Portland Fit Training Programs

Training Programs

When someone completes their first marathon or half marathon, the experience is so powerful that they carry it with them for the rest of their lives. The physical and psychological benefits gained from this intensive training are truly remarkable. Here at USA FIT, our goal is to safely bring these benefits to as many people as possible, including couch potatoes, Boston-qualifying athletes, and everybody in between.

USA FIT started in 1989 in Houston, TX. Beginners, walkers and even non-runners have been with us from the early days, and since that time, USA FIT has enjoyed solid growth with programs in over 50 cities across the nation. Our training has expanded from marathon-only distances to a variety of programs including half marathon, Stay FIT, Couch to 5K, Advanced Training (ATP), and more.

The program is simple, but powerful. Over 26 weeks, through safe and steady coaching, members progress from little or no running base to race condition. Members follow our carefully developed training schedule during the week, then on the weekends, the entire group meets for ability-based long runs. These group meetings are great for lots of reasons. First, they’re a good chance to share the challenges and joys of training with others who are going through the same thing. Second, the weekly group meetings are important because members receive educational information on running specific topics that round out their training with essential practical and strategic information. Our emphasis is on safety and achievement, and we find that often, these meetings represent the beginning of many lifelong friendships. We hope you’ll join us.

Why it works

Over the last two decades, we’ve learned a lot about how to help people accomplish their goals. We bring together our members in a positive environment with other like-minded athletes, give them a carefully refined training structure to guide them, coach them skillfully, and watch the achievement happen. Participants show up each week to run , to support each other in a common goal, and to hold each other accountable. In these ways, USA FIT is more than a training schedule; it’s a way of life that helps members thrive both on and off the track.

Half/Full Marathon Program

Portland FIT members are just like you. Most get involved because they know it’s time to finally get in shape, and for many, that means doing something really different in their lives. They know they have to challenge themselves to step beyond the status quo, because without some accountability and guidance, their efforts might fall flat. Some of our participants are new to running, while others have been doing this for quite some time. But no matter what the individual stories, all share one goal: to get fit and have fun doing it.

Portland FIT runners form the backbone of our membership. Whether preparing for the full or the half marathon distance, runners all receive weekly educational seminars, a schedule specifically designed for their ability level, an online support forum, and more.  All Saturday runs will be done alongside other members of your similar ability, so no one trains alone, and it is a great time to meet new friends.

The program’s general format is as follows:

  • Before each Saturday run, members will come together for the week’s announcements and to hear a short educational talk on key training topics designed to prepare runners for their goal race.
  • Members participate in an organized training run each Saturday morning with runners of similar training paces.
  • Our Saturday group runs are held at different locations including many of the area’s beautiful paved trails.
  • Members follow a schedule of mid-week training. This training is built with busy lifestyles in mind, so they keep members moving toward their goals while requiring only a moderate amount of time.  Training schedules are posted each week on our website.
  • As we progress throughout the training season and our Saturday runs get longer, we begin to start earlier to beat the heat of the day.

Need more information about Portland Fit? Contact us today!