Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about USA Fit Cypress...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Other questions...

  • It is past the registration date, can I still join USA Fit Cypress?
    Although we are still taking registrations through August 11, 2009, once we are past the registration date we cannot take any new members.
  • I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
    USA Fit Cypress 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!
  • What is USA Fit Cypress?
    USA Fit Cypress is an award-winning 28 - week running program. This same program, currently being held in close to 40 cities throughout the country with expansions targeted internationally as well, winning rave reviews and growing every year. USA Fit Cypress will begin its first season on Saturday, July 11, 2009 and July 18, 2009 with a final registration on August 11, 2009.
  • Who should join?
    USA Fit Cypress 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. Whether you have only dreamed of completing a marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you!
  • When is the USA Fit Cypress season?
    The official USA Fit Cypress season is the six months prior to our target marathons: the Chevron Houston Marathon. This usually runs from July until January. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.
  • Where is the training?
    We meet at 13050 Barker Cypress, Cypress, Texas 77429. This is near the corner of Barker Cypress and Jarvis. Training locations may vary throughout the season. Any changes will be noted on the schedule.
  • Can walkers participate?
    USA Fit Cypress has a half marathon walking program.
  • Are you affiliated with a charity?
    USA Fit Cypress 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.
  • How did all this come about?
    It all began in Houston in 1989 with about 50 runners, 2 guys and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.
  • What is a pace or color group?
    USA Fit Cypress consists of 3 groups set by pace: Blue/Green, Yellow, and Red, and we’ll also have a Half-Marathon group. You will be placed in a group that best suits your training pace. This system works because it allows you to train along side those who are of similar pace.
  • What color group will I be in?
    Our first two weekend runs are pace finder runs. Your time run 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 pace run. If you couldn't keep running after completing our initial pace finder then you are going too fast.
  • Why should I run my pace finder slower when I can go faster?
    Simply because you are training for a marathon, not a short pace run. It may sound like a funny statement to make, but it is so true. 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.
  • What are the weekly seminars?
    Some weekends, 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.
  • What happens on any given Saturday?
    We meet at the specified time which will be available on-line and on our printed season schedules. Please arrive a few minutes early to find your color group, get a few updates from our color group coach and do some light stretches. We will then run the prescribed mileage for that week. After the run, we will hold a 15-20 min seminar with a different topic/speaker each week. These too will be listed on our schedule. Each week, we should be finished with our run at 8 and done with the seminar no later than 8:30.
  • Who created our schedule?
    Our schedule comes from the great folks at USA Fit. 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.
  • Do we get discounts on shoes?
    Yes, you do! More information will be available once the season starts.
  • You must be kidding. All this for $120?
    No, we're not kidding. Isn't it great? Now why don't you do your good deed for the day and tell somebody about USA Fit Cypress?
  • How can I sign up?
    You can sign up by going to the join us page. The 2009-2010 program is filling up so ensure your spot.
  • How much does it cost?
    USA Fit Cypress training program costs only $120 for new members or $90 for returning members from other USA Fit programs.
  • What is included for the sign-up fee?
    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Training log
    • Weekly seminars
    • Group run with course support and coaches running with you
    • Weekly training schedules
    • USA Fit Cypress Tech Shirt
    • Discounts at local retailers
    • Social activities and more!

  • When are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    You can register in person on the orientation days, July 11 and July 18 at 8:00am. We will be taking online members til the 11th of August.
  • Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    Our sign-up sessions will be at the same location as our weekly meetings at 13050 Barker Cypress, Cypress, Texas 77429. This is near the corner of Barker Cypress and Jarvis.
  • What happens at the sign-up session?
    The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a pace finder run 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. Come dressed to run!
  • Can I pay with a credit card?
    If you wish to pay by credit card, please register online. Otherwise please bring a check to the registration dates. Full information on registration is available on our Join Us page.
  • 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 28 week program, not a 27 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 Cypress; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then a mandatory session on Running: Attire and Shoes.
  • 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 Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week (and any seminars that you miss during the season).
  • Does entry into USA Fit Cypress include entry into the marathon?
    No, your payment to USA Fit Cypress only covers the cost of your participation in the training program.
  • 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 only 4 days a week. Your long run will usually take place on Saturday with your group. The day after your long run is always a rest day. During the week, you run for time only (i.e. 30 minutes), not for distance.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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 and seminars. When you do have to miss a week, check our website for the next week's schedule.
  • Can we participate in races during training?
    Sure! We encourage you to participate in races during training. In fact, we have some local races on 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. You don't have to participate in these races (and race entry fees are not included in your USA Fit Cypress membership), but they are good practice.
  • What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA Fit city programs?
    Absolutely. USA Fit has programs in almost 40 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA Fit meeting anywhere.
  • 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!
  • What if I want to find out more?
    Send us an e-mail at info@usafitcypress.com or call the organizer, Jessica Clark at 281-793-0144 and leave a message. Thanks!
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