Why I’m Choosing the Run-Walk Method for My Marathon (Again)

A few days ago, I had 21 kilometres on my training schedule.

Before heading out, I knew I wanted to challenge myself on this run. It was kind of like a test: I wanted to try to run as far as I could without stopping. 

After all, my fitness has been improving. I’ve been feeling stronger, my training has been consistent, and part of me wondered if this marathon could be different; you see my other 2 marathons were completed using the run/walk strategy.

On my "test" training run for the first 16 kilometres, I felt great (or at least as great as anyone can feel while running 16 kilometres).

Then, around kilometre 16.5, everything changed. My body couldn't continue going and I had to start taking walk breaks.

Those run-walk intervals that normally feel so manageable suddenly became a struggle. Even running for five or six minutes at a time felt like hard work. I had pushed too hard and my body wasn't catching up.

My thought process that led to my new marathon strategy:

The Long Run Confirmed What Works for Me

Instead of feeling disappointed, I actually felt relieved. That run reminded me of something I already knew but had started to forget.

By the end of my run I knew it. For my upcoming Montreal marathon, I’m going back to the run-walk method. I’ve finished two marathons that way.

Could I probably push myself to run farther before taking that first walk break? Maybe.

But that’s no longer the question I’m asking myself.

What Am I Actually Trying to Prove?

Sometimes runners, including me, start chasing goals that don’t really matter.

Running every single step of a marathon sounds impressive. But why?

Is it because it’s the strategy that will help you have your best race?

Or is it because somewhere along the way, you started believing that walking means you aren’t a “real runner”?

Walk Breaks Are a Strategy, Not a Sign of Weakness

One of the biggest misconceptions about the run-walk method is that it’s something you do when you’ve already hit the wall.

In reality, the smartest walk breaks happen before you desperately need them.

By giving your body short, planned recovery periods, you can:

• Delay fatigue.
• Reduce muscle breakdown.
• Keep your effort more consistent.
• Finish stronger instead of simply surviving the last few kilometres (that is exactly what happened during my training run).

That’s why so many recreational runners, and even some experienced marathoners, use the run-walk method successfully.

My Goal Has Changed

This marathon isn’t about proving I can run every single step. It’s about crossing the finish line with a smile on my face.

That changes everything.

Instead of waiting until my body forces me to walk, I’ll be taking planned walk breaks from the beginning. I’ll be working with my body instead of against it.

Maybe This Applies to You Too

You don’t have to be training for a marathon to relate to this. Sometimes the strongest thing we can do isn’t pushing harder. Sometimes it’s letting go of the idea that there’s only one “right” way to succeed.

The best runners aren’t the ones who stubbornly stick to Plan A. They’re the ones who pay attention, learn from each run, and aren’t afraid to adjust.

If using walk breaks helps you enjoy running, stay consistent, and reach your goals, that’s not lowering your standards. That’s choosing the strategy that gives you the best chance of success.

And if it means finishing your race smiling instead of merely surviving it?

I’ll choose the smile every single time.