Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about USA Fit Chicago...

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 Chicago?

    We will take registrations through May 16th, once we are past the registration date we cannot take any new members.

  2. I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?

    USA Fit Chicago 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 Chicago?

    USA Fit Chicago is an award-winning 23 week running and walking program. This same program, currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the country with expansions targeted internationally as well, winning rave reviews and growing every year. USA Fit Chicago will begin its next season on Saturday, May 9th and Saturday, May 16th.

  4. Who should join?

    USA Fit Chicago 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 Chicago season?

    The official USA Fit Chicago season is the six months prior to the Chicago Marathon. This usually runs from March-October of the next year. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.

  6. Where is the training?

    We meet at Core Fitness 1030 W. North Ave. Suite 300. Parking is free.

  7. Can walkers participate?

    Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete the Chicago Marathon. Please be aware, however, that the Chicago Marathon requires all participants to complete the course within six and one half hours (which requires a 15:00 per mile or better pace). Many USA Fit Chicago walkers may choose to train for a half marathon instead, or choose a different, more walker-friendly marathon. Your coaches can provide more details.

  8. Are you affiliated with a charity?

    USA Fit Chicago 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 15 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 Chicago consists of 5 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 walks or runs. Your time for the 1 or 3 miles will place you in a color group. You should walk or 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 walking or 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. Why should I walk or run my 1 or 2 mile pace finder slower when I can go faster?

    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, after the group run, we'll do 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 run or walk with our groups before each seminar. The seminar will start at 8:00 am every Saturday, so our goal is to have all the color groups finished before 6:15am start time am every Saturday. After the seminar we usually meet with our color groups for a few minutes to talk with the coaches, ask questions, make plans for the next week, etc.

    Before the weekend, you will be given the starting time for your color group (available on the website and on our hotline).

  15. Who created our schedule?

    Our schedule comes from the great folks at Houston Fit. For over 15 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?

    Member discounts are 10% off merchandise and shoes at Universal Sole.

  17. How can I sign up?

    Signups are open for the 2010 season. You can sign up online by going to the “Join Us” page or in person at one of our sign up sessions. See the Join Us page for all of the details.

  18. How much does it cost?

    USA Fit Chicago's 23 week training program costs only $100 for new members and $85 for returning USA Fit Chicago members.

  19. What is included for the sign-up fee?

    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Training log
    • Weekly seminars
    • Weekly training schedules
    • USA Fit Chicago T-shirt
    • Free medical advice
    • Discounts at sports apparel stores
    • Social activities and more!

  20. When are the in-person sign-up sessions?

    In person sign ups for the USA Fit Chicago 2010 season will be:

    • March 27th, 1030 W. North Ave. Suite 300

  21. Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?

    Our sign-up sessions will be at the same location as our weekly meetings.

  22. What happens at the sign-up session?

    The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a 1 or 3 mile pace finder run or 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. The sign-up session takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. Sign ups for the USA Fit Chicago 2009 season will be:

    • March 27th, 1030 W. North Ave. Suite 300

  23. Can I pay with a credit card?

    Yes. Register online on our "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 or 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 23 week program, not a 22 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 Chicago and USA Fit Chicago; 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 Chicago include entry into the marathon?

    No, your payment to USA Fit Chicago only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Chicago Marathon in any way, we just train for it! We will provide information about how to sign up for the Houston 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, with the exception of the three Houston Marathon warm-up series events, which are scheduled on Sundays. 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 about 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 (312-803-1913) or this website for the next week's schedule.

  30. Can we participate in races during training?

    Sure! In fact, the entire group will be participating in three "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 almost 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 at info@chicagofit.com or call the USA Fit Chicago hotline at 312-803-1913 sand leave us a message. Thanks!
FuelBeltUSA Fit