Can Run/Walk method get you running faster?

I am just reading about the ‘Run Less Run Faster’ book and philosophy and I have also been interested and reading about the Jeff Galloway method. Do any of you have experience with these methods? By the time I heard about the Galloway method, I had already built up to running over 3 miles for my 5k training and I have slowly built up from there not usually using walking intervals unless I really really need to. But, everything I read says that using the intervals can help you get faster and I am trying to do just that. Thoughts anyone?


On the contrary, building miles slowly is what makes you faster.

Not having much base and jumping into a program that emphasizes a plan with less workouts, but intense ones, is a recipe for an injury.

I’ve been doing a run/walk off and on for a while and really like it. Depending on how I feel and distance Im planning, I usually go for a few miles and then do a 3:1 interval. I did that on my recovery run today. And surprisingly my run speed was around 11:30 I normally run at a 12:30, and my heart rate stayed in a good place never really going over 150. I highly recommend it. I need to embrace a more structured plan instead of going willy nilly and waiting until I feel tired, by then I’m already done. Good luck with it.

I did the Galloway method. But what increased my time the most was running with some one faster than me about once a week

I was referencing the “Run less Run Faster” theory. I have seen a lot of people have success with the Galloway plan. Not for everyone though.

I already run more than 3 days per week and I don’t plan on changing that. I’ve read some people having success combing RLRF with Galloway. Some people use the RLRF method and just do “easy” runs on the “other” days besides the 3 main workouts prescribed by the plan. I’m just entertaining it all at this point…

Well then you’re not following their theory , lol. It’s all about building a base before you throw yourself into the fire (Long long runs and interval sessions). Whether you do 5 runs a week with 2 hard workouts or 3 days a week with two of them hard. It doesn’t change the fact that your muscle, ligaments and tendons have to be ready for that stress you’re going to throw at them. Especially week after week.

People want quick results. And I understand. But with high impact and repetitive motion exercise like running, the body must adapt to the stress of it. OK I’ll step off my soap box now.

I am not following any theories at the moment. As I state in my post I am asking for feedback from those who may have tried these methods. I have already been running 3-5 times per week and have been already slowly increasing mileage and speed using guidelines given to me by more experienced running friends as well as a training clinic I attended for my 10k. Not looking for quick results just curious about the methods as stated. I meant it as “They” not you. Didn’t convey that very well. However, it is the interwebs.

Personally, the way I have become faster over time is running at least 5 times a week and varying my distance and pace; using intervals, hills, sprints, tempo runs, etc. to vary my workouts. I never walk, but I am more experienced. I also run easy, med…See More

I love the ‘run less run faster’ theory and have been using it since January. I love that i can dedicate 3 days a week to running and 3 days a week to lifting weights. I PRed my 1 mile, 5K, 10K, 10 mile and half during that time. I did have a well established base though and been lifting weights for years.


I wouldn’t recommend doing more than 3 days of running using the RLRF. The runs are VERY intense and you body fully needs the recovery time between runs. If you doing it right, You will be more than happy to take that recovery time. Believe me. Bike or swim instead.

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