Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Lake Tahoe Fit...

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 Lake Tahoe Fit?

    We accept registrations through the end of April each year. Once we are past the registration date we cannot take any new members.

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

    Lake Tahoe Fit 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 Lake Tahoe Fit?

    Lake Tahoe Fit 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, winning rave reviews and growing every year. Lake Tahoe Fit will begin its next season on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

  4. Who should join?

    Lake Tahoe Fit 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 Lake Tahoe Fit season?

    The official Lake Tahoe Fit season is the six months and will train you for a fall marathon of your choice. This usually runs from April to September / October. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.

  6. Where is the training?

    We are meeting at Bijou Park, off Al Tahoe Boulevard (across from the entrance to Lake Tahoe Community College)! Feel free to contact us for directions.

  7. Can walkers participate?

  8. Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete a marathon.

  9. Are you affiliated with a charity?

    Lake Tahoe Fit 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.

  10. 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.

  11. What is an ability-based color group?

    Lake Tahoe Fit consists of 4 groups: 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.

  12. What color group will I be in?

    Our first two weekend runs are 1 to 2 mile pace finder walks or runs. Your time for the 1 to 2 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 to 2 miles. If you couldn't keep walking or running after completing our initial 1 to 2mile pace finder then you are going too fast.

  13. 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 to 2 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.

  14. What are the weekly seminars?

    Each weekend, before 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 your run or walk.

  15. What happens on any given Saturday?

    The seminar will be first  every Saturday. Meeting times will vary some during the season. After the seminar, we break off into the color groups to do the run or walk. After the run or walk, coaches are available for questions and discussions.

  16. 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.

  17. Do we get discounts on shoes?

    Yes, you do! As a Lake Tahoe Fit member you will receive coupons for discounts at local businesses.

  18. How can I sign up?

    Signups are open for the 2010 season. You can sign up by in person or online. See our Join Us page for information.

  19. How much does it cost?

    Lake Tahoe Fit's 26 week training program costs only $115 for new members and $90 or returning USA Fit members.

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

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

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

    In person sign ups for the current Lake Tahoe Fit season will be:

    • April 17, 2010 11:00am
    • April 24, 2010 11:00am

    Remember, you can also sign-up online.

    We meet at Bijou Park, off Al Tahoe Boulevard (across from the entrance to Lake Tahoe Community College)!

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

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

    We meet at Bijou Park, off Al Tahoe Boulevard (across from the entrance to Lake Tahoe Community College)!

  23. What happens at the sign-up session?

    The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a 1 to 2 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 Lake Tahoe Fit 2010season will be:

    • April 17, 2010 11:00am
    • April 24, 2010 11:00am

    We meet at Bijou Park, off Al Tahoe Boulevard (across from the entrance to Lake Tahoe Community College)!

  24. Can I pay with a credit card?

    Yes, we allow payment via credit card if you sign up online. Please visit the Join Us page for all of the details.

  25. 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 Lake Tahoe Fit and Lake Tahoe Fit; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then a mandatory session on "Hydration and Warm Weather Running."

  26. 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).

  27. Does entry into Lake Tahoe Fit include entry into the marathon?

    No, your payment to Lake Tahoe Fit only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Lake Tahoe Marathon in any way, we just train for it and other fall marathons! We will provide information about how to sign up for the Lake Tahoe Marathon.

  28. 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 possible exception of a few warm up race 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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 ((530) 542-3424) or this website for the next week's schedule.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. Could I win the Marathon?

    Of course you could. However, most likely you'll get a nice t-shirt, a finisher's medal, a mug, bragging rites and a lot of cheers from spectators and coaches. And, that my friend IS winning!

  34. What if I want to find out more?

    Send us an e-mail at info@laketahoefit.com or call the Lake Tahoe Fit hotline at (530) 542-3424 and leave us a message. Thanks!
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