Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about USA Fit Gwinnett...

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 Gwinnett?
    Registrations are accepted until 1 month after the initial registration date. However, once we are past that date we cannot take any new members.
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  2. I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
    USA Fit Gwinnett 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!
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  3. What is USA Fit Gwinnett?
    USA Fit is an award-winning 26-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 Gwinnett began its first season in Gwinnett County in the fall of 2007, and now holds year-round training by holding two 26-week seasons.
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  4. Who should join?
    USA Fit Gwinnett 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!
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  5. When is the USA Fit Gwinnett season?
    The current season of USA FIT Gwinnett will be held July, 2009 through January, 2010. There will be a few weeks off to reorganize, and then seasons will start being held April through September, and September through March. The Spring/Summer season will be focused on training for the Peachtree Road Race, a early fall Half Marathon, and summer/fall Triathlons. The Fall/Winter season will be focused on training for fall Half Marathons, the March ING Georgia Marathon/Half Marathon, and various fall Triathlons.
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  6. Where is the training?
    Training locations vary throughout the season. Because USA Fit Gwinnett is in the Northeast Atlanta area and has members from all over Gwinnett and surrounding counties we will base our training runs in Suwanee at Town Center Park every other weekend. On the off weekends, we will train in various area such as Little Mulberry Park, Ivy Creek Greenway, and sometimes Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta. Any changes to training locations will be noted on the schedule and in through the weekly Newsletters.
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  7. Can walkers participate?
    At this time, we do not have a walking program. However, we do offer a Run/Walk group, which trains with a combination of running and walking that is perfect for beginners.
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  8. Are you affiliated with a charity?
    USA Fit Gwinnett 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.
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  9. 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.
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  10. What is a pace or color group?
    USA Fit Gwinnett consists of 6 groups set by pace: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Purple (Run/Walk), and Orange (Triathlon). You will be placed in a group that best suits your training pace. This system works because it allows you to train alongside those who are of similar pace.
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  11. 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.
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  12. 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.
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  13. What are the weekly seminars?
    Each weekend, before the group run, we'll do announcements then hold a 7-15 minute seminar. Topics will all be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable coaches and/or professionals.
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  14. 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 sign-in. we will hold a 7-15 minute seminar with a different topic/speaker each week. These too will be listed on our schedule. After the seminar, we break into our color groups, get a few updates from our color group coach and do some light stretches. We then run the prescribed mileage for that week.
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  15. 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 training philosophy, but ours has been tested literally tens of thousands of times.
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  16. You must be kidding. All this for $110?
    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 Gwinnett?
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  17. How can I sign up?
    You can sign up by going to the join us page. The New Season filling up so ensure your spot.
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  18. How much does it cost?
    USA Fit Gwinnett's training season costs only $110 for new members and $80 for returning members.
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  19. 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 Gwinnett Tech Shirt
    • Discounts at local retailers
    • Social activities and more!
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  20. When are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    You can register in person on the Season Kick-off days. Season registrations are held each Spring and Fall. Check the website for details on registration dates. Registration online will be open in advance, and will remain open for a few weeks after season kick-off.
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  21. Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    Our sign-up sessions will be held at a convenient location in Suwanee, GA which will be announced prior to each season start date.
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  22. 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!
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  23. 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.
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  24. Do I have to attend both orientation sessions?
    If possible, we'd like you to attend both sessions (Weeks 1 and 2). We will cover all the details of how the program works the first week and put you into your color/pace groups. Also, the content of the first two seminars is different. The first week is information about USA Fit Gwinnett; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then a mandatory session on "Hydration."
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  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 Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week (and any seminars that you miss during the season).
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  26. Does entry into USA Fit Gwinnett include entry into the goal race?
    No, your registration fee does not include an entry into the race nor does it guarantee you a spot in the race, or any races on the schedule for training races. Your payment to USA Fit Gwinnett only covers the cost of your participation in the training program.
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  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 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.
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  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 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.
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  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 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.
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  30. Can we participate in races during training?
    Sure! We encourage you to participate in races during training. In fact, this year we have added some local races to 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.
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  31. 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.
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  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!
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  33. What if I want to find out more?
    Send us an e-mail at info@usafitgwinnett.com. Thanks!
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