San Antonio 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 San Antonio, 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 and in Europe. Our training has expanded from marathon-only distances to a variety of programs including Triathlon, half marathon, Stay FIT, Couch to 5K, Advanced Training (ATP), and more.

The program is simple, but powerful. Over 24 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 seminars 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 or walk, to support each other in a common goal, and to hold each other accountable. In these ways, USA FIT San Antonio is more than a training schedule; it’s a way of life that helps members thrive both on and off the track.

Running Program (Yellow, Red, Blue/Green, and Half Marathon groups):

USA FIT San Antonio’s 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.

At the start of each season, trainees will participate in time trials to determine the placement that best matches their ability. All participants will run two miles the first week, and we’ll advance up to 21 miles by the 18th week of training. All long runs (and occasional speed work) will be done alongside members of your pace group, so no one trains alone.

The program’s general format is as follows:

  • Before each Saturday group run/walk, members will come together for the week’s announcements and to hear an educational seminar on key training topics designed to prepare runners for the rigors of this endurance sport.
  • Members participate in an organized training run each Saturday morning with runners of similar training paces. Each pace group is designated by a color: Blue/Green, Yellow, Red, or Half Marathon.
  • Weekend runs will be followed by a brief discussion about the day’s workout and instructions for the coming week.
  • Members adhere to a schedule of mid-week training runs. Those runs are built with busy lifestyles in mind, so they keep members moving toward their goals while requiring only a moderate amount of time on the road.
  • Weekly speed training sessions may be available once the group has built a sufficient training base to handle it safely and comfortably.
  • One coached track/strength workout during the week with a qualified and experienced coach to help you achieve your running goals.

Walking Program (Purple group)

Walkers comprise an enthusiastic and growing segment of USA FIT San Antonio. This group is specifically designed for people walking a 13:45 or greater pace, but the goal is the same: to help you push your personal boundaries and achieve your performance and speed goals in an encouraging, safe environment.

Walkers receive all the same benefits as runners. All athletes meet on Saturday, and as with the runners, walkers start at two miles and progress through an increasingly rigorous schedule each week until the season’s ending taper. Everyone receives the same excellent ability-based coaching, weekly educational seminars, mid-week support, and more.

Need more information about San Antonio Fit? Contact us today!