Shreveport 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 seminars on running or walking-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 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

Marathon Program

Our 2023-2024 program begins Saturday, 12 August 2023. This season the group will run the Houston Marathon on Sunday, 14 January 2024, as their first target marathon. For those wanting to continue their training, we will have a second target marathon this season, the Little Rock Marathon on Sunday 3 March, 2024.

Traditional Half Program

This is designed for the beginning runner or those returning from some time away from running.  The 23 weeks are devoted to slowly building mileage toward the target event.  There is a running group;  a run/walk group information and a walking option. The half marathon group has the Houston Half Marathon on Sunday, 14 Jan, 2024 as the their first target race. For those wanting to continue their training, we will have a second target half marathon this season, the Little Rock Marathon on Sunday 3 March, 2024.

“Double Half” Program

This program is for runners who don't want to run further than 13.1 miles. We offer the opportunity for runners to train for multiple half marathons in their season. If you have any questions about whether this is a good fit for you contact the Head Organizer at info@usafitshreveport.com. This season the group will run either (or both) the Log Jammer in Shreveport or The Heroes Run in Bossier City as their first half and the Houston Marathon on Sunday, January 14, 2024 as their next half. For those wanting to continue their training, we will have an additional target half marathon this season, the Little Rock Marathon on Sunday 3 March, 2024.

Whether preparing for the full or the half marathon distance participant receive frequent educational seminars and a training program with a structure to meet your experience levels and abilities.

Over the course of our time together  we’ll advance up to 21 miles for marathoners and 12 miles for half marathoners towards the end of the program. All long runs (and occasional speed work) will be done alongside members of the 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/or seminar on key training topics designed to prepare runners for the rigors of this endurance sport,
  • a group warmup and a briefing from the group coach before heading out onto the designated run route.

Members participate in an organized training run each Saturday morning with runners of similar training paces. Each group is designated by a color.

Members adhere to a schedule of 3-4 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.

Speed training sessions, hill training sessions, and/or tempo runs will be incorporated into training once the group has built a sufficient training base to handle it safely and comfortably.

Believe it or not, USA Fit Shreveport 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.

USA Fit Shreveport was formed in 2008 with 90 members and now hundreds have completed one or more marathons or half marathons. Many of our members have developed and continued friendships well after the marathon, and continue to run with us year after year, while others have conquered their goals and have challenged themselves to do triathlons up to the Ironman level and ultramarathons.  The sky is the limit!

Need more information about Shreveport FIT? Contact us today!