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USA Fit Champions seeks to break the top myths about what an actual long distance runner looks like. The local full and half marathon training group program will open online registration for its 2016 season on June 1 at www.ChampionsFit.net and host three orientation events on July 9 and 16  at the D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA in Cypress Creek. Aspiring and experienced runners can register through August 31 and start training any Saturday through September 3.
 
“Most people don’t believe they can complete a full or half marathon for various reasons,” said USA Fit Champions Organizer and Head Coach Roy McDonald. “Our mission at USA Fit is to show people they absolutely can succeed by providing training plans for every fitness level in a fun, non-intimidating and safe environment.”
 
McDonald himself joined USA Fit’s Houston group 25 years ago when he and four fellow employees at his company discussed running a marathon. It was a goal he had never entertained. At the time, he weighed 240 pounds and at the end of his first marathon training with the group dropped to 185 pounds. In addition to gaining a lifelong love of running, McDonald gained a lifelong friend in member and now co-organizer Mitchell Garcia, who was one of the employees who had initially joined him.
 
McDonald and Garcia both hope as organizers and coaches to bring the same motivation and encouragement that their coaches and fellow members had given him to help runners and walkers around the Champions area reach their own personal goals.
 
According to McDonald, the top myths about marathon running include: 
 
·       Marathoners must be young.
·       Marathoners must be athletes.
·       It is not possible to walk 13.1 or 26.2 miles.
·       Running long distances is dangerous to one’s health.
·       Runners must be a certain weight or size to successfully run a full or half marathon. 
 
He said that members of USA Fit Champions defy all of these myths and have gone on to complete half and full marathons during their very first seasons with the group as well as meet personal health and fitness goals.
 
“The most rewarding part of our job as coaches is to see members achieve so much more than they thought possible, no matter their fitness level or stage in life,” said McDonald. “The only thing we ask our members to show up with is a goal and the passion to meet it. We take care of the rest.”
 
Registration for USA Fit Champions is $140 for new members and $100 for returning members. Runners meet Saturday mornings for ability-based group trainings, enjoy weekly seminars and social events throughout the season and benefit from the encouragement and expertise of certified coaches. To learn more and to register, visit www.ChampionsFit.net or contact Roy McDonald at info@championsfit.net.
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The 8th Annual Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon is excited to announce today the addition of finisher’s medals for its Humana Vitality Family Friendly 5K participants for the first time ever. In an effort to continue to provide a walker-friendly race, the USA Fit Marathon, which also includes the Fort Bend Kia Half Marathon, encourages more walkers to put their walking to the test at any of the event’s three races, taking place Jan. 31 at the University of Houston Sugar Land campus.

“Many of our 5K walkers are just starting their first race experiences with our event,” said Race Director and Organizer of the USA Fit Fort Bend marathon and half marathon training group program Terrie Gorney. “The new 5K walker finisher’s medal recognizes that effort and will hopefully encourage them to keep walking in events like ours or even shoot for longer distances.”

From its start, the USA Fit Marathon has focused on providing marathon and half marathon courses that walkers can complete, staying open for eight hours, two hours longer than most marathons.

“Since we first opened in 2008, we have seen our participant base of walkers grow more and more. It’s a great feeling to see more and more people getting fit through walking.”

Recent studies have shown that prolonged sitting throughout the day may cause more health risks than even smoking. They encourage walking whenever possible to mitigate those risks. Gorney suggests that training for and participating in events like the USA Fit Marathon that offers several walking options is a great place to start.

Also new for this year’s event is the option for full marathon and half marathon participants to choose between a finisher’s jacket; one-quarter zip, long-sleeve pullover; or backpack in addition to their finisher’s medal and t-shirt.

Registration for the Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon, Fort Bend Kia Half Marathon and Humana Vitality Family Friendly 5K is available online now through Jan. 29. For more information and to register, visit www.usafitmarathon.com.

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Get fit and start training this Spring with USA Fit Houston! We are a group of training partners and friends preparing for upcoming 5Ks, 10Ks, half and full marathons. Even if you’ve never run a step before, training with our group will help you conquer mental and physical barriers you never thought possible.

Our next season will begin with an orientation event on Tuesday, January 26. You can register at orientation in person or online at www.houstonfit.com. The Spring 2016 will last through April 30 (14 weeks).

Choose a program that meets your fitness level and goals:

  • Walk to Run: For beginning walkers and runners who would like to start running; Target Races – Conoco Phillips Rodeo Run 02/27/16 and 4 the Park Brunch Run 03/26/2016
  • Stay Fit 5K/10K: For more experienced runners who would like to improve their pace or form; Target Races – Conoco Phillips Rodeo Run 02/27/16 and 4 the Park Brunch Run 03/26/2016
  • Marathon/Half Marathon: For runners who have completed a marathon or half marathon and can run 6 miles; Target Races – Oklahoma City Marathon 04/24/16, Country Music Marathon in Nashville 04/30/16, Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon in Cincinnati  05/01/16, Divas Half Marathon in Galveston 4/24/16, Zooma Texas Half Marathon 4/16/16.

You are welcome to join us for our Spring only, Spring/Fall or Spring/Fall/Winter (annual) programs:

New Members

  • Spring only – $100.00
  • Spring/Fall – $190.00
  • Annual         (Spring/Fall/Winter) - $250.00

Returning Members

  • Spring only – $90.00
  • Spring/Fall – $170.00
  • Annual         (Spring/Fall/Winter) - $230.00

As a member of USA Fit Houston, you’ll receive:

  • Ability-based weekly training group runs/walks
  • Daily training schedules to keep you progressing during the week
  • Encouragement and expertise from trained coaches
  • Informational seminars on running-related topics
  • Camaraderie and social events
  • A USA Fit Houston technical T-shirt
  • A one-time 20% discount card and a continuous 10% discount at Luke’s Locker

Join us today at www.HoustonFIT.com!