whether you’re running, walking, dancing, swimming, or simply beginning again.
Movement can be joyful.
Performance can be personal.
And the finish line can meet you exactly where you are.
An Invitation
There are so many ways to move.
So many ways to modify movement.
So many ways to build progress while listening to our remarkable bodies.
Whether you run, walk, dance, swim, SplashDance, cycle, or blend them all, there is wisdom in choosing strategies that empower you to move with confidence, meaning, and joy.
If you’re curious about finding your own performance rhythm—or setting meaningful movement goals that honor your body, your life stage, and your joy—I’d love to connect. There is no one “right” way to move. There is only your way
With gratitude, for movement, community, and Jeff Galloway’s enduring legacy,
Elaine
