Tampa Bay 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.

USA FIT Tampa Bay 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.

Half/Full Marathon Program

At the start of each season, members participate in a pace finding run or walk to determine the placement that best matches their ability. All participants run or walk at the kick off Saturday during the pace finder run, and will advance up to 12 or 21 miles about the 22nd week of training. All runs will be done alongside members of your color group.

 

The general format of Tampa Bay FIT is as follows:

  • An organized training run each Saturday morning with a group runners whose training pace is similar to yours. Each group is designated by a color – Green, Yellow, Red, Orange, and Purple.
  • A seminar on training, stretching, nutrition and other related topics each Saturday after our run to help you learn the fundamentals of successfully improving your fitness.
  • Lots of time for discussion with your color group members and instruction from your coaches each week at the training run.
  • schedule of training runs to be completed each week on your own, or if you choose, with other members of your color group.

Need more information about Tampa Bay FIT? Contact us today!