Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about USA Fit Team Spirit...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Questions about the differences between USA Fit Team Spirit and the former Team Spirit program...

Other questions...

  • It is past the registration date, can I still join USA Fit Team Spirit?
    Online registration is open through January 31, 2010. Please contact us after that date for additional information.

  • I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
    USA Fit Team Spirit 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 Team Spirit?
    USA Fit Team Spirit is an award-winning 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 Team Spirit will begin its first season with registration on Saturdays, until further notice.

  • Who should join?
    USA Fit Team Spirit 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 Team Spirit season?
    We are training for spring races, including (but not limited to): the Shamrock and Roll 5 & 10k,  the  ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon, the Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon, the Big Peach 5k, and The Flying Pig Marathon and Half Marathon. The training season typically runs from November through May. The fall Season will start in May and run through November. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.

  • Where is the training?
    Each week, we will meet at one of ten locations:
    1. Riverside Pavilion
    2. Big Peach Running Co
    3. Jeanne's Body Tech
    4. Fernbank Museum
    5. Ansley Mall (Phidippedes)
    6. Sandy Springs (Phidippides)            
    7. Carter Center
    8. High Country
    9. West Stride
    10. Mt. Paran

    Check the schedule and make sure you have signed up for the newsletter.

  • Can run/walkers participate?
    Yes!  We do have a run/walk program. If you are interested in participating in a run/walk program, pleasecontact us.

  • Are you affiliated with a charity?
    USA Fit Team Spirit 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 Team Spirit consists of 4 groups set by pace: Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. 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 three 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 typically training for a longer goal race, 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?
    Most 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 hear important announcements. 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. Most weeks, we will hold a 15-20 minute seminar after the run, featuring a different topic/speaker each week. These too will be listed on our schedule.

  • 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 $100?
    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 Team Spirit?

  • How can I sign up?
    You can sign up by going to the join us page. The 2010 program is filling up so ensure your spot.

  • How much does it cost?
    USA Fit Team Spirit's training program costs only $100 for new members and $70 for alumni.

  • What is included for the sign-up fee?
    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Weekly seminars
    • Group run with course support and coaches running with you
    • Weekly training schedules
    • USA Fit Team Spirit Tech Shirt
    • Discounts at local retailers
    • Social activities and more!

  • Can I pay with a credit card?
    If you wish to pay by credit card, please register online.

  • Does entry into USA Fit Team Spirit include entry into the race you are training for?
    No, your payment to USA Fit Team Spirit 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. Races are intermediate goals along the way, that are a great way to practice the race-day strategies that we will teach you, and they are a lot of fun. Please note that membership in USA Fit Team Spirit does not include entry into any races.

  • What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA Fit city programs?
    Absolutely. USA Fit has programs in over 40 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA Fit meeting anywhere.

  • Will USA Fit Team Spirit have supported runs with water and PowerAde every 3 or so miles?
    YES. We will continue to support the Saturday training runs as we have in the past. Any changes to this policy will occur prior to a new season so you will have the opportunity to determine what is best for you. No in season surprises.

  • Do I have to run with a pace group and stay with the group for the entire run?
    No. The start times for the groups will be posted on the web and in the weekly newsletter that you must opt in to receive through the Newsletters page on this website. We would like for you to start in the time frame that is closest to your pace so that you are sure to have fluids on the course.

  • What are the newsletters you referred to?
    Going forward new members will be asked to "opt in" or sign up to receive the weekly team newsletter. You can receive just your pace group or the team newsletter - or both. This will indicate the location and start time(s) for the group.

  • Why pace groups?
    So that similarly paced runners start together and ideally finish around the same time. Also, to embrace new members and allow them to find people to run with.

  • What mileage will be available each week?
    The mileage will be determined based on our scheduled Spring marathon, half marathon, 10k or 5k and will be noted in the weekly newsletter and online. Of course, you are welcome to run more/less than the rest of the group. Also, you don't have to be training for a specific race. If you are in a maintenance period, you are welcome to run with us as always.

  • 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@usafitteamspirit.com or call the USA Fit Team Spirit hotline at 404-441-7622 and leave us a message. Thanks!
    [top]
USA Fit Online StoreAmphipodMizunoBig PeachJeannes Body TechUSA Fit