USA Fit :: Woodlands Fit :: Marathon and Half Marathon Training Programs for everyone

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Woodlands Fit...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Other questions...

When will registration begin for the Fall Fit training program?
Registration will begin for Fall Fit in mid April and will run until the end of May.
I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
Woodlands 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!
What is Woodlands Fit?
Woodlands Fit is an award-winning 28 week running and walking program. This same program, currently being held in close to 50 cities throughout the country with expansions targeted internationally as well, winning rave reviews and growing every year. Woodlands Fit will begin its fall marathon/half-marathon training program on Saturday, May 8, 2010 and its winter marathon/half-marathon training program on Saturday, July 17, 2010.
Who should join?
Woodlands 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!
When is the Woodlands Fit season?
This year we will have two Woodlands Fit seasons: A Fall Fit program beginning May 8 and running until November 14, 2010, and a Winter Fit program beginning on July 17 and running until January 30, 2011. This is when we hold our seminars and provide training schedules for our members.
Where is the training?
We meet at Luke’s Locker in Market Square 9595 Six Pines.
Can walkers participate?
Walkers are welcome! We have a wonderful walking program that will enable you to complete the Chevron Houston marathon. Please be aware, however, that the Chevron Houston marathon requires all participants to complete the course within six hours (which requires a 13:45 per mile or better pace). Many Woodlands 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
Are you affiliated with a charity?
Woodlands 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.
What's the catch? When do I have to sit through the sales pitch for a new condo in Galveston?
No catch -- really! Woodlands Fit is basically a running club and training program. But maybe that's like saying a Mercedes is just a car. :-) We don't sell Amway or real estate in Galveston. Woodlands Fit has members of all shapes and sizes (including folks that probably sell Amway or invest in real estate). But what makes us special is that we all come together to run and walk 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.
How did all this come about?
It all began in Houston about 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 an ability-based color group?
Woodlands Fit consists of 6 groups: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Purple (walkers), Gray (half marathon runners/walkers), and Orange (trail program). 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.
What color group will I be in?
Our first two weekend runs are pace finder walks or runs. Your time for the run 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 that distance. If you couldn't keep walking or running after completing our initial pace finder then you are going too fast. All walkers are in our Purple Group regardless of pace.
Why should I walk or run my pace finder slower when I can go faster?
Simply because you are training for a marathon, not a 1 or 2 mile race. It may sound like an odd statement to make, but it is true. Walking or running too fast will seriously compromise your ability to complete the training. If you find your correct training pace from the beginning you will complete the marathon in less time, you will be far less likely to suffer an injury, and you will have a lot more fun.
What are the weekly seminars?
Each weekend, after the group run, we'll make some announcements, then hold a 15-20 minute seminar. Seminar topics will be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable professionals.
What happens on any given Saturday?
We run or walk with our groups before each seminar. The seminar will start at 8:00 am on Saturday, so our goal is to have all the color groups finished before 8:00 am. Each week we will 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 (available on the website).
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! As a Woodlands Fit member you will receive a coupon for a one-time 20% discount at Luke's Locker. You will also receive a 10% discount at Luke’s Locker thereafter until the end of your training program.
How can I join?
Registration will open for Fall Fit in mid-April and for Winter Fit in early June. You can register by visiting our Join Us page and click on the “Become a Member” button. Online registration will be open until the end of May for Fall Fit.
How much does it cost?
Woodlands Fit's 27 week training program costs only $120 for new members and $90 for returning USA Fit members.
What is included for the registration fee?
- Online training log
- Weekly seminars
- Weekly training schedules
- Woodlands Fit Tech-shirt
- Free medical advice
- Discounts at sports apparel stores
- Social activities and more!
You must be kidding. All this for $120?
No, we're not kidding. Isn't it great? Now why don't you do your good deed for the day and tell a friend about Woodlands Fit?
When are the in-person registration sessions?

In person registration for the Fall Fit 2010 season will be at Luke’s Locker on May 8 and May 15 at 8 am. In person registration for the Winter Fit 2010-11 season will be at Luke’s Locker on July 17 and July 24 at 8 am. You can also register online.
Where are the in-person registration sessions?
Our registration sessions will be at the same location as our weekly meetings; Lukes Locker.
What happens at the registration session?
The registration sessions include registrations, an orientation seminar, and a 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/registration sessions (Weeks 1 and 2) as the seminars will cover different information. The registration session takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, we do allow payment via credit card if you register online. Unfortunately we can not accept credit cards for the in-person registrations.
Should I 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 28 week program, not a 26 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 Woodlands Fit; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then a mandatory session on "Hydration and Warm Weather Training."
I can't make it to the first weekend -- should I still register?
Yes, you should still register! We'd like you to attend the first week, but we know not everyone can make it to Week 1. That's why we have another registration 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). They have all been through the program and can recite every seminar verbatim. Go ahead, challenge them. They're amazing.
Does entry into Woodlands Fit include entry into the Houston Marathon?
No, your payment to Woodlands Fit only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. We are not affiliated with the Houston Marathon in any way, we just train for it! We will provide information about how to register for the Houston Marathon.
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 exception of the three Houston Marathon warm-up series 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.
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. Your coaches will advise you on how to pace yourself for each workout.
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 training partners 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 (281-596-4512) or this website for the next week's schedule.
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.
What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA FIT city programs?
Absolutely. USA FIT has programs in almost 50 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA FIT meeting.
Could I win the Houston 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!
What if I want to find out more?
Send us an e-mail at info@woodlandsfit.com or call the Woodlands Fit hotline at 281-596-4512 and leave us a message. Thanks!