Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about USA Fit Philly...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Other questions...

  1. It is past the registration date, can I still join USA Fit Philly?

    We will take registrations through June 2, 2012, once we are past the registration date we generally cannot take any new members. Email phillyfitorg@verizon.net if you have missed the deadline.

  2. I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?

    USA Fit Philly does not have a drop-in program. Our all-inclusive membership covers our seminars, medical advice, coaching, and training runs/walks. Visiting members from other USA Fit programs are always welcome!

  3. What is USA Fit Philly?

    USA Fit Philly is an award-winning 28 week running and walking program. This same program, currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the country with winning rave reviews and growing every year. USA Fit Philly will begin its next season on Saturday, May 12, 2012 and Saturday, May 29, 2012 with a final registration on June 2, 2012.

  4. Who should join?

    USA Fit Philly is perfect for anyone who has a desire to challenge themselves, wants to exercise and make new friends, wants to increase their body strength and stamina, wants to look and feel better, or simply wants to get involved in a healthy lifestyle sport - running or walking. Whether you have only dreamed of completing a marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you!

  5. When is the USA Fit Philly season?

    The official USA Fit Philly season is the six months prior to the Philadelphia Marathon. This usually runs from mid-May until mid-November.

  6. Where is the training?

    We meet in the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park. Exit off of 422 at Oaks, about 4 miles past Valley Forge. Make a right onto Egypt Road. Turn right at the first light and that will be New Mill Road. Continue along past the first parking lot on your left to the end of the road and turn left into the parking lot. You will see the Park Office and bathrooms. Feel free to contact us for directions. On occasion throughout the season we may meet at alternate locations. You will be told where we will meetin our weekly newsletter. The information will also be available on the website.

  7. Can walkers participate?

    Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete the Philadelphia Marathon or Half Marathon. Please be aware, however, that the Philadelphia Marathon requires all participants to maintain a 16 minute mile pace. We also have a growing fitness walking group that prefers not to compete in the half or full marathon. This group enjoys, and benefits from, the company of the group to stay or get fit.

  8. Are you affiliated with a charity?

    USA Fit Philly is not associated with a charity and you do not need to raise money to participate in this program. There are several good marathon training programs where raising money for a charity is part of the program. While these can be effective and rewarding, we realize that it's not for everyone and may be impossible to do year-after-year. Some of our members choose to raise money for a charity, but it certainly isn't a requirement.

  9. How did all this come about?

    It all began in Houston over 20 years ago with about 50 runners, 2 guys and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.

  10. What is an ability-based color group?

    USA Fit Philly consists of 4 groups: , Blue/Green, Yellow, Red, Purple (walkers). You will be placed in the group that best suits your training pace. This system works because it allows you to train with those who are at your ability level.

  11. What color group will I be in?

    Our first two weekend runs are 1 or 3 mile pace finder walks or runs. Your time for the 1 or 3 miles will place you in a color group. You should walk or run at a pace where you feel you could keep going for a little bit beyond those 1 or 3 miles. If you couldn't keep walking or running after completing our initial 1 or 3 mile pace finder then you are going too fast. All walkers are in our Purple Group regardless of pace.

  12. Why should I walk or run my 1 or 3 mile pace finder slower when I can go faster?

    Simply because you are training for a marathon, not a 1 or 3 mile race. It may sound like a funny statement to make, but it is so true. Walking or running too fast will seriously compromise your training season. If you find your correct training pace from the beginning you will complete the marathon in less time, you will experience fewer injuries, and you will have a lot more fun.

  13. What are the weekly seminars?

    Each weekend, before the group run, we'll do announcements then hold a 15-20 minute seminar. Topics will all be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable professionals and coaches. After each seminar, you may break off into your color groups for a brief talk and question-and-answer with your coach.

  14. What happens on any given Saturday?

    We run or walk with our groups after each seminar. Start times will vary as the season progresses in an attempt to beat the heat and accommodate the number of miles scheduled. Our goal is to have all the color groups finished before 1:00 p.m. even on our highest mileage Saturday.

  15. Who created our schedule?

    Our schedule comes from the great folks at USAFit. For over 20 years, they have been training people all over the country just like us. Everybody has a different marathon philosophy, but ours has been tested literally tens of thousands of times.

  16. How can I sign up?

    Online registration will open for the 2012 season  on March 1st You can sign up online by going to the "Join Us" page or in person at one of our orientation sessions. See the Join Us page for all of the details.

  17. How much does it cost?

    USA Fit Philly's 28 week training program costs only $110 for new members and $100 for returning USA Fit members. There  are discounts for early online registration.

  18. What is included for the sign-up fee?

    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Motivational coaching
    • Weekly seminars
    • Weekly training schedules
    • USA Fit Philly T-shirt
    • A safe, fun exercise environment with people just like you!
    • Social activities and more!

  19. When are the in-person sign-up/orientation sessions?

    In person sign ups and orientation for the USA Fit Philly 2012 season will be:

    • May 12, 2012 / Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Oaks. 8:00 AM
    • May 19, 2012 / Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Oaks. 8:00 AM

  20. Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?

    Our sign-up and orientation sessions will be at the Perkiomen Valley Park, Oaks.

  21. What happens at the orientation session?

    The orientation sessions include sign-ups, an seminar, and a 1 or 3 mile pace finder run or walk which helps place you in the correct ability-based group. Everyone is strongly encouraged to come to both of the orientation/sign-up sessions (Weeks 1 and 2) as the seminars will cover different information. The sign-up session takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. In person ign-ups for the USA Fit Philly 2012 season will be:

    • May 12, 2012 / Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Oaks. 8:00 AM
    • May 19, 2012 / Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Oaks. 8:00 AM

  22. Can I pay with a credit card?

    Yes. Register online to pay with a credit card. We cannot accept credit cards at our in person sign-ups, so please sign up online with your credit card or bring cash or check to the in person sign-ups. Visit our Join Us page for all of the details.

  23. Do I have to attend both orientation sessions?

    If possible, we'd like you to attend both sessions (Weeks 1 and 2). First of all, you're paying for a 28 week program, not a 27 week program. Second, we will cover all the details of how the program works the first week and put you into your groups. Lastly, the content of the first two seminars is different.

  24. I can't make it to the first weekend -- should I still sign up?

    Yes, you should still sign up! We'd like you to attend the first week for the reasons outlined in the previous Q&A, but we know not everyone can make it to Week 1. That's why we have another sign-up the following week. The Week 2 seminar will be a quick overview of Week 1, but we also have Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week (and any seminars that you miss during the season).

  25. Does entry into USA Fit Philly include entry into the marathon?

    No, your payment to USA Fit Philly only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Philadelphia Marathon in any way, we just train for it! We will provide information about how to sign up for the Philadelphia half or full Marathon.

  26. How much training does this program involve?

    Realizing that most people lead very busy lives, this program is one that can easily fit into your schedule. For the most part, the program calls for running or walking only 4 days a week. Your long run or walk will usually take place on Saturday with your group. The day after your long run/walk is always a rest day. During the week, you run or walk for time only (i.e. 30 minutes), not for distance.

  27. What does 20 on the weekly schedule (during the week) mean? Are we running 20 miles?

    During the week, we run for minutes. So if the schedule says "30" on a Tuesday, you should run or walk 30 minutes. Do this at a comfortable pace unless instructed to do otherwise. On the weekends, we do miles, so the schedule will say 4 miles. Listen to your coaches on how to run these miles each week.

  28. Do I have to be there every week?

    No, many members are unable to make every weekend session. The weekend seminars are important, but you can always ask your coach or running buddies about what you missed. However, those long runs/walks are a lot easier when you're doing them with the group! And in our experience, the success of our members is directly proportional to their ability to attend our weekend training runs/walks and seminars. When you do have to miss a week, check this website for the next week's schedule, and be sure to read the weekly e-mail.

  29. Can we participate in races during training?

    Sure! In fact, many Phillyfitters take part in the Rock and Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon (formerllly called the Philadelphia Distance Run) in September. Our training schedule puts you in great shape to manage this beautiful half marathon course through the city and up and down the Schuylkill River. If you decide to participate (and it is optional) you should treat this as typical training run not a race, but it's fun to run or walk in a different place, get a race number, and cross the finish line. It’s a great way to get some race day experience before your Marathon or Half Marathon in November.

  30. What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA Fit city programs?

    Absolutely. USA Fit has programs in over 50 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA Fit meeting anywhere.

  31. Could I win the Marathon?

    Of course you could. However, most likely you'll get a nice t-shirt, a finisher's medal, bragging rights and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches. And, that my friend IS winning!

  32. What if I want to find out more?

    Send us an e-mail at info@usafitphilly.com. Thanks!
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