USA Fit Denver, one of the area’s only structured, all-level marathon and half marathon training group programs, invites runners and walkers of all levels to join them for their 2016 season starting Saturday, Apr. 23. New members can learn more about the group and register in person at an orientation event taking place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Apr. 16, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Washington Park. Registration is also available online now through May 15 at
www.denverfit.com.
“Even though Denver is a top city for running, we know many people in the area don’t feel they fit into the typical runner profile,” said USA Fit Denver Organizer Melissa Skrbic-Huss. “Our goal is to change that mindset and get everyone outside and active. By providing a non-intimidating, fun and safe training environment, we have seen our members, from couch potatoes to walkers to even Boston qualifiers, see each other to personal success.”
This sense of community is what attracted Matt Silva Sa to USA Fit Denver last June. A transplant from Massachusetts who took first place in the Shipyard Maine Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Challenge prior to his move, he found that joining the group not only kept him motivated in his training but also helped him settle into his new environment.
“The benefits I have gained from joining USA Fit Denver are clearly evident in my improved running and in how well I have adapted to living in the Denver area,” said Silva Sa.
“My favorite group run with USA Fit Denver was the flat 21-mile run along the High Line Canal Trail. While it wasn’t my farthest run, for a few in the group it was theirs. It felt great to be a part of that day, and I was very proud to train with such great people.”
Members meet each Saturday morning to run together in their respective pace groups as well as each Tuesday night for speed workouts. They also receive daily training schedules to keep them progressing throughout the week, encouragement and expertise from certified coaches, weekly seminars on running/walking-related topics and social events throughout the season.
“We encourage anyone to find out what they are capable of and experience the thrill of a marathon or half marathon distance for themselves,” said Skrbic-Huss. “They just need to take the first step. The rest we take care of together.”
New member registration for USA Fit Denver is $140, and returning member registration is $110 for up to 26 weeks of training. Online registration for USA Fit Denver will be available now through May 15. Members can start their first day of training any Saturday from Apr. 23 through May 21. For more information or to register online, visit
www.denverfit.com.