Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about USA Fit Lincoln...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Other questions...

  1. It is past the registration date, can I still join USA FIT Lincoln?
     We will take registrations through April 15, 2011; once we are past the registration date, we cannot take any new members until the next training season.
  2. I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
    USA FIT Lincoln does not have a drop-in program. Our all-inclusive membership covers our seminars, medical advice, coaching, and training runs/walks. Visiting members from other USA FIT programs are always welcome!
  3. What is USA FIT Lincoln?
    USA FIT Lincoln is an award-winning 26-week running and walking program. This same program, currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the country with expansions targeted internationally as well, is winning rave reviews and growing every year. USA FIT Lincoln will begin our 2nd season on Saturday, April 2 and Saturday, April 9 with a final registration deadline of April 15, 2011.
  4. Who should join?
    USA FIT Lincoln 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 - running or walking. Whether you have only dreamed of completing a marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you!
  5. When is the USA FIT Lincoln season?
     The official USA FIT Lincoln season is the six months prior to the Omaha Marathon and Half Marathon. The season runs from April through September. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.
  6. Where is the training?
    We will meet at various locations throughout Lincoln. All times and locations will be given to every member well in advance of the week’s workout (via the written schedule provided at registration). All information will also be provided on the USA FIT Lincoln website.
  7. Can walkers participate?
    Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete the Omaha Half Marathon.
  8. Are you affiliated with a charity?
    USA FIT Lincoln 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's not for everyone and may be impossible to do year-after-year. Some of our members choose to raise money for a charity, but it certainly isn't a requirement.
  9. How did all this come about?
    It all began in Houston about 21 years ago with about 50 runners, 2 guys and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.
  10. What is an ability-based color group?
    USA FIT Lincoln consists of 4 groups: Blue/Green, Yellow, Red and Purple (walkers). You will be placed in the group that best suits your training pace. For example, if you train at a 9-10 minute per mile pace, you will be a member of the Yellow group. This system works, because it allows you to train with those who are at your ability level.
  11. What color group will I be in?
    Our first two weekend runs are 1 or 3 mile pace finder runs. Your time for the 1 or 3 miles will place you in a color group. You should run at a pace where you feel you could keep going for a little bit beyond those 1 or 3 miles. If you couldn't keep running after completing our initial 1 or 3 mile pace finder, then you are going too fast.

    All walkers are in our Purple Group, regardless of pace.
  12. At the Orientation’s Time Trial, why should I walk or run the 1 or 3 miles at a slower pace when I can go faster?
     You will do this simply because you are training for a marathon, not a 1 or 3 mile race. It may sound like a funny statement to make, but it is so true. 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.
  13. What are the weekly seminars?
    Each weekend, before the group run (or afterwards, depending upon the schedule), we'll have announcements then hold a 15-20 minute seminar. Topics will all be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable professionals. After each seminar, you will break off into your color groups for a brief talk and question-and-answer with your coach.
  14. What happens on any given Saturday?
    We meet at the time & location specified on the training schedule (every member will receive a paper copy in their orientation packet, but the times/locations will also be posted on the website). For most weeks, we will go over announcements and have the seminar before our workout. We will then break into our individual color groups for a few minutes to talk with the coaches and ask questions prior to heading out for the week’s workout. As the weather gets warmer and the days/workouts longer, we will stagger some start times. This will allow the Red and Purple groups to get the longer distances completed before the heat of the day starts to set in. For these particular weeks, we may or may not have a seminar after the workout. Please just keep monitoring the schedule and contact your Head Coach or the Program Organizer with any questions.
  15. Who created our schedule?
    Our schedule comes from the great folks at Houston Fit. For over 21 years, 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.
  16. Do we get discounts on shoes?
    Yes, you do! As a USA FIT Lincoln member, you will receive a discount code from our sponsor RunningShoes.com. This discount isn’t limited to shoes, but RunningShoes.com is generously allowing the discount to be on clothing, hydration and other equipment needs.
  17. How can I sign up?
    Sign-ups are now open for the 2011 season. You can sign up online by going to the "Join Us" page or in person at our On-Site Registration/Orientation on April 2 & 9, 2011. See the "Join Us" page for all of the details.
  18. How much does it cost?
    USA FIT Lincoln's 26-week training program is only $95 for new members and $85 for returning members. There is an early registration fee of $90 for new members (discount only until Feb. 28, 2011).
  19. What is included with the registration fee?
    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Weekly seminars
    • Weekly training schedules
    • USA FIT Lincoln T-shirt (technical fabric)
    • Discounts at sports apparel stores
    • Giveaway raffles
    • Social activities and more!
  20. When are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    In person registration for the USA FIT Lincoln 2011 season will be:
    • April 2 / Holmes Lake Park (Picnic Shelter 1), Lincoln
    • April 9 / Holmes Lake Park (Picnic Shelter 1), Lincoln
  21. Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    Our sign-up sessions are as noted above (Holmes Lake Park)
  22. What happens at the sign-up session?
    The sign-up sessions include registration (for those who haven’t already registered), an orientation seminar and a 1 or 3 mile pace finder run and walk, which helps place you in the correct
    ability-based group. Everyone is strongly encouraged to come to both of the orientation/sign-up sessions (Weeks 1 and 2), as the seminars will cover different information.
  23. Can I pay with a credit card?
    Yes! Register online via the "Join Us" page to pay with a credit card. We cannot accept credit cards at our in-person sign-ups, so please sign up online with your credit card, or bring cash / check to the in-person sign- ups. Visit our "Join Us" page for all of the details.
  24. Do I have to attend both orientation sessions?
     If possible, we'd like you to attend both sessions (Weeks 1 and 2). First of all, you're paying for a 26-week program, not a 25-week program. Second, we will cover all the details of how the program works the first week and put you into your groups. Lastly, the content of the first two seminars is different. The first week is information about USA FIT Lincoln; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then a mandatory session on "Hydration and Warm Weather Running."

  25. I can't make it to the first weekend -- should I still sign up?
    Yes, you should still sign up! We'd like you to attend the first week for the reasons outlined in the previous Q&A, but we know not everyone can make it to Week 1. That's 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 an army of Assistant Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week (and any seminars that you miss during the season).
  26. Does entry into USA FIT Lincoln include entry into the marathon?

    No, your payment to USA FIT Lincoln only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Omaha Marathon in any way; we just train for it! We will provide information about how to sign up for the Omaha Marathon.
  27. How much training does this program involve?
    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 4 days a week. Your long run or walk will usually take place on Saturday with your group. The day after your long run/walk is always a rest day. During the week, you run or walk for time only (i.e. 30 minutes), not for distance.
  28. What does 20 on the weekly schedule (during the week) mean? Are we running 20 miles?
    During the week, we run for minutes. So if the schedule says "30" 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 these miles each week.
  29. Do I have to be there every week?
    No, many members are unable to make every weekend session. The weekend seminars are important, but you can always ask your coach or running buddies what you missed. However, those long runs/walks are a lot easier when you're 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/walks and seminars. When you do have to miss a week, check our hotline (402-419-3478) or this website for the next week's schedule.
  30. Can we participate in races during training?
    Sure! In fact, the entire group has the option of participating in a few "races" this season. You certainly don't have to be competitive about it, but it's fun to run or walk in a different place, get a race number and cross the finish line.
  31. What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA FIT city programs?
    Absolutely! USA FIT has programs in over 50 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA FIT meeting anywhere.
  32. Could I win the Marathon?
    Of course, you could! However, most likely you'll get a nice t-shirt, a finisher's medal, bragging rites and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches. And that, my friend, IS winning!
  33. What if I want to find out more?
    Send us an e-mail to info@usafitlincoln.com or call USA FIT Lincoln at 402-419-3478. Thanks!
Nebraska Sports CouncilFuelBeltPeak PerformanceHealthy Start ChiropracticUSA Fit