RED Episode 313 Heart to Finish: Jeff Galloway's Journey Through Eight Decades of Marathons

Run Eat Drink Podcast

Run Eat Drink Podcast
RED Episode 313 Heart to Finish: Jeff Galloway's Journey Through Eight Decades of Marathons
Jul 08, 2025
Aimee Coston

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RUN, EAT, DRINK, and Celebrate Jeff Galloway’s 80th birthday with us!

Jeff Galloway, famously known as "America's Coach" and Olympic athlete, is about to achieve something remarkable that no one else has done before – running marathons across eight decades of life. Now approaching his 80th birthday, Jeff shares his journey toward completing this historic milestone at the Honolulu Marathon this December.

Behind this extraordinary achievement lies a deeply personal story of resilience. Jeff candidly discusses his recovery from heart failure and a heart attack, revealing how he adapted his renowned Run-Walk-Run method to accommodate his new cardiac reality. Starting with just three seconds of running at a time post-heart attack, he's now able to complete 13-mile training runs by carefully balancing short running segments with strategic walking breaks. His approach isn't just about survival – it's about thriving within new limitations while maintaining the mental benefits that made him fall in love with running decades ago.

The Honolulu Marathon holds profound significance for Jeff beyond just being his eighth-decade marathon attempt. It's where he proposed to his wife Barbara nearly 50 years ago, where he stationed during his Navy service, and where he achieved one of his most memorable victories in 1974, defeating Olympic medalists Frank Shorter and Kenny Moore. Now, he's returning with a different goal – simply crossing the finish line while potentially setting a world record.

Throughout our conversation, Jeff shares fascinating insights about running's evolutionary importance, explaining how movement shaped human brain development and continues to activate neural circuits that improve our attitude, energy levels, and problem-solving abilities. "Running is what enabled our species to survive," he explains. "When we run, we grow more brain cells and activate the parts of the brain that give us a better attitude, more energy, and the ability to overcome challenges."

For those inspired by Jeff's journey, he's created an opportunity to join him in Hawaii through a special travel package that includes accommodations, pre and post-race celebrations, and his personal coaching. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or curious beginner, Jeff's story reminds us all that the true power of running lies not in speed or distance, but in "staying in the game" through every decade of life.

Find out more and connect with Jeff at www.jeffgalloway.com.

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Episode Artwork RED Episode 313 Heart to Finish: Jeff Galloway's Journey Through Eight Decades of Marathons 45:50 Episode Artwork RED Episode 312- ARGH  You Ready for a Pirate 5K and a Florida Fresh Meal to Remember at The Dock at Crayton Cove in Naples, Florida 27:58 Episode Artwork RED Episode 311 Bart Yasso Talks About His New Book, 100 Runs of a Lifetime 48:56 Episode Artwork RED Episode 310 Fit Responder Founder Ted Stern 36:44 Episode Artwork RED Episode 309 Ergotrail Founder Daisy Myburgh 34:59 Episode Artwork RED Episode 307: Part 2 of Michael Leslie's Chicago and New York City Double 52:52 Episode Artwork RED Episode 306 Michael Leslie’s Chicago and NYC Marathon Double in 2024 1:02:11 Episode Artwork RED Episode 305 Siesta Key Daycation to Remember 35:24 Episode Artwork RED Episode 304 From Park Run to Pub Grub: A Florida Runner's Perfect Day 56:44 Episode Artwork RED Episode 303 When Running Connects Us: A Tribute to a Fallen Friend 1:20:15 Episode Artwork RED Episode 302 Part 2 of The Big Beach Marathon Weekend with Jessie and Eric 56:31 Episode Artwork RED Episode 301 Runcation Recap of Big Beach Marathon Weekend Part 1: Running Through Life Together 57:16 Episode Artwork Running Through Grief: Finding Comfort in Community 20:19 Episode Artwork RED Episodes and Runcations Postponed Indefinitely 3:00 Episode Artwork RED Episode 300: 'Tis the Season to Give Back 37:16 Episode Artwork RED Episode 299 Run, Eat, and Drink for Moffitt Cancer Center at Miles for Moffitt 1:03:45 Episode Artwork RED Episode 298 Run, Eat, and Drink for a Cause…Our 2025 Our Online Auction Benefitting The DONNA Foundation 1:03:46 Episode Artwork RED Episode 297 Run, Eat, and Drink Like a “New Yawker” 1:02:41 Episode Artwork RED Episode 296 Featuring the Hosts of Pace Yourself... It's Just Cancer 49:46 Episode Artwork RED Episode 295 International Podcast Day and International Coffee Day… Two of Our Favorite Days 53:35 Episode Artwork RED Episode 294 Disneyland Inaugurual Half Marathon Weekend Races with Emily O'Keefe 1:04:41 Episode Artwork RED Episode 293 Featuring A Runcation Destination The Big Beach Marathon in Gulf Shores, Alabama 44:40 Episode Artwork RED Episode 292: Ask Us Anything Part 2 and Bonus Boston Bites and Brews 1:20:01 Episode Artwork RED Episode 291 Ask Us Anything: Running Edition 48:51 Episode Artwork RED Episode 290 Training Updates and Boston Bites and Brews 59:23