Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Austin Fit...

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 Austin Fit?
    Online Registration for Austin Fit’s summer season, the San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Training Program, begins in March and continues through June. In-person walk-up registration for the RnR training is May 15, 2010; late registration (in person) is May 22, 2010.

    Online Registration for Austin Fit’s fall season, the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Training Program, begins in July and continues through late -September 2010. In-person walk-up registration for the Austin training is August 28, 2010; late registration (in person) is September 4, 2010.

    Registration for either program after the late registration dates given will be granted solely in the discretion of the training program Director, and only if you have been training at, or beyond, the level of the training group at the time you are requesting to join.

    [top]

  2. I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
    Austin 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!
    [top]

  3. What is Austin Fit?
    Austin Fit is an award-winning 26-week running and walking program. The same program, currently being held in over 52 cities throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, is winning rave reviews and growing every year.

    Austin Fit now features two training seasons. The summer training season for the San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Marathon & Half Marathon begins Saturday, May 15, 2010. The fall training season for the Austin Marathon & Half Marathon and 3M Half Marathon begins Saturday, August 28, 2010. Visit our Join Us page for more information.

    [top]

  4. Who should join?
    Austin 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 full or half marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you!
    [top]

  5. When is the Austin Fit season?
    The Austin Fit Summer season is the six months prior to the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. The Austin Fit Fall season is the six months prior to the Austin Marathon.
    [top]

  6. Where is the training?
    We meet at the TxDOT building at 150 E. Riverside Drive. View the map. Feel free to contact us for directions.
    [top]

  7. Can walkers participate?
    Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete a half of full marathon. Please note that the marathon requires all participants to complete the course within 7 hours. It is a walker friendly event!
    [top]

  8. Are you affiliated with a charity?
    Austin 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.
    [top]

  9. What's the catch? When do I have to sit through the sales pitch for a new condo in Padre Island?
    No catch -- really! Austin 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 Padre. Austin 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'.
    [top]

  10. How did all this come about?
    It all began in Houston about 21 years ago with about 50 runners, two guys and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.
    [top]

  11. What is an ability-based color group?
    Austin Fit consists of 7 groups: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Orange, Purple (walkers), and half marathoners. 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.

    Another important aspect of Austin Fit is that we allow and even encourage members to move from one pace group to another, any time they feel that they may want to slow down or speed up or to better their training experience. Moving from the full to the half or half to full marathon groups is also allowed, as members oftentimes change their training goals.
    [top]

  12. What color group will I be in?
    Our first two weekend runs or walks are 1 or 2 mile pace finder walks or runs. Your time for the 1 or 2 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 2 miles. If you couldn't keep walking or running after completing our initial 1 or 2 mile pace finder then you are going too fast. All walkers are in our Purple Group regardless of pace. Our half marathon runners are in the pace based color groups, but meet with the half marathon coaches.
    [top]

  13. Why should I walk or run my 1 or 2 mile 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 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.
    [top]

  14. What are the weekly seminars?
    Each weekend, before the group run, we'll hold an 8-minute seminar starting at 6:10 AM for the summer program and 7:10 AM for the fall program. Topics will all be health and fitness related and will be led by knowledgeable professionals.
    [top]

  15. What happens on any given Saturday?
    We run or walk with our groups after each seminar. The seminar will start at 6:10 AM for the summer program and 7:10 AM for the fall program every Saturday and is followed by any group announcements, then guided stretching, followed by a group run or walk.
    [top]

  16. Who created our schedule?
    Our schedule comes from the great folks at USA Fit. For over 21 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.
    [top]

  17. Do we get discounts on shoes?
    Yes, you do! As an Austin Fit member you will receive a card for a discount at RunTex (all locations). Other member discounts are in the works - stay tuned for more information.
    [top]

  18. You must be kidding. All this for $95?
    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 Austin Fit?
    [top]

  19. How can I sign up?
    Signup is open for the summer season from February to May. Signup is open for the fall season from July through early September. Visit our Join Us page for more information.
    [top]

  20. How much does it cost?
    Austin Fit's 26-week training program costs only $95 for new members and $65 for returning USA Fit members.
    [top]

  21. What is included for the sign-up fee?
    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Weekly seminars
    • Weekly training schedules
    • Techincal shirt
    • Free injury-prevention advice
    • Discounts at RunTex
    • Massage therapists and medical professionals on site
    • Social activities and more!
    [top]

  22. When is the in-person sign-up sessions?
    In-person sign up for the Austin Fit summer 2010 season (training for the November San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Marathon & Half Marathon) is May 15, 7:00 AM. Late registration is May 22, 7:00 AM. NOTE: After the first two weeks, the group will meet at 6:10 AM.

    In-person sign up for the Austin Fit fall 2010 season (training for the February Austin Marathon & Half Marathon and the January 3M Half Marathon) is August, 28, 7:00 AM. Late registration is September 4, 7:00 AM.

    Both registrations are at the TxDOT building at 150 E. Riverside Drive. View the map.

    Remember, you can also sign-up online. Visit our Join Us page for more information.

    [top]

  23. Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    Our sign-up sessions will be at the same location as our weekly meetings. Click here to view a map.
    [top]
     
  24. What happens at the sign-up session?
    The sign-up session includes sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a 1 or 2 mile placement run or walk, which helps place you in the correct ability-based group. Everyone is strongly encouraged to come to the first orientation/sign-up session as all seminars will cover different information. The sign-up session takes approximately 1.5 hours.
    [top]

  25. Can I pay with a credit card?
    If you register online you can pay with a credit card. In person registration can be paid only by cash or by check made out to USA Fit.
    [top]

  26. 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 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).
    [top]

  27. Does entry into Austin Fit include entry into the marathon?
    No, your payment to Austin Fit only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Rock 'n' Roll or Austin Marathon or 3M in any way, we just train for it! We will provide information about how to sign up for the various races.
    [top]

  28. 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.
    [top]

  29. 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.
    [top]

  30. 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.
    [top]

  31. 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.
    [top]

  32. 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.
    [top]

  33. Could I win the marathon?
    Of course you could. However, most likely you'll get a nice shirt, a finisher's medal, a results book, bragging rites and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches. And, that my friend, IS winning!
    [top]

  34. What if I want to find out more?
    Send us an e-mail at runaustinfit@aol.com or call the Austin Fit hotline at 512-867-3778 and leave us a message. Thanks!
     [top]
USA Fit Online StoreNathan SportsUSA Eat FitUSA Fit