USA FIT Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Frequently Asked Questions
We have registration intermittently throughout the year. Our groups start roughly in January, May and July. Once we are past the registration date, we cannot take any new members. However, we start new programs throughout the year, so check back often or e-mail info@usafitcypress.com for the next registration date.
USA FIT Cypress 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.
USA FIT Cypress is an award-winning running and walking training program. This same program is currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the U.S. and internationally.
We have TWO separate seasons:
- Winter Season (Late June/early July start date): Training for winter season races such as Houston Chevron Marathon, Houston Aramco Half Marathon, Houston Aramco Half Marathon, and USA FIT Marathon and Half Marathon.
- Spring Season (Late January/early February start date): Training for a late April or early May Half Marathon.
We are meeting in the Bridgeland subdivision.
USA FIT Cypress 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.
Questions about the Program:
It all began in Houston more than 20 years ago with 50 runners, two guys, and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.
USA FIT Cypress consists of five pace groups: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, and Purple (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.
Our first two weekend runs are one- or three-mile pace finder walks or runs. Your time for pace run/walk will place you in a color group. You should walk or run at a pace at which you feel you could keep going for a little bit beyond those one or three miles. 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 Purple group regardless of pace.
Our schedule comes from the great folks at Houston FIT. For over 24 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.
We have loads of local sponsors who provide discounts on shoes, clothing, running gear, and many other services.
Questions about Signing Up:
USA FIT Cypress’s 26-week training program typical cost is only $140 for new members and $110 for returning USA FIT members. We have annual memberships available, as well as Triathlon programs and Ultra running programs. E-mail us for more information. info@usafitcypress.com
- Ability-based group workouts and coaching
- Weekly seminars and informational newsletters
- Weekly training schedules
- USA FIT Cypress T-shirt
- Discounts at sports apparel stores
- Social activities and more!
Yes. During registration, you may register online by clicking on the red “Register Now” button at the top of the page to pay with a credit card. We cannot accept credit cards at our in-person sign-ups, so please sign up online with your credit card online or bring cash or check to the in-person sign-ups.
The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a short time trial run or walk which helps place you in the correct training 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.
Yes. Although we would like you to be there for the first day of training orientation and pace run, but understand if you cannot. Please let one of the coaches know, and we will make sure you receive the orientation information and that you are in the correct pace group.
No, your payment to USA FIT Cypress only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the target marathon, half marathon, or 5k race in any way — we just train for it. We will provide information about how to sign up for the target race.
Questions about the Training:
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 four days a week. We also encourage a basic, low intensity strength training program only 2-3 days per week, which can typically be finished within 30 minutes. 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 or active rest day. During the week, you run or walk for time only (i.e., 30 minutes), not for distance.
While those long runs and walks 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.
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 or walk in a different place, get a race number, and cross the finish line.
Absolutely. USA FIT has programs in over 50 cities around the world, and you are welcome to attend any USA FIT meeting anywhere.
Other Questions:
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.
Send us an e-mail at info@usafitcypress.com.
