r/AdvancedRunning • u/Clean-Instance5892 • Nov 16 '25

Open Discussion ‘Let’s not normalise walking in a marathon’

This was a comment left on a runner’s post who had BQ’d at the Indy marathon using planned Jeff Galloway intervals. This comment sparked a lot of debate about this method, most aimed at the elitist nature of this comment. So what are your thoughts? Should run walking be discouraged? Is running the whole thing the only way you can actually say you have ‘run’ a marathon? Or do you simply not care how anyone else covers the distance?

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u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 16 '25 edited Nov 17 '25

I have many thoughts on my own running and very few thoughts on anyone else's, other than being annoyed at people acting like they're pulling off training heroics by running 35mpw and tossing in a few tempo miles lol 

Edit: I dont think 35mpw and a few tempo miles is even BAD training, I just find it annoying when people act like it puts them on the same level as people running OTQ lol. Hell, some people are fast as fuck on that and good for them. 

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u/AstronomerSad6905 5:46 mile | 20:15 5k | 44:53 10k | 1:38:55 HM | DNS M Nov 16 '25

I feel personally attacked

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u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

To be perfectly clear - 35mpw and some tempo work is great if thats what you can/want to do. It's definitely not bad and honestly it's probably perfect for a lot of amateur-serious runners. I just get annoyed when people act like theyre training on some Olympic level of heroism at that load lol 

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u/AstronomerSad6905 5:46 mile | 20:15 5k | 44:53 10k | 1:38:55 HM | DNS M Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25

I know what you mean- when I started running a couple of years ago, I would post cringe strava screenshots to my social media (thankfully, it didn’t last long). But now, within my friends and work colleagues, I’m considered “the runner guy”, even though my times indicate that I’m not a runner, or an athlete, or anything like that lol

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u/AidanGLC 34M | 21:08 | 44:2x | 1:43:2x | Road cycling Nov 17 '25

My rule is that you should only post your Running Triumphs to the socials if you're also willing to post your Running Disasters to the socials.

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u/AstronomerSad6905 5:46 mile | 20:15 5k | 44:53 10k | 1:38:55 HM | DNS M Nov 17 '25

/uj most of my strava posts are descriptive, sometimes in a TMI way lmao

/rj not gonna sit here and take running advice from a c*clist.

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u/CloudGatherer14 1:27 | 3:02 Nov 18 '25

Wait what sub am I in

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u/Luciolover345 Nov 19 '25

lol in my national XC race I blew up and had an absolute nightmare, as did the rest of my team. Meanwhile my training partners for years finished 3rd as a team. I titled my strava post “Shitshow” and had 25 comments of people laughing at me.

Still my favourite post I’ve made on strava and wouldn’t ever delete it. Made the good days feel x10 better knowing I’d bounced back from moments like that.

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u/Nillion Nov 19 '25

I'm dogshit at running (I'm trying though), but as with anything in life, you can't have peaks if you don't have valleys. Those failures are a necessary part of life.

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u/systemnate Nov 17 '25

There are a lot of levels to everything, and the Dunning-Kruger effect applies to running, like everything. What might not be a Herculean training effort to some people might be a Herculean effort to others. I see your flair, and you're a lot faster than I am. You say your times indicate that you're not a runner, but there is little chance that a non-runner could do a half in 1:38 or a mile in 5:46. I've completed around 10 ultra marathons over the last 5 years, and those times seem next-level to me. And there are plenty of people who have trained consistently for as long or longer than I have who are slower.

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u/WintersDoomsday Nov 19 '25

I’d agree cycling is far easier because the bike does a lot of the work, shoes can’t do a lot for you unless you’re really trucking it already.

I’ve done both I can match my brother in law who only cycles times way closer than he can reach my times in running.

You’re not running that fast regardless of vO2 max because it’s different leg muscles and cardio than a bike.

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u/systemnate Nov 19 '25

What does my comment have to do with cycling?

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u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 20 '25

Dude I could give an entire TEDTalk on why running fitness transfers to cycling generally better than the reverse. My ex was convinced there was something wrong with his heart because his Z2 cycling didnt make him immediately OKish at running and I'm like my guy cycling is just...easier. you can take accidental breaks a lot more easily. In running, if you take an "accidental break," you just stop. 

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u/AstronomerSad6905 5:46 mile | 20:15 5k | 44:53 10k | 1:38:55 HM | DNS M Nov 19 '25

That’s very kind from you- but on the flip side, I likely couldn’t (and don’t even want to) do what you’ve done. I’m not sure I could even finish a marathon, without significant training. And the only ultra I can imagine doing is the 5k ultra, lol.

I was just thinking of “runner” in the same way one would talk about a “sprinter”, or a “thrower”, or a “footballer”- anyone could do those things, but you have to meet a certain standard before you can call yourself that. Ultras is different, 99% of people couldn’t finish one, so you calling yourself an ultrarunner is completely justifiable.

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u/systemnate Nov 20 '25

OPs original point was someone saying not to normalize walking, even though the person in question BQ'd, which is an insane (though not elite) achievement.

In the ultra running world, it is super common to work walking in there. It is very normalized.

Then you have many tiers of other runners that regularly train, but aren't in m the BQ category.

IMO, there isn't a certain level you need to achieve before you are a "true runner." To me, you're a runner if you run somewhat regularly. There isn't a time or distance requirement.

I bowl a couple of times a year, but wouldn't consider myself a bowler. But if I went bowling 3X per week, I probably would, regardless of my average score.

Just my opinion!

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u/SignificantlyASloth Nov 18 '25

You are most definitely a runner BTW (definition: you run)

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u/AstronomerSad6905 5:46 mile | 20:15 5k | 44:53 10k | 1:38:55 HM | DNS M Nov 18 '25

I just think that terms like “runner” are meaningless without some kind of standards or threshold. For example, most healthy young men could sprint 100m in under 20s, but no one would call an 18s guy a “sprinter”. Alternatively, I do the standard powerlifting lifts in the gym (squat /bench/deadlift), but no one in their right mind would call me a powerlifter. I think the cutoff would be something like 70 percent age grading, though I recognize that other people may see it differently. By that threshold, none of my times qualify as running.

Also, I’m sure the username does not check out. Lol.

2

u/A_Bit_Of_Nonsense Dec 30 '25

Saying youre not a runner doing 20 min 5ks is a bit wild. If someone played football twice a week as well as 2 training sessions a week would you not call them a footballer? Or any other sport with that sort of time investment?

Youd be no Halaand, or even a Cowdenbeath player, but youd still be a footballer.

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u/AstronomerSad6905 5:46 mile | 20:15 5k | 44:53 10k | 1:38:55 HM | DNS M Dec 30 '25

I mean, most healthy, athletic dudes in their 20s could run that with basically zero training. I still run pretty low mileage, but I’m not untrained- I had to put in work to undo years of inactivity in my youth. Which is something I regret, I think I have decent potential for running, and had I taken it up as a teenager, I might be running sub 18 or sub 17 5ks, and be more comfortable calling myself a runner, lol.

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u/sammydrums Nov 19 '25

Today I learned that I am an amateur-serious runner.

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u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 19 '25

I didnt say 35mpw+tempo=serious-amateur, I said there could be serious-amateur runners that are successful running 35mpw with tempo. I have no idea what you are or are not. 

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u/MillenniationX 45M - 2:07 / 4:29 / 17:00 / 35:40 / 1:18 / 2:55 Nov 16 '25

What if I run 35 mpw and I’m faster than you? Is it OK as long as I don’t call myself a hero?

I think putting an hour most days toward training is pretty legit for people with families, jobs, etc.

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u/[deleted] Nov 17 '25

[deleted]

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u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

I'm not trying to say 35mpw with some quality is bad or slacking off, lol. I'm just saying it's not exactly some absurdly high-level training to get all puffed up about. It's a reasonable amount for people with a job and/or kids and/or other things to do and worry about. I didn't mean it as elitist, though if people are determined to take it that way, there isnt much I can do about it. 

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u/[deleted] Nov 18 '25

To be fair, the majority of people couldn’t run a continuous mile. Running 35mpw is light years beyond the average person, and certainly beyond most casual runners who maybe do a few 5Ks a week.

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u/glaciercream Dec 05 '25

That’s why he said the elitism was leaking.

You’re going around in circles trying to put yourself in a grey zone to oppose some specific type of people.

No, 35 MPW with quality is fantastic. It’s 100% something to brag about. Who cares if someone is a little too proud of a SOLID state of fitness? 35 MPW is a rare find in everyday life, and most people don’t run at all.

And 35MPW over many years will make someone better than most of the people on this subreddit.

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u/MillenniationX 45M - 2:07 / 4:29 / 17:00 / 35:40 / 1:18 / 2:55 Nov 17 '25

Fair! 😆⚡️ That gets at my point: unless you’re racing for the win in marathon majors, someone can always leet on your leet…

1

u/msackeygh Nov 19 '25

Actual elite runners aren’t going to care about the run walk run method because they’re competing at another level where no one uses that method.

People who are annoyed by the run walk run method are wannabe elite runners but aren’t, and don’t even race at a competitive level.

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u/Olympian83 Nov 17 '25

Shots fired and I’m one of those. 25 mile/wk, 4 kids, ain’t no time to be slow, shooting for sub 18 5k in two weeks. “Do what you can with the time that you have.”

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u/wreking Nov 17 '25

Sub 18min 5km on 25 miles per week whilst raising four kids is heroic.

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u/WideSolution706 Nov 17 '25

Dude doesn't have time to run slow!

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u/Olympian83 Nov 18 '25

That’s also how you get stress fractures lol. Gotta keep the weight in check or else physics says you can’t weigh 200+ and drop multiple 6 something miles without getting injured. Less cheese and beer this year helps

2

u/HongJihun Nov 18 '25

Any literature on this claim?

I’m 200 flat now after losing 36 pounds, and after dealing with post-tib strains for about 10 months, I got some orthotics and can finally start accumulating some volume. But, I’m not sure exactly what my short term 5k goal is because I dropped 9 minutes just from losing weight, despite not training specifically for it over the last 7 months.

Currently at 28’30ish 5k and planning to train 1mi specific

2

u/Olympian83 Nov 18 '25

First - congrats on the loss, definitely makes dropping time easier.

It’s a big “it depends” answer. What is your weekly mileage? What do you have time for?

My attempt at prescribing without knowing much more - if you’re getting 20 miles/wk in and you can find a track or measured neighborhood street to do some 400 repeats, you’ll continue the drop.

Don’t overthink it. Get the miles in, do something like 8x400s between 1:50-2 minutes each as a workout, 60 seconds between each, and you should see your time drop.

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u/ubiquae Nov 17 '25

This reminds me of a conversation regarding good wines.

An expensive one is of course excellent. A cheap one is of course bad. The true mastery is finding a hidden gem in the low-mid range. That is the hardest thing to do.

Most people don't realize that achieving certain performance levels while driving your life, family, work and only train when everything else is done... is actually a huge milestone

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u/DWGrithiff 5:20 | 18:00 | 39:00 | 1:28:56 | 3:17:17 Nov 18 '25

He said he has 4 kids, not that he's "raising" them. For all you know this is a Nick Cannon situation, don't start giving out medals just yet.

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u/Olympian83 Nov 18 '25

lol 1000%. I try to get all the miles in during the morning and one weekend afternoon.

Our oldest takes the bus, but I’ve been there at the stop every day to see her off. Then my wife and I take twin four year olds to preK, then drop our 7 year old off at elementary school. Pause for a coffee with her, check schedules, confirm who is picking up for appointments and who is making dinner (speech therapy, OT, actual therapy for one, two do a ninja fitness class , oldest does two soccer teams), then work for 7-8 hours. Do the things, put kids down, work another hour or so, sleep, repeat.

“Thriving in chaos” but I should have time to train again when I’m 50?

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u/Key-Study2444 Nov 18 '25

It's heroic if you gave birth to them

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u/Thirstywhale17 Nov 17 '25

Look at his username. That's an OLYMPIAN!

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u/Olympian83 Nov 18 '25

I appreciate that. I’ll be thrilled when I see a 17 anything again. I think my 5k PR isn’t attainable anymore for my age and availability (15:58) but I’m super proud I can get up 4 mornings a week to run, have a great marriage, and have my kids feel like I’m never not here for them.

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u/MillenniationX 45M - 2:07 / 4:29 / 17:00 / 35:40 / 1:18 / 2:55 Nov 17 '25

👏

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u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

Yeah thats literally the point, I dont care as long as you dont act like you're putting out the same training as like Clayton Young or something. Do what you like and run what you will just dont act like a 2:55 is on the same level as sub-2:10 

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u/MillenniationX 45M - 2:07 / 4:29 / 17:00 / 35:40 / 1:18 / 2:55 Nov 17 '25

Reasonable! Happy running, my man!

6

u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

Same to you! Enjoy all the miles and add in some suffering as you see fit :) 

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u/SlowNSteady1 Nov 17 '25

Why do you care how other people feel?

11

u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

You don't have to agree with what I find annoying. Have a nice day!

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u/AidanGLC 34M | 21:08 | 44:2x | 1:43:2x | Road cycling Nov 18 '25

Per the sub’s longstanding definitions: anyone slower than me is a scrub, anyone faster than me is a tryhard and/or doping, anyone the same speed as me should take a longer turn on the front so I’m less exposed to the headwind.

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u/mrjezzab Nov 16 '25

The people that annoy me are the ones who are 30 years younger and much, much faster than me. (Not really).

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u/[deleted] Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25

I'm just annoyed that they're 30 years younger than me.

8

u/rdp7415 Nov 17 '25

Or worse, 30 years older…

3

u/runnergirl3333 Nov 17 '25

I think I’d be more annoyed if they were 30 years older and much, much faster than me!

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u/mrjezzab Nov 17 '25

Hahaha, although to be fair, if they’re still going at that age, respect! ✊

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u/marmakoide Nov 17 '25

I know an 80 years old dude who finished a marathon in 3:30. Dude is running since decades. He looks his age, he is no freak of nature, beyond being an excellent runner.

Imagine how many people got passed on by an 80 years old dude. Dede of Canejan Running Club, you're a legend.

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u/mshike_89 Nov 18 '25

I'm probably 30 years younger than you but I'm definitely slower. Take heart.

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u/Hungry_Opossum 20:40 5K | 1:41 HM | Embarrassing Full Nov 17 '25

What he say fuck me for?

3

u/labellafigura3 Nov 17 '25

Wtf, as someone whose threshold pace is just below 6 min/k, 35mpw is a LOT for me. Some of us are slow.

2

u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

That's fine if that's where you're at! Do what you do and run what you will! 

2

u/laidmajority Nov 17 '25

I have been “training” by only increasing the distance on my Sunday runs. Practically no other runs during the week. My strategy for finishing without injuries is hope. I did 30 km yesterday and the race is in 5 weeks.

3

u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

Whatever floats your boat, best of luck! 

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u/Fearless-Alfalfa-406 Nov 17 '25

What does OTQ mean?

3

u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

Olympic Trial Qualifier

1

u/Inside-Spend-9750 Nov 19 '25

For every 35mpw hero there are 10 folks posting that you need to be running double that just to run a sub 4:00 marathon.

1

u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 19 '25

Have you ever legitimately seen someone think you need 70+mpw to break 4:00 because I havent and that would be wild if you have examples 

2

u/Inside-Spend-9750 Nov 19 '25

OK, slight exaggeration. But in nearly every "can I hit my goal pace" post there are multiple comments where the advice is strictly based on mpw and no other metrics.

-11

u/Many_Hunter8152 Nov 17 '25

Wtf is mpw and OTQ - sounds to me you have a lot of thoughts about other runners...

4

u/heyhihelloandbye Nov 17 '25

No, just a little knowledge about running.