Running Program
Houston Fit members are just like you. We each decided one day that we would like to get into better shape, to make new friends, and maybe run or walk a half or whole marathon! Some of us are just starting an exercise program, others have been exercising for a while, and some are Boston Marathon qualifiers. But regardless of the specifics, we all share one common goal - to have fun.
This is our twenty first year at Houston Fit. Our members join to train for the Chevron Houston Marathon / Aramco Half Marathon, USA Fit Marathon & Half Marathon, Koala/Luke’s Locker Half marathon, Chicago Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, San Antonio Marathon & Half Marathon, and the New York City Marathon…well, you get the picture.
If you want to make new friends, get into the best shape of your life, and maybe even run that marathon you've always dreamed about, or get in great shape, come out and join Houston Fit. Ask previous members, this is a non-intimidating environment, and we really do motivate people to get fit, and have fun.
The general format of Houston Fit is as follows:
- An organized training run or walk each Saturday morning with a group of runners or walkers whose training pace is similar to yours. Each group is designated by a color - Green, Yellow, Red, Purple, ATP, PRx, Half Marathon or Fall Marathon and Fall Half Marathon.. Each group's starting time varies depending on our distance that morning.
- A seminar on training, stretching, nutrition or other related topic each Saturday after our run / walk to help you learn the fundamentals of successfully improving your fitness. The seminars are always at 8:00am.
- Free medical advice is available courtesy of the Baylor Medical group every Saturday at the medical tree.
- Lots of time for discussion with your color group members and instruction from your coaches each week after the seminar.
- A schedule of training runs or walks to be completed each week on your own, or if you choose, with other members of your color group.
- Organized and supervised weekly speed and hill training sessions once the group has built a sufficient training base to handle speed work safely and comfortably, about 10 weeks into the program.
Houston Fit works because it follows the successful format of the USA Fit program, which has been refined and improved over the past 22 years. The USA Fit programs have improved the health, fitness and wellness of thousands of people each year throughout the USA, Canada and around the world. Our Houston Fit Head Coaches are certified by USA Fit, and are CPR and Sports Safety trained. Each coach has successfully completed marathons themselves. Come out and join us and see for yourself.
5/1 Training Program
The "run/walk training method" during long runs and in marathons is a strategic training method that is becoming more and more popular among new runners and veteran marathoners alike. New runners become acclimated to the long distances with much less leg fatigue and seasoned runners are finishing their runs much stronger and without slowing down at the end.
Walk breaks taken early in the run are beneficial because you switch between your running muscles and your walking muscles. This prevents the running muscles from being overused and will push back the onset of fatigue. There is less damage to the muscles which helps speed up the recovery.
There is also a mental benefit for taking walk breaks - knowing that you only have to run for 5 minutes before you can take a break, helps break down the mileage into small segments and gives you that mental edge to keep moving forward.
The Houston Fit 5/1 Group has coaches that run at both Yellow Group (9-10 minute) and Red Group (10 or slower) pace levels. Each coach wears watches that time the runs and the walks so it is easy to get into the rhythm of the run. Taking the walk breaks in small running groups also gives you the opportunity to meet the other runners and share the marathon training experience. In addition, coaches pace the group in many of the Marathon Warm-Up Series races and at the Chevron Houston Marathon.
Whether you are a first time marathoner or a veteran marathoner, you are invited to try the 5/1 training method with the Houston Fit 5/1 Group and see for yourself the benefits of this training.
