{"id":2570,"date":"2016-09-24T13:22:08","date_gmt":"2016-09-24T17:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.usafitsouthplains.com\/?page_id=2570"},"modified":"2019-12-31T15:40:49","modified_gmt":"2019-12-31T21:40:49","slug":"tampa-bay-fit-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/tampa-bay-fit-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Tampa Bay FIT FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Questions about Tampa Bay FIT<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=\"It is past the registration date. Can I still join USA FIT Tampa Bay?\" tab_id=\"1571761654950-4953f24a-a2c1\"][vc_column_text]Once we are past the registration date, we cannot take any new members training for the full marathon. The 2019 season registration will open June 1, 2019, and will not close until September 1, 2019.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"I\u2019m not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?\" tab_id=\"1571761688355-d3711ea7-6760\"][vc_column_text]USA FIT Tampa Bay does not have a drop-in program. Our all-inclusive membership covers our seminars, coaching, and training runs. Visiting members from other USA Fit programs are always welcome![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What is USA FIT Tampa Bay?\" tab_id=\"1571761938859-bcb1c3d4-ecdd\"][vc_column_text]USA FIT Tampa Bay is an award-winning, 25-week running and\u00a0run\/walk program. This same program is currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the U.S. and internationally. USA FIT Tampa Bay will begin its next season in August 2019. Want to meet us now? Check out our events on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tampabayfit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and join TBF\u00a0friends\u00a0on their next group run \u2013 we\u2019d love to meet you![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Who should join?\" tab_id=\"1571761968130-447bdaa0-bb4f\"][vc_column_text]USA FIT Tampa Bay is perfect for anyone who has a desire to challenge themselves, wants to exercise and make new friends, wants to increase their body strength and stamina, wants to look and feel better, or simply wants to get involved in a healthy lifestyle sport. Whether you have only dreamed of completing a marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"When is the USA FIT Tampa Bay season? \" tab_id=\"1571761995009-6feb46af-2ec6\"][vc_column_text]The official USA FIT Tampa Bay season is the six months prior to our final season target race. This usually runs from August\u00a0to February. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members. Check out the area\u00a0<a title=\"Stay Fit All Year Long!\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tampabayfit.com\/stay-fit-all-year-long\/\">group runs<\/a>\u00a0to Stay Fit in the off season![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Where is the training?\" tab_id=\"1571762025321-07dac5f8-50f4\"][vc_column_text]We train in the heart of\u00a0<a title=\"Visit St. Pete\" href=\"http:\/\/www.visitstpeteclearwater.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Pete<\/a>, downtown where all the action takes place and beauty abounds! What more could you as for?! We meet in the parking lot at North Shore Drive and 12th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL (next to the tennis courts). We also\u00a0take field trips to Bellaire Bridge, Clearwater Beach, and Safety Harbor to vary our terrain and get in that great\u00a0hill training on the bridges.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Are you affiliated with a charity?\" tab_id=\"1571762136970-b75dae46-b0d4\"][vc_column_text]USA FIT Tampa Bay is not associated with a charity, and you do not need to raise money to participate in this program. There are several good marathon training programs where raising money for a charity is part of the program. While these can be effective and rewarding, we realize that it\u2019s not for everyone, and it may be impossible to do year after year. Some of our members choose to raise money for a charity, but it certainly isn\u2019t a requirement.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"How did all this come about?\" tab_id=\"1571762166064-4243e754-f7ae\"][vc_column_text]It all began in Houston about 25 years ago with about 50 runners, two guys, and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Questions about the Program<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=\"What is an ability-based color group?\" tab_id=\"1571761703421-ba01fcb2-547d\"][vc_column_text]USA FIT Tampa Bay consists of pace groups: Green, Yellow, Red, Orange, and Purple. You will be placed in the group that best suits your training pace. This system works because it allows you to train with those who are at your ability level.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What color group will I be in?\" tab_id=\"1571761703422-3bf5b08e-2013\"][vc_column_text]Our first weekend run is a pace finder run. Your run or walk time will place you in a color group. You should\u00a0 run at a pace at which you feel you could keep going for a little bit beyond the mileage we have set and be able to talk. If you couldn\u2019t keep running after completing our initial pace finder, then you are going too fast.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Why should I walk or run my two or three mile time trial slower when I can go faster?\" tab_id=\"1571762595320-8fd59d55-73b7\"][vc_column_text]Simply because you are training for a marathon or half marathon, not a two- or three-mile race. Walking or running too fast will seriously compromise your training season. If you find your correct training pace from the beginning, you will complete the marathon in less time, you will experience fewer injuries, and you will have a lot more fun.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What are the informational seminars?\" tab_id=\"1571762622743-54cac5e5-2c93\"][vc_column_text]Most weekends, after the group run, we\u2019ll hold a 15-25 minute educational seminar. Topics will all be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable speakers. After each seminar, you will break off into your color groups for a brief talk and question-and-answer with your coach.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What happens on any given Saturday?\" tab_id=\"1571762658935-d55ee23b-3058\"][vc_column_text]We meet at a specified time, arriving ten minutes early to sign in. We will run the prescribed mileage for that week and return for light stretching or core work. Then a 15-25 min seminar with a different topic\/speaker each time\u00a0is presented. We then break into our color groups and get a few updates from our color group coach or our organizer.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Who created our schedule?\" tab_id=\"1571762706343-d7014553-8beb\"][vc_column_text]Our schedule comes from the great folks at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/usafit.com\/what-is-usa-fit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USA Fit<\/a>. Since 1989, they have been training people all over the country just like us. Everybody has a different marathon philosophy, but ours has been tested literally tens of thousands of times.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Do we get discounts on shoes?\" tab_id=\"1571762737318-094e410a-e49d\"][vc_column_text]Yes, you do, thanks to our running store sponsor,\u00a0<a title=\"St. Pete Running Co\" href=\"http:\/\/stpeterunningco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Pete Running Company<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Questions about Signing Up<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=\"How can I sign up?\" tab_id=\"1571761750707-2945bf63-4fa4\"][vc_column_text]You can sign up online by clicking on the red \u201cRegister Now\u201d button at the top of the page, or in person at one of our sign up sessions.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"How much does it cost?\" tab_id=\"1571761750707-7ada3d54-dbfb\"][vc_column_text]USA FIT Tampa Bay offers extremely competitive prices you won\u2019t find anywhere else. Our program is nationwide. Tampa Bay Fit\u2019s 25 -week training program costs only $120 for new members. Early bird specials and return members discounts are offered.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What is included for the sign-up fee?\" tab_id=\"1571762837784-17bdd0b7-49f5\"][vc_column_text]\n<ul>\n<li>Ability-based group workouts and coaching<\/li>\n<li>Weekly training\u00a0<a title=\"Weekly Schedule\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tampabayfit.com\/schedule-weekly\/\">schedules<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Group runs with course support, hydration stations, and coaches to motivate and encourage you on the run<\/li>\n<li>Weekly seminars<\/li>\n<li>The coveted USA FIT Tampa Bay techt-shirt<\/li>\n<li>Discounts at local retailers<\/li>\n<li>Social activities and more!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"When are the in-person sign-up sessions?\" tab_id=\"1571762879326-22facc4d-ec11\"][vc_column_text]We will have an in-person sign up party at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/stpeterunningco.com\/\">St. Pete Running Company<\/a>\u00a0 time TBA. In-person sign up will also be available at our Orientation on August 11th and the 2018 season Kick Off on August 18th. Sign up for our newsletter on our home page to receive the details.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What happens at the sign-up session?\" tab_id=\"1571762909031-ff5774b6-e0ba\"][vc_column_text]The sign-up sessions include registration, an orientation, and an opportunity to meet the coaches. Our kick off day will include a short pace finder run or walk which helps place you in the correct training group.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Can I pay with a credit card?\" tab_id=\"1571762944222-a3e15a34-ff99\"][vc_column_text]If you wish to pay by credit card, please register online. Otherwise please bring a check or cash to the registration dates.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Do I have to attend both orientation sessions?\" tab_id=\"1571762972719-3e560822-9e39\"][vc_column_text]If possible, we\u2019d like you to attend orientation the first week of the season, beginning in August. All members will walk or run their first 2 or 3 miles at the Kick Off.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"I can\u2019t make it to the first weekend. Should I still sign up?\" tab_id=\"1571763036016-197b8d14-4cb0\"][vc_column_text]Yes, you should still sign up! We\u2019d like you to attend the first week for the reasons outlined in the previous Q&amp;A, but we know not everyone can make it to week 1. That\u2019s why we have another sign-up the following week. The week 2 seminar will be a quick overview of week 1, but we also have Coaches\/Assistant Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Does entry into USA Fit Shreveport include entry into the marathon?\" tab_id=\"1571763067343-f3d8e837-70b1\"][vc_column_text]No, your payment to USA FIT Tampa Bay only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. Each season, Tampa Bay Fit offers a full marathon schedule for the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.rundisney.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Disney Marathon<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.clearwaterdistanceclassic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clearwater Distance Classic<\/a>\u00a0marathon, along with a half marathon and full marathon schedule for our season finale target race each year. We are looking into target race options for 2019-20 season and the possibility of keeping it local and partnering with\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/stpetersburgdistanceclassic.com\/\">St. Pete Distance Classic.<\/a>\u00a0Many members also train with us for these other half and full marathons:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.floridaroadraces.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Florida Road Races<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.stpetebeachclassic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Pete Beach Classic<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/bestdamnrace.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Best Damn Race<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tampabayrun.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gasparilla Distance Classic<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.marinemarathon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marine Corps Marathon<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.spacecoastmarathon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tcsnycmarathon.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York Marathon<\/a>, and many other races across the country. If you are trying to qualify for\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.baa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston<\/a>, then our Green group is for you! Many times, you\u2019ll have a new Tampa Bay Fit (TBF) friend, or TBF group of friends, to train and meet up with at any given race. Of course, our scheduled\u00a0target races are a guaranteed fun time with the whole team![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Questions about the Training<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=\"How much training does this program involve?\" tab_id=\"1571761777490-dbef1a94-11a3\"][vc_column_text]Realizing that most people lead very busy lives, this program is one that can easily fit into your schedule. For the most part, the program calls for running or walking only four days a week. Your long run or walk will usually take place on Saturday with your group. \u00a0During the week, you run or walk for time only (i.e., 30 minutes), not for distance.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What does 20 on the weekly schedule (during the week) mean? Are we running 20 miles?\" tab_id=\"1571761777490-a6d313a6-a8fe\"][vc_column_text]During the week, we run or walk for minutes. So if the schedule says \u201c30\u201d on a Tuesday, you should run or walk 30 minutes. Do this at a comfortable pace unless instructed to do otherwise. On the weekends, we do miles, so the schedule will say 4 miles. Listen to your coaches on how to run\/walk these miles each week.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Do I have to be there every week?\" tab_id=\"1571763162224-05c03f2b-9071\"][vc_column_text]No, many members are unable to make every weekend session.\u00a0The weekend seminars are important, but you can always ask your coach or running buddies about what you missed. However, those long runs are a lot easier when you\u2019re doing them with the group! And in our experience, the success of our members is directly proportional to their ability to attend our weekend training runs and seminars. When you do have to miss a week, check our website for the next week\u2019s\u00a0<a title=\"Weekly Schedule\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tampabayfit.com\/schedule-weekly\/\">schedule<\/a>. REMEMBER AS WITH ANY PROGRAM-YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN. Your participation is vital to your success.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"Can we participate in races during training?\" tab_id=\"1571763186862-b6c09e6c-addb\"][vc_column_text]Sure! We encourage you to participate in races\u00a0during training. In fact, every year we have races as part of our training schedule. These races are meant as intermediate goals along the way, they are a great way to practice the race-day strategies that we will teach you, and they are a lot of fun. The benchmark races for the 2019-20 season are\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/stpeterunfest.org\/\">St. Pete Run Fest<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.stpetebeachclassic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Pete Beach Classic<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What if I travel during my training? Can I attend USA FIT programs in other cities?\" tab_id=\"1571763248959-71c34e44-0d0c\"][vc_column_text]Absolutely. USA FIT has programs in many other cities, and you are welcome to attend any USA FIT meeting anywhere.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Questions about the Training<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=\"Could I win the Marathon?\" tab_id=\"1571761793658-c866e5ba-311e\"][vc_column_text]Of course you could. However, most likely you\u2019ll get a nice T-shirt, a finisher\u2019s medal, bragging rights, and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"What if I want to find out more?\" tab_id=\"1571761793659-5291bdb7-9c1f\"][vc_column_text]Send us an e-mail at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:info@usafitshreveport.com\">info@usafitshreveport.com<\/a>.\u00a0Thanks![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Questions about Tampa Bay FIT [\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=\"It is past the registration date. Can I still join USA FIT Tampa Bay?\" tab_id=\"1571761654950-4953f24a-a2c1\"][vc_column_text]Once we are past the registration date, we cannot take any new members training for the full marathon. The 2019 season registration will open June 1, 2019, and will not close until September 1, 2019.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=\"I\u2019m not a member.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/tampa-bay-fit-faq\/\" class=\"read-more\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"spay_email":""},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P5tcG5-Fs","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2570"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2570"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2570\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4001,"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2570\/revisions\/4001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usafit.com\/tampafit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2570"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}