Running Program
Welcome to the Runner's Corner. The goal for this page is to help you understand the benefits of running in an atmosphere that is encouraging and non-intimidating. Our running program is made up of experienced and inexperienced runners that all have one thing in common -- to reach a running goal and have fun while doing it.
Our running groups are divided into four whole marathon ability groups and two half marathon ability groups. These groups are separated by colors and the following is an explanation of how these color groups are determind:
Pace Finder
All members will do a Pace Finder run their first Saturday in order to determine their correct marathon training pace. We will have coaches timing each member as they run a 3 mile distance. This is not a race, in fact the goal is to go easy and run or walk (or both) at a pace that is comfortable enough for you to carry on a conversation throughout the run. For experienced runners, we're looking for an easy 5K pace. The color group you train with will be determined based on your average pace for the Pace Finder run. An explanation of our color groups can be found below.
Color Groups
Red Group: This group runs a 10 minutes per mile or SLOWER pace. You have a choice to run continuously, or within this group we have a group called the 5/1 Pacers. This group is still a part of the Red Group but takes a scheduled walking break every five minutes (run 5 minutes / walk 1 minute). Note that we also have a Red Half Marathon training group, for those runners who wish to train for the shorter distance
Yellow Group: Capable of running 8.5 to 10 minutes per mile for the Pace Finder, this group is a large, friendly group that really enjoy running! The marathon training pace for the Yellow group is 10 to 11.5 minutes per mile. The group is a great mix of newcomers and seasoned veterans. Note that we also have a Yellow Half Marathon training group, for those runners who wish to train for the shorter distance
Green Group: Capable of running 7 to 8.5 minutes per mile for the Pace Finder, the Green group is usually a somewhat smaller group of faster, more serious runners. The marathon training pace for the Green group is 8.5 to 10 minutes per mile. Many have completed one or more marathons, but we do have some fast first-timers.
Blue Group: Capable of running 7 minutes per mile or faster for their Pace Finder, this group is usually composed of veteran marathoners looking to improve their finish times. The marathon training pace for the Blue group is 8.5 minutes per mile or faster.
ATP Group: This is our Advanced Training Program, for those runners who are attempting to qualify for the Boston Marathon, or our more serious runners who wish to commit to a more intensive program designed to help them dramatically improve their marathon finish times
Our New and Improved Training Program
Technology has advanced the training techniques that we have adopted for our new season training schedule. While the previous schedule was good, this year we have worked with Owen Anderson on an improved technique that helps our members train with less risk of injury and improves speed and performance. We're certain that you will like the new training program and will be amazed with the benefits it will bring.
Coaches
Our coaches are made up of experienced marathoners that desire to help others set and reach a goal with their running ability. Many of our coaches are graduates of the USA Fit Marathon Training Program. We have five Head Coaches in our running groups and more than twenty assistants that are all CPR and First Aid certified. Each coach is certified through the USA Fit Marathon Training Program and offers knowledge and experience that will benefit every runner. Our goal is to help each Katy Fit member achieve their running goals safely. We hope to educate our members so they may have the tools needed to properly reach not only their marathon goal, but also to help complete the training program with a sense of satisfaction for a job well done.
Seminars
We will start our seminars at different times each Saturday depending on the distances we run. Our topics range from Hydration to Strength Training, to Diet & Nutrition to Speed Work. Every step of the way we will provide inspirational and educational speakers to educate you on all you need to know while training for your distance goal.
Discussion Forum
One of the best ways to stay in touch with your fellow members and to keep up with what's happening in our group every day is to get plugged into our Discussion Forum. We will utilize this forum to inform members about last minute rain-outs, area races, weekly newsletters, or simply to have fun conversations. Getting involved in this forum is strongly suggested, and it's a lot of fun. Feel free to take a peek at what's going on and even feel free to get on it and participate.
Socials
We are planning social events throughout the months of August through December for all color groups to enjoy an evening out in a non-running related atmosphere. One of the benefits in joining our program is the friendships that develop with one another. Our coaches and members experience many things together throughout the training season, causing everyone to have a high level of respect and support for one another. Our socials are a fun way to get to know each other even better, with "real" clothes on!
Runners Warm-Up Race Series
Each season prior to the Houston Chevron Marathon and the Aramco Half Marathon, the Houston Area Road Runners Association (HARRA) hosts three races to enable runners to challenge themselves and gain experience in running a race. The following is a schedule of these races. More information about each race can be found on our Resource page:
- 10-25-09 Koala/Luke's Locker Half Marathon
- 11-8-09 HMSA Classical 25K
- 12-13-09 Sugar Land Lakes of Williams Ranch 30K
These runs are not mandatory but are fun to do and we do suggest that members choose at least one race to do before the marathon, simply to experience the feel of running a race with a large group of people and spectators.
Katy Fit offers alternative runs if you are not able to participate in any of the HARRA races. In fact, we strongly encourage all inexperienced marathoners to participate in the Katy Fit alternate runs. Our alternate dates will normally be the day before the official HARRA Warm-Up Series race.
21 Mile Run
Our 21-mile Christmas Cookie Event will be held in mid December and will include all members of the Katy Fit Program. This is a fun time for all and will be our longest distance run before the marathon. Those training for the half marathon will also participate in this event, however will have a shorter run on the same course.
Closing Comment
The common thread among all the participants in this program is a positive experience in stepping out of our comfort zones and discovering the ability that we each have to perform beyond our expectations. The goal of running a half or whole marathon provides the motivation for many to take that step, and the friendship and camraderie help us all through the challenging times. We look forward to spending the next six months with you as we each set goals that will change our lives.
