Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Vancouver 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 Vancouver Fit?

    We will take registrations through Jan 22nd, once we are past the registration date we cannot take any new members.

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

    Vancouver 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 Vancouver Fit?

    Vancouver Fit is an award-winning 27 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. Vancouver Fit will begin its next season on Sunday, January 8th, 2012, with a final registration on January 22nd.

  4. Who should join?

    Vancouver 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 Vancouver Fit season?

    In 2012, our season will run from January to June, leading up to the Vancouver U.S.A. marathon. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.

  6. Where is the training?

    We are meeting at the Vancouver Hilton, across from Esther Short Park.

  7. Can walkers participate?

    Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete the Vancouver U.S.A. Marathon. Many Vancouver Fit 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?

    Vancouver 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.

  9. How did all this come about?

    It all began in Houston over 20 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?

    Vancouver Fit 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 weekends we'll hold 3 mile pace finder walks or runs. Your time for the 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 3 miles. If you couldn't keep walking or running after completing our initial 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 Sunday?

    We run or walk with our groups before each seminar. The seminar will start at 9:15 am every Sunday, so our goal is to have all the color groups finished before 9:45 am every Sunday. 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, which is also available on this website, under the Schedules tab at the Home Page.

  15. Who created our schedule?

    Our schedule comes from the great folks at Houston Fit. For over 20 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?

    Yes, you do! As a Vancouver Fit member you will receive a coupon for a discount at Fit Right NW. Other member discounts are in the works - stay tuned for more information.

  17. How can I sign up?

    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?

    Vancouver Fit's 27 week training program costs only $125 for new members and $100 for returning Vancouver Fit members.

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

    • Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
    • Training log
    • Weekly seminars
    • Weekly training schedules
    • Vancouver Fit 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 following season will be:

    • January 8th, 2012 / Vancouver Hilton
    • January 15th, 2012 / Vancouver Hilton

  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 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 current season will be:

    • January 8th, 2012 / Vancouver Hilton
    • January 15th, 2012 / Vancouver Hilton

  23. Can I pay with a credit card?

    Yes. Register online via Active.com 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 complete program, and we want you to get everything you can out of it. Second, we will cover all the details of how the program works the first week and introduce you to the Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches for your group. Lastly, the content of the first two seminars is different. The first week is information about Vancouver Fit; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then a mandatory session on "Proper footwear and apparel."

  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 Vancouver Fit include entry into the marathon?

    No, your payment to Vancouver Fit only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Vancouver U.S.A. Marathon in any way, we just train for it! We will provide information about how to sign up for the Vancouver U.S.A. 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 Sunday with your group, with the exception of the three races: Portland Marathon, Vancouver USA Half Marathon, and Hood to Coast. 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 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 two "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 over 50 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA Fit meeting anywhere. Check the USAFIT Website for locations.

  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@vancouverfit.com and we'll promptly get back to you. Thanks!
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