I have a new friend named “Joyce” who is about to embark on her first 5K run event after a four years hiatus.

She’s going to do the Galloway Method which I have spoken about and is my “go-to” style of running (Jeff Galloway info and links) for every event I do. (run interval walk interval)

My suggested time interval for her (this being her first time attempting it) was a three-minute run with a 30 sec walk. This is also my suggested interval for nearly everybody interested in trying this style out.

Based on personal experience and my background in physiology and sport. I don’t want her going much more than 30 seconds on her recovery because waste products (think ideas like lactic acid) tend to spill out into the muscle.

Lactic Acid won’t affect your performance (you burn lactic acid for fuel.)  It does however cause a burning sensation at the start of the next run interval and why have that?  30 sec is plenty of recovery time to top off ATP levels and get your breathing back to “not panicking.”

Another suggestion I have for her as she continues to improve on her Galloway method over the months is to notice when she is looking at her watch wanting a rest period. For Instance, I run a 4:30 and rest for 30.   If I continually look down at my watch to see how much time is remaining at the 4:15 mark – I would back off my run interval to 4:05. You strive to rest before the run gets tough. Each Interval.  Make it easy, this equals more fun and no reduction in your pace. Over time the interval will get longer but should not reach the painful, tough stage.