Philly Fit Training Programs

I just found out about Philly Fit, can I still join?
Although we are still taking registrations through June 15, 2008, once we are past the registration date we cannot take any new members.
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I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
Philly Fit 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!
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What is Philly Fit?
Philly Fit is an award-winning 27 week running and walking program. This same program, currently being held in close to 40 cities throughout the country with expansions targeted internationally as well, winning rave reviews and growing every year. Philly Fit will begin its next season with registration on Saturday, May 17, 2008, and a final registration day on Saturday, May 31, 2008.
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Who should join?
Philly Fit 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!
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When is the Philly Fit season?
The official Philly Fit season is the six months prior to the Philadelphia Marathon. This usually runs from May until Thanksgiving. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.
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Where is the training?
We meet 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 lights 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 Ranger Station and bathrooms. Feel free to contact us for directions.
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Can walkers participate?
Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete the Philadelphia Marathon. Please be aware, however, that the Philadelphia Marathon requires all participants to complete the course within seven hours . Many Philly Fit walkers may choose to train for a half marathon instead, or choose a different, more walker-friendly marathon. Your coaches can provide more details.
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Are you affiliated with a charity?
Philly Fit 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.
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What's the catch? When do I have to sit through the sales pitch for a new condo in Galveston?
No catch -- really! Philly Fit is basically a running club and training program. But maybe that's like saying a Mercedes is just a car. :-) We don't sell Amway or real estate. Philly Fit has members of all shapes and sizes (including folks that probably sell Amway or invest in real estate). But what makes us special is that we all come together to run and walk and share our war stories and our victories. Check out our discussion page for a taste of the camaraderie and support. We hope you'll decide to join our club.
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How did all this come about?
It all began in Houston in 1989 with about 50 runners, 2 guys and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.
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What is an ability-based color group?
Philly Fit consists of 5 groups: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red and Orange (walkers). You will be placed in the group that best suits your training pace. For example, if you train at a 9 - 10 minute per mile pace, you will be a member of the Yellow group. This system works because it allows you to train with those who are at your ability level. The Philly Fit color groups are:

Blue	8 min/mile or faster
Green	8 to 9 min/mile
Yellow	9 to 10 min/mile
Red	10 min/mile or slower
Purple	5/1 Run Walk Group
Orange	Walkers of all paces

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What color group will I be in?
Our first two weekend runs are pace finder walks or runs. Your time for the run 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 that distance. If you couldn't keep walking or running after completing our initial pace finder, then you are going too fast. All walkers are in our Orange Group regardless of pace.
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Why should I walk or run my pace finder slower when I can go faster?
Simply because you are training for a marathon, not a 1 or 2 mile race. It may sound like an odd statement to make, but it is true. Walking or running too fast will seriously compromise your ability to complete the training. If you find your correct training pace from the beginning you will complete the marathon in less time, you will be far less likely to suffer an injury, and you will have a lot more fun.
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What are the weekly seminars?
Most weekends, after the group run, we'll make some announcements, then hold a 15-20 minute seminar. Seminar topics will be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable professionals. After each seminar, you will break off into your color groups for a brief talk and question-and-answer with your coach.
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What happens on any given Saturday?
We run or walk with our groups before each seminar. The seminar will start after our run / walk every Saturday, so our goal is to have all the color groups finished before 10:30 am every Saturday. After the seminar we usually meet with our color groups for a few minutes to talk with the coaches, ask questions, make plans for the next week, etc. Before the weekend, you will be given the starting time for your color group (available on the website and on our hotline).
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Who created our schedule?
Our schedule comes from the great folks at USA Fit. Since 1989, 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.
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Do we get discounts on shoes?
Yes, you do! As a Philly Fit member you will receive a discount at some local running stores. You must show your current shoe tag to receive the discount. Ask your coach for details.
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How can I join?
Registration is open for the 2008 season, which begins on May 17. Visit our Join Us page for information on registering.
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How much does it cost?
Philly Fit's 27 week training program costs only $110 for new members and $100 for returning USA Fit members.
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What is included for the registration fee?
- Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
- Training log
- Regular seminars
- Weekly training schedules
- Philly Fit T-shirt
- Discounts at sports apparel stores
- Social activities and more!
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You must be kidding. All this for $110?
No, we're not kidding. Isn't it great? Now why don't you do your good deed for the day and tell a friend about Philly Fit?
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When are the in-person registration sessions?
In person sign ups for the Philly Fit 2008 season will be:

May 17 and May 31, 8:30 am to 9:30 a.m. in the the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park.

Remember, you can also register online by following the instructions on our Join Us page.
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Where are the in-person registration sessions?
Our registration sessions will be 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 lights 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 Ranger Station and bathrooms.
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What happens at the registration session?
The registration sessions include registrations, an orientation seminar, and a 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/registration sessions (Weeks 1 and 2) as the seminars will cover different information. The registration session takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. Sign ups for the Philly Fit 2008 season will be:
May 17, 2008 - 8:30 am to 9:30 a.m.
May 31, 2008 - 8:30 am to 9:30 a.m.
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Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, we do allow payment via credit card if you register online. Unfortunately we can not accept credit cards for the in-person registrations. Only cash or check may be accepted for the in-person registrations.
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Should I 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 27 week program, not a 26 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. The first week is information about Philly Fit ; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then a mandatory session on "Hydration and Warm Weather Running."
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I can't make it to the first weekend -- should I still register?
Yes, you should still register! We'd like you to attend the first week, but we know not everyone can make it to Week 1. That's why we have another registration the following week. The Week 2 seminar will be a quick overview of Week 1, but we also have an army of Assistant Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week (and any seminars that you miss during the season).
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Does entry into Philly Fit include entry into the Philadelphia Marathon?
No, your payment to Philly Fit 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 register for the Philadelphia Marathon.
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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.
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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. Your coaches will advise you on how to pace yourself for each workout.
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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 training partners 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.
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Can we participate in races during training?
Sure! You certainly don't have to be competitive about it, but it's fun to run or walk in a different place, get a race number, and cross the finish line.
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What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA FIT city programs?
Absolutely. USA Fit has programs in almost 40 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA Fit meeting.
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Could I win the Philadelphia Marathon?
Of course you could. However, most likely you'll get a nice t-shirt, a finisher's medal, a mug, bragging rites and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches. And that my friend IS winning! [top]
What if I want to find out more?
Send us an e-mail at info@phillyfit.net . Thanks!
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