Run-Walk, Recover, Repeat: Kelley Tenny on Staying Injury-Free (ep 142)

In this episode of The Pain Free Athlete Podcast, Dana Jones talks with Kelley Tenny, Galloway program director, pacer, educator, and breast cancer survivor, about how the run-walk method has helped her stay active, injury-free, and mentally strong through every season of life.Kelley shares how she first discovered the Galloway Method while pregnant, why it changed her relationship with running, and how interval-based training helped her complete everything from half marathons to ultras without the typical wear and tear many runners experience.They also discuss the mental side of running, including how run-walk training can reduce overwhelm, make long distances feel more manageable, and create space for joy instead of dread. Kelley explains how the method gave her a way to keep moving through breast cancer treatment, surgery, and recovery while protecting both her body and her mindset.In this conversation, you’ll hear about:How Kelley first connected with Jeff Galloway and the run-walk method.Why taking walk breaks earlier can help reduce injury risk and prevent “hitting the wall.”How the method supported Kelley through pregnancy, postpartum return to running, and breast cancer treatment.Why running should be about more than pace, medals, or proving toughness.How interval training can help athletes listen to their bodies and run with more confidence.Kelley also opens up about identity, self-trust, and the pressure athletes often feel to run a certain way. Her story is a reminder that smarter training can be more empowering than pushing through pain.To connect with Kelley, listeners can find her on Facebook and LinkedIn, and through the Jeff Galloway community and Global Galloway Program.Kelley’s Bio:Kelley Tenny is a Galloway Program Director and pacer who has been using the Galloway Method for nearly 15 years. She has completed more than 100 half marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons injury-free, and as a breast cancer survivor, she is passionate about keeping people moving without pain. As Director of Education and Global Programs for Galloway Productions, Kelley is an advocate for the run/walk method and for finding joy in crossing the finish line. When she’s not running, she teaches AI inside her Women Who AI community and health education at CSU Long Beach.Kelley’s Links:https://www.jeffgalloway.com/Dana’s Links:⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer:The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.