Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about USA Fit Longview...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Other questions...

  • It is past the registration date, can I still join USA Fit Longview?
    Once we are past the registration date we typically do not add new members. Exceptions may be made for members transferring from other USA Fit programs. This will be handled on a case by case basis. You may contact the local organizer Nicole Lind for more information at info@usafitlongview.com.
  • I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
    USA Fit Longview does not have a drop-in program. Our all-inclusive membership covers our seminars, coaching, and training runs. Visiting members from other USA Fit programs are always welcome!
  • What is USA Fit Longview?
    USA Fit Longview is a 10K and Half Marathon training program. This same program and others are currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the country with expansions targeted internationally as well, winning rave reviews and growing every year. USA Fit Longview began its first season in August 2008 and has targeted July 10 as the launch of its 2010 season.
  • Who should join?
    USA Fit Longview 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. Whether you have only dreamed of completing a 10K or Half Marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you!
  • When does the USA Fit Longview season begin?
    The official 2010 USA Fit Longview season is scheduled to kick off on July 10, 2010 with target races including the Dallas White Rock Marathon, USA Fit Marathon, and the Cowtown Ft. Worth 10K and Half Marathon.
  • Where is the training?
    We meet @ Elite Gym and Fitness on 120 Johnston St, Longview, TX.  Training locations may vary throughout the season.  Any changes will be noted on the schedule.
  • Can walkers participate?
    USA Fit Longview is currently not offering a walking program. Please visit our website at www.usafitlongview for any updates of available programs.
  • Are you affiliated with a charity?
    USA Fit Longview 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.
  • 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 a pace or color group?
    We utilize a color system (Blue/Green, Yellow, and Red) to identify each runner and their pace. Following a completion of a timed pace run you will be placed in a group that best suits your training pace. This system works because it allows you to train along side those who are of similar pace.
  • What color group will I be in?
    Our first two weekend runs are pace finder runs. Your time run will place you in a color group. You should run at a pace where you feel you could keep going for a little bit beyond pace run. If you couldn't keep running after completing our initial pace finder  then you are going too fast.
  • Why should I run my pace finder slower when I can go faster?
    Simply because you are training for a new distance goal and for many members this may be a significant increase in mileage. Running too fast will seriously compromise your training season and can increase your chance for injuries. Take your time and have fun with the other runners. This is not a competition.
  • What are educational seminars/lectures?
    Scheduled seminars typically occur after the group run. We will use this time to make announcements and then hold a 15-20 minute seminar session. Topics will be health, fitness or training related. Several seminars will include outside speakers coming to talk to the group in their area of expertise.
  • What happens on any given Saturday?
    We meet at the specified time which will be available on-line and on our printed season schedules. Please arrive a few minutes early to meet up with your pace/color group, get a few updates from your coach and do some light stretches. We will then run the prescribed mileage for that week. After the run, there will be a 15-20 min seminar with a different topic and/or speaker. These too will be listed on our schedule. We strive to be finished by no later than 8:30 am.
  • 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.
  • How can I sign up?
    You can sign up by going to the join us page or under the quick link of the main website.
  • How much does it cost?
    The USA Fit Longview training program costs only $100 for new members or $90 for returning members from other USA Fit programs.
  • What is included for the sign-up fee?
    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Training log
    • Frequent educational seminars and  lectures
    • Group run with course support and coaches running with you
    • Weekly training schedules
    • USA Fit Longview Technical Shirt
    • Potential discounts at local retailers


  • When are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    You can register in-person on the orientation days, July 10 and July 17, 2010. Online registration will also be open beginning May 3, 2010.
  • Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    Our sign-up sessions will be at the same location as our Saturday meetings at 120 Johnston St, Longview (in front of Elite Gym and Fitness).
  • What happens at the sign-up session?
    The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a pace finder run 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). The sign-up session takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. Come dressed to run!
  • Can I pay with a credit card?
    If you wish to pay by credit card, please register online. Otherwise please bring a check to the registration dates. Full information on registration is available on our Join Us page or check under the quick link on the website.
  • Do I have to attend both orientation sessions?
    If possible, we'd like you to attend both sessions (Weeks 1 and 2).  During these sessions we will cover all the details of how the program works, proper running attire, safety, what to expect on your first training run and more!
  • 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.
  • Does entry into USA Fit Longview include entry into a race?
    No, your payment to USA Fit Longview only covers the cost of your participation in the training program.
  • 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 only 4 days a week. Your long run will usually take place on Saturday with your group. The day after your long run is always a rest day.  Your schedule will give you a clear overview of daily activities associated with this program.
  • How long will the program run?
    The program will run from July 10 to December 5.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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 and seminars. When you do have to miss a week, check our website for the next week's schedule.
  • Can we participate in races during training?
    Sure! We encourage you to participate in races during training. These races are meant as intermediate goals along the way, they are a great way to practice the race-day strategies that we will teach you, and they are a lot of fun. You don't have to participate in these races (and race entry fees are not included in your USA Fit Longview membership), but they are good practice.
  • 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.  You can find information on the USA  Fit website.
  • Could I win a race?
    Of course you could. However, most likely you'll get a nice t-shirt, a finisher's medal, bragging rites and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches. And, that my friend IS winning!
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