Albany Fit FAQ

It is past the registration date. Can I still join USA FIT Albany?

We will take registrations through June 12, 2021. Once we are past the registration date, we cannot take any new members.

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

USA FIT Albany does not have a drop-in program unless you are a visiting member of another USA FIT program. Our all-inclusive membership covers our seminars, coaching, and training runs/walks.

What is USA FIT Albany?

USA FIT Albany is an award-winning, 22-week running and walking program. This same program is currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the U.S. and internationally. USA FIT Albany will begin its next season on May 16, 2020, with a final registration on June 20, 2020.

Who should join?

USA FIT is perfect for anyone! Everyone who has a desire to challenge themselves, and wants to exercise, make new friends, increase their body strength and stamina, look and feel better, or get involved in a healthy lifestyle sport, is invited to join.

When is the USA FIT Albany season?

Each chapter has a specified season - please contact your local chapter for details.

Where is the training?

We are meeting at the back parking lot of the Rudy A Ciccotti Recreation Center at 30 Aviation Rd, Colonie, NY 12205 for the first few weeks. Once we get into the full swing of the season, we utilize all the local running paths in the Capital District.

Can walkers participate?

We will not be offering a walking program this season.  Joggers and runners of all levels and speeds are welcome.

Are you affiliated with a charity?

USA FIT Albany 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 it 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 more than 28 years ago with 50 runners, two guys, and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.

Why should I walk or run my one or two-mile time trial slower when I can go faster?

Simply because you are training for a marathon, not a one or three-mile race. 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.

Why should I walk or run my two or three mile time trial slower when I can go faster?

Simply because you are training for a marathon, not a two- or three-mile race. 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 happens on any given Saturday?

We run with our groups before after each seminar. Our start time will vary from week to week, but we typically start at 7 a.m. - depending upon how many miles we're doing that day.  Members will be given the starting time for their training group each Thursday (this information is also available on the chapter’s website and in the e-newsletter).

Who created the schedule?

All chapter’s schedules come from the experts at USA Fit. For over 28 years, USA Fit has been training people all over the country. There are many different marathon philosophies, but the USA Fit philosophy has been tested literally tens of thousands of times and it works.

How much does it cost?

Program cost depends on the chapter’s program length and season. Please contact your chapter for details.

What is included for the sign-up fee?

  1. Ability-based group workouts and coaching
  2. Weekly seminars
  3. Weekly training schedules
  4. USA FIT chapter t-shirt
  5. Discounts and freebies from local partners and sponsors
  6. Social activities and more!

When are the in-person sign-up sessions?

Most chapters host in-person registration at the beginning of the season. Watch your chapter’s website and Facebook page, and sign up for the newsletter for specific registration dates. Please contact your chapter for more details.

What happens at the sign-up session?

Sessions vary from chapter to chapter, so please contact your chapter for details.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes - during registration, you may register online by clicking on the red “Register Now” button at the top of the chapter’s website to pay with a credit card. Most chapters cannot accept credit cards at the in-person sign-ups, so if you want to use credit card, please sign up online. For in-person sign-ups, bring cash or a check.

Do I have to attend both orientation sessions?

If possible, we’d like you to attend both sessions. Please contact your chapter for details.

I can’t make it to the first weekend. Should I still sign up?

Yes, you should still sign up! Your coaches can help fill you in on what you missed.

Does entry into USA FIT Albany include entry into the marathon?

No, your payment to USA FIT Albany only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon/Half, Palio, Wineglass Marathon/Half or other races we train for in any way — we just train for it. We will provide information about how to sign up for the races.

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 four 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. During the week, you run for time only (i.e., 30 minutes), not for distance.

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 four 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. During the week, you run for time only (i.e., 30 minutes), not for distance.

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 four miles. Listen to your coaches for guidance on running these miles each week.

Do I have to be there every week?

Although those long runs are a lot easier when you’re doing them with the group, we know there are times when you won’t be able to make a weekend meeting. The seminars are important, so be sure to speak with your coach or running buddies about what you missed. In our experience, the success of our members is directly proportional to their ability to attend our weekend trainings. If you do have to miss a week, check this website for the next week’s schedule.

Can we participate in races during training?

Sure! In fact, we target specific races as a group so that you can experience the fun and excitement of a race with your training buddies. You certainly don’t have to be competitive about it, but it’s fun to run in a different place, get a race number, and cross the finish line.

What if I travel during my training?

Can I attend USA Fit programs in other cities? Absolutely. USA Fit has programs in ~40 cities around the U.S., 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, bragging rights, and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches.

What if I want to find out more?

Contact your local USA FIT chapter via email or email us at USA FIT at info@usafit.com.