USA Fit :: Seattle :: Marathon and Half Marathon Training Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Seattle Fit...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Other questions...

What is Seattle Fit?

Seattle Fit is part of USA Fit, an award-winning running and walking program. This same program, currently being held in over 40 cities throughout the country, is winning rave reviews and growing every year. Seattle Fit will begin its Summer Program on Saturday, June 12, 2010 and Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 7:30am with final registration at the end of July.
Who should join?

Seattle 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!
When is the Seattle Fit season?

Seattle Fit has two programs. Our Winter Program starts each year in early January and is focused on the Marathon at Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll which occurs at the end of June.
The Summer Seattle Fit season starts this year on June 12, 2010 at 7:30a.m. It is focused on the Seattle Marathon which takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day.
The meeting location for Orientation and Registration is Bethany Community Church, 8023 Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle, WA 98103.
Where is the training?

All training sessions will begin at Bethany Community Church located at 8023 Green Lake Dr. N. Our training routes for both runners and walkers are in all directions from this home base location. We go west past Aurora and Greenwood, north parallel to Aurora and south/east along Green Lake and eventually to the Burke Gilman Trail. Our routes are varied and interesting with a combination of both flat portions and hillwork.
Can walkers participate?

Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete a Half Marathon by the end of either Program.
Are you affiliated with a charity?

USA 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.
What's the catch? When do I have to sit through the sales pitch for a new condo in Sun Valley?

No catch -- really! Seattle 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 in Sun Valley. USA 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. We hope you'll decide to join our club.
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.
What is an ability-based color group?

Seattle Fit consists of 6 groups: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Orange and Purple. We also have an Advanced Training Program group for those marathoners who want to reach their greatest potential. 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.
What color group will I be in?

Our first weekend run is a 2 mile pace finder run or walk. Your time for this distance 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 2 miles. If you couldn’t keep walking or running after completing our initial 2 mile pace finder then you are going too fast.
Why should I walk or run my 2 mile pace finder slower when I can go faster?

Simply because you are training for a marathon, not a 2 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.
What are the weekly seminars?

Most weekends, there will be a 15-20 minute seminar. Topics will all be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable professionals. You can then discuss these seminars in your color group with your coach.
What happens on any given Saturday?

Each Saturday begins at 7:30 am with a seminar, often with a guest speaker, to present an important aspect of running or walking. We then run or walk with our color group. The morning finishes with a short meeting of our color group to talk with the coaches, ask questions, make plans for next week, etc.
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.
You must be kidding. All this for $120?

No, we're not kidding. Isn't it great? Now why don't you do your good deed for the day and tell somebody about Seattle Fit? ;)
How can I sign up?

There are two easy ways to sign up for Seattle Fit: Either online or in person during our Registration period starting on June 12, 2010 until the end of July 2010.

Click here for details on signing up.
How much does it cost?

Seattle Fit's 25 week training program costs only $120.
What is included for the sign-up fee?
- Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
- Training log
- Weekly seminars
- Weekly training schedules
- Seattle Fit performance T-shirt
- On-line discussion board training and camaraderie
- Discounts at sports apparel stores
- Social activities and more!
When are the in-person sign-up sessions?

In person sign ups for the Seattle Fit 2010 Summer Program will be:
- June 12, 2010 @ 7:30am
- January 19, 2010 @ 7:30am
- Each subsequent Saturday until the end of July 2010 @ 7:30am
  
  Remember, you can also sign-up on-line by clicking here!
All sign up sessions will be at Bethany Community Church located at 8023 Green Lake Dr. N.
Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?

All sign-up sessions will be at Bethany Community Church located at 8023 Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle.
What happens at the sign-up session?

The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a 2 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.
Can I pay with a credit card?

You can pay with a credit card when you sign up online. If you register in person, we can only accept cash or checks.
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 25 week program, not a 24 week program. Second, we will cover all the details of how the program works the first week and put you into your groups. Finally, the content of the first two seminars is different. The first week is information about Seattle Fit and USA FIT; the second seminar is a quick review of Week 1 and then a detailed explanation of our training schedule and philosophy.
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 review of Week 1, but we also have our Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week (and any seminars that you miss during the season).
Does entry into Seattle Fit include entry into the marathon at Rock n Roll Seattle or the Seattle Marathon?

No, your payment to Seattle Fit only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We will provide information about how to sign up for these marathons. There may be discounts for these marathons if you sign up via Seattle Fit. We are in the process of negotiating with the organizers.
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. You can do your mileage with others, on the road, or on a treadmill. It's an easy program to fit into anyone's lifestyle.
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 "20" on a Tuesday, you should run or walk 20 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.
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. If you do have to miss a week, visit this website for the next week's schedule.
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.
What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA FIT city programs?

Absolutely. USA FIT has programs in over 40 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA FIT meeting anywhere.
Could I win the 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.
What if I want to find out more?

Send us an e-mail at info@seattlefit.com or call the Seattle Fit hotline at 206-260-0491 and leave us a message. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.