Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about NE Ohio Fit...

Questions about the program...

Questions about signing up...

Questions about the training...

Other questions...

  1. Yes, you can still join NEO Fit
    We are taking registrations through the end of June to accommodate people who have completed Spring marathons or half marathons. Once we are past the registration date, we cannot allow new runners to join unless their fitness level matches where we are on our current training program for safety reasons.
  2. I'm not a member. Do you allow drop-ins?
    NEO Fit does not have a drop-in program. Our all-inclusive membership covers our seminars, medical advice, coaching, and training runs. Visiting members from other USA Fit programs are always welcome!
  3. What is NEO Fit?
    NEO Fit is an award-winning running program that is part of the nation wide USA Fit 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. NEO Fit started in the Cleveland/Akron area in 2004.
  4. Who should join?
    NEO 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. Whether you have only dreamed of completing a marathon or have done several, this program has something to offer you!
  5. When is the NEO Fit season?
    The official NEO Fit season starts in April and runs through the marathon(s) that we are training for in September/October. Most new members train for the Road Runner Akron Marathon or Half Marathon.
  6. Where is the training?
    We will be meeting at the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area in the Brecksville Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks (located off of Chippewa Creek Drive in Brecksville Reservation, west of Riverview Road in Brecksville).

    Directions to Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area, Brecksville Reservation:
    • Access I-77 from the north or south
    • Exit at Rt. 82 East (Royalton Rd.) to Rt. 21 (Brecksville Rd.)
    • Cross Rt. 21 (Brecksville Rd.) and the entrance to Brecksville Reservation will be on the right.
    • Harriet Keeler Picnic Area is about ½ mile on the left side
  7. Can walkers participate?
    Northeast Ohio Fit welcomes walkers who are willing to try walking and jogging in order to finish the Half Marathon in 3 hours.
  8. Are you affiliated with a charity?
    NEO 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.
  9. What's the catch? When do I have to sit through the sales pitch for a new condo in Palm Springs?
    No catch -- really! NEO 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 Palm Springs. NEO 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 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.
  10. How did all this come about?
    It all began in Houston in 1989 with about 50 runners, 2 guys, and an idea that runners needed some guidance and training to achieve their marathon goals.
  11. What is an ability-based color group?
    NEO Fit consists of 3 groups: Blue/Green, Yellow, and Red. 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.
  12. What color group will I be in?
    Our first two weekend runs are 1 or 2 mile pace finder runs. Your time for the 1 or 2 miles will place you in a color group. You should run at a pace where you feel you could keep going for a little bit beyond those 1 or 2 miles. If you couldn't keep running after completing our initial 1 or 2 mile pace finder then you are going too fast. Can’t run 1 or 2 miles yet? No problem! You’ll start in the Red group!
  13. Why should I run my 1 or 2 mile 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 a funny statement to make, but it is so true. Running too fast will seriously compromise your training season. If you find your correct training pace from the beginning you will complete the marathon in less time, you will experience fewer injuries, and you will have a lot more fun.
  14. What are the weekly seminars?
    Each weekend, before the group run, we'll do announcements then hold a 15-20 minute seminar. Topics will all be health and fitness related, and will be led by knowledgeable professionals.
  15. What happens on any given Saturday?
    We run with our groups after each seminar, so the start time for the run will vary weekly. The seminar will be held almost every Saturday morning either before or after the run. After the seminar we usually meet with our color groups for a few minutes to talk with the coaches, ask questions, make plans for the next week, etc. Our goal is to be finished with the run and seminar/questions by 10:00 AM each Saturday.

    Before the weekend, you will be given the starting time, which available on the website and through a weekly email.
  16. Who created our schedule?
    Our schedule comes from the knowledgeable people 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.
  17. Do we get discounts on shoes?
    Yes, you do! As a NEO Fit member you will receive discounts at Vertical Runner as well as other local businesses. Discount information will be distributed throughout the season. Make sure to attend the weekly training seminars and runs to find out about current discounts.
  18. How can I sign up?
    See our Join Us page for information.
  19. How much does it cost?
    NEO Fit's 24 week training program costs only $100 for new members and $85 or returning USA Fit members.
  20. What is included for the sign-up fee?
    • Ability-based group runs and coaching
    • Weekly seminars
    • Weekly training schedules
    • NEO Fit technical T-shirt
    • Access to injury prevention information and advice
    • Sports drinks and water for Saturday long runs
    • Discussion Board
    • Race entry discounts
    • Discounts at sports apparel stores
    • Social activities and more!
  21. When are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    In person sign ups for the NEO Fit season will be:
    • April 16, 2011 @ 9:00am
    • April 23, 2011 @ 8:00am

    We will be meeting at the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area in the Brecksville Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks (located off of Chippewa Creek Drive in Brecksville Reservation, west of Riverview Road in Brecksville).

    Directions to Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area, Brecksville Reservation:
    • Access I-77 from the north or south
    • Exit at Rt. 82 East (Royalton Rd.) to Rt. 21 (Brecksville Rd.)
    • Cross Rt. 21 (Brecksville Rd.) and the entrance to Brecksville Reservation will be on the right.
    • Harriet Keeler Picnic Area is about ½ mile on the left side

    More information about registration, including online signup and our information seminars, is available on our Join Us page.
  22. Where are the in-person sign-up sessions?
    Our sign-up sessions will be at the same location as our weekly meetings.
  23. What happens at the sign-up session?
    The sign-up sessions include sign-ups, an orientation seminar, and a 1 or 2 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) as the seminars will cover different information. The sign-up session takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. Sign ups for the NEO Fit 2011 season will be:
    • April 16, 2011 @ 9:00am
    • April 23, 2011 @ 8:00am

    We will be meeting at the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area in the Brecksville Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks (located off of Chippewa Creek Drive in Brecksville Reservation, west of Riverview Road in Brecksville).

    Directions to Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area, Brecksville Reservation:
    • Access I-77 from the north or south
    • Exit at Rt. 82 East (Royalton Rd.) to Rt. 21 (Brecksville Rd.)
    • Cross Rt. 21 (Brecksville Rd.) and the entrance to Brecksville Reservation will be on the right.
    • Harriet Keeler Picnic Area is about ½ mile on the left side
  24. Can I pay with a credit card?
    Yes, we allow payment via credit card if you sign up online. Visit our Join Us Page page for all of the details. If you want to register during our in-person registration or information sessions, you must bring a check or cash.
  25. Do I have to 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 the entire program, not the program minus 1 week. 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 NEO Fit and USA Fit; the second seminar is a quick overview of Week 1 and then an informational session on "Hydration and Warm Weather Running."
  26. 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 a quick overview of Week 1.
  27. Does entry into NEO Fit include entry into the Marathon?
    No, your payment to NEO Fit only covers the cost of your participation in the training program. The Road Runner Akron Marathon has generously provided a discounted race entry for NEO Fit members.
  28. How much training does this program involve?
    Realizing that most people lead very busy lives, this program can easily fit into your schedule. For the most part, the program calls for running only 4 days a week. Your long run will usually take place on Saturday with your group, with the possible exception of a few optional race events, which are usually scheduled on Sundays. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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 and seminars. When you do have to miss a week, check the website for the next week's schedule.
  31. Can we participate in races during training?
    Sure! We will offer several opportunities to run local races throughout the season. It is your choice to participate.
  32. What if I travel during my training? Can I attend other USA Fit city programs?
    Absolutely. USA Fit has programs in over 50 cities around the country, and you are welcome to attend any USA Fit meeting anywhere.  Check out www.usafit.com for more information.
  33. Could I win a 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!
  34. What if I want to find out more?
    Send us an e-mail at info@neohiofit.com.
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