Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Albuquerque Fit...
- I just found out about Albuquerque Fit, can I still join?
- I'm not a member, do you allow drop-ins?
- What is Albuquerque Fit?
- Who should join?
- When is the Albuquerque Fit season?
- Where is the training?
- Can walkers participate?
- Are you affiliated with a charity?
- What's the catch? When's the sales pitch for the condo in Sun River?
- How did all this come about?
Questions about the program...
- What are the weekly seminars?
- What happens on any given Saturday?
- Who created our schedule?
- Do we get discounts on shoes?
- You must be kidding. All this for $115?
Questions about signing up...
- How can I sign up?
- How much does it cost?
- What is included for the sign-up fee?
- When are the in-person sign-up sessions?
- Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
- What happens at the sign-up session?
- Can I pay with a credit card?
- Do I have to attend both orientations?
- I can't make it to the first weekend -- should I still sign up?
- Does entry into Albuquerque Fit include entry into the Marathon?
Questions about the training...
- How much training does this program involve?
- What does 20 on the weekly schedule (during the week) mean? Are we running 20 miles?
- Do I have to be there every week?
- Can we participate in races during training?
- What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other Albuquerque Fit city programs?
Other questions...
- It is past the registration date, can I still join Albuquerque Fit?
The 2010 season of Abq Fit begins on April 24th, 2010. We will take registrations starting in February 2010 thru the 3rd week of the program, May 8th, 2010.
[top] - I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
Albuquerque Fit 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!
[top] - What is Albuquerque Fit?
Albuquerque Fit is an award-winning 26 week running program. This same program, currently being held in over 50 cities throughout the country with expansions targeted internationally as well, is winning rave reviews and growing every year. Albuquerque Fit will begin its 11th season on Saturday, April 24th and Saturday, May 1st, 2010.
[top] - Who should join?
Albuquerque 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, half marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you!
[top] - When is the Albuquerque Fit season?
The official Albuquerque Fit season is approximately six months prior to the Duke City Marathon. This usually runs from April until October. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.
[top] - Where is the training?
We are meeting for the first two Saturdays at Del Norte Sports and Wellness, NE corner of Wyoming and Harper NE in Albuquerque. Feel free to contact us for directions. Once the season begins we will occasionally run alternate locations, provided in your ‘Season at a Glance’ training calendar.
[top] - Can walkers participate?
Albuquerque Fit does not have a walking program this season. However, walkers are welcome to come out with us, but they are responsible for their own support.
[top] - Are you affiliated with a charity?
Albuquerque 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.
[top] - What's the catch?
No catch -- really! Albuquerque Fit is a running club and training program. But maybe that's like saying a Mercedes is just a car. Albuquerque Fit has members of all shapes and sizes. What makes us special is that we all come together to run and share our war stories and our victories. Check out our discussion page for a taste of the camaraderie and support. We hope you'll decide to join our club.
[top] - How did all this come about?
It all began in Houston about 13 years ago with about 50 runners, 2 guys and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.
[top] - What are the weekly seminars?
Each weekend, before the group run, we'll have announcements then hold a 10 minute seminar. Topics are health and fitness related, and led by knowledgeable professionals. After each seminar, we will have our group run.
[top] - What happens on any given Saturday?
We have our seminars and then participate in a group run. The seminar starts at 8:00 am every Saturday at the beginning of the program. As the weather gets warmer, our start time will get earlier. We adjust this each year according to the weather and group preferences.
[top] - Who created our schedule?
Our schedule comes from the great folks at USA Fit and Albuquerque 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.
[top] - Do we get discounts on shoes?
Yes, you do, and more! As an Albuquerque Fit member you will receive a special discount program at Fleet Feet. You also receive other gifts, prizes, goodies, and social events as part of your program.
[top] - You must be kidding. All this for $115?
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 Albuquerque Fit?
[top] - How can I sign up?
Registration for the 2010 season begins in February. You can sign up by visiting our Join Us page.
[top] - How much does it cost?
Albuquerque Fit's 26 week training program costs only $115 for new members and $99 for returning Albuquerque Fit or USA Fit members.
[top] - What is included for the sign-up fee?
- Ability-based group work-outs and coaching
- Albuquerque Fit shirt
- Weekly seminars
- Weekly training schedules
- Discount at Fleet Feet Sports Albuquerque
- Social activities and more!
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- When are the in-person sign-up sessions?
In person sign ups for Albuquerque Fit will be:- Sign up and informational sessions at Fleet Feet Sports, SW corner of Menaul and Wyoming will be held on April 13th and April 20th from 5-7 PM.
- April 24th 2010 @ Del Norte Sports and Wellness, Wyoming and Harper NE @ 8:00 am (sign up AND group run)
- May 1st 2010 @ Del Norte Sports and Wellness, Wyoming and Harper NE @ 8:00 am (sign up AND group run)
[top] - Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
Sign up and informational sessions at Fleet Feet Sports, SW corner of Menaul and Wyoming will be held on April 13th and April 20th from 5-7 PM.- April 24th 2010 @ Del Norte Sports and Wellness, Wyoming and Harper NE @ 8:00 am (sign up AND group run)
- May 1st 2010 @ Del Norte Sports and Wellness, Wyoming and Harper NE @ 8:00 am (sign up AND group run)
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- What happens at the sign-up session?
The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a 3 mile 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). We will be running on both Saturdays, so you should come to both to get the most out of the program. If you register on the first Saturday, you can skip the first hour of the second Saturday unless you have more questions. The sign-up session takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. Sign ups for the Albuquerque Fit 2010 season will be:- April 24th 2010 @ Del Norte Sports and Wellness, Wyoming and Harper NE @ 8:00 am (sign up AND group run)
- May 1st 2010 @ Del Norte Sports and Wellness, Wyoming and Harper NE @ 8:00 am (sign up AND group run)
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- Can I pay with a credit card?
YES! But, only on this website via the Join Us page. We cannot take credit cards at our in-person registrations.
[top] - Do I have to attend both orientation sessions?
No. We cover the same information on both Saturdays; however, we will be running on both days. 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.
[top] - 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 the same overview of Week 1, but we also have additional Coaches ready to answer any question you have from the previous week (and any seminars that you miss during the season).
[top] - Does entry into Albuquerque Fit include entry into my Marathon?
No, your payment to Albuquerque Fit only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not officially affiliated with the Duke City Marathon. We will provide information about how to sign up for the Duke City Marathon. In addition, many of our members elect to run OTHER marathons that happen at about the same time as Duke City.
[top] - 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 take place on Saturday with your group, and occasionally the group will participate in fun races in the Albuquerque area. 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. Mid-week runs vary from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, never more. We also offer an optional 10 weeks of workouts 1 night a week at the track, starting about 6 weeks into the program. We make track workouts FUN, not hard, and they are totally optional.
[top] - 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.
[top] - 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/walks and seminars. When you do have to miss a week, check this website for the next week's schedule or email us.
[top] - Can we participate in races during training?
Sure! In fact, the entire group will be participating in a few 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. We have a few races that we always look forward to every year. Those are the Run For The Zoo in May Again, all races are optional, and we never push anyone to do any race. We find that racing is FUN, and our members get addicted to running races just like the coaches do.
[top] - What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other Albuquerque Fit city programs?
Absolutely. USA Fit has programs in over 50 cities around the country, and several OTHER COUNTRIES! And you are welcome to attend any USA Fit meeting anywhere.
[top] - Could I win the Duke City 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!
[top] - What if I want to find out more?
Send us an e-mail at info@albuquerquefit.com. You can also visit our discussion forums. Thanks!
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