Albany 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.

The program is simple, but powerful. Over 22 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.

USA FIT Albany 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.

***Note: Registration to any race is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the cost of training.

Twenty two weeks isn’t that long a time when you’re among friends all working toward a common goal. But the even greater be

nefit is what happens when you conquer your own personal challenges. Our members are fitter, happier, and mentally stronger than they’ve ever been before. Through this training, people change their lives forever.

Our key target marathon and half marathon is the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon but we have plans that fit training for:

  • Mohawk Hudson River Marathon/Half
  • Hartford CT Marathon/Half
  • Smuttynose Half Marathon
  • Wineglass Marathon/Half
  • Montreal Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/Half
  • Adirondack Half Marathon
  • Other events in the late Sept-Mid October timeframe

So come on and join us! We’re saving you a spot.

Our Running Training Program

USA FIT Albany’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-three miles the first week, and we’ll advance up to 21 miles (full marathon) or 12 miles (half marathon) by the 22nd 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 run, 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,  Half Marathon or Team Fit.
  • 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.

Need more information about Albany Fit? Contact us today!

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