Tales of Slow Brave Athena

Thanks for a great time last night. Weird meal, great company, fabulous dog!

I hear you talking about pfit all the time. What do you think of it? Do you walk a marathon at the end? I found a Denver Fit that I could go to. Do you think it is worth the money?

Great job vj. Just like running a marathon, it's one step at a time. :)

Hi Erinn --
I really like the USA Fit program. If you're a solo runner-walker and have a lot of self-discipline, something like USA Fit is really unnecessary. But for folks who are just starting out, or who need the obligation of doing a weekly long walk/run, or want to meet new people, it's really very useful. It eases you into the culture, and here in Portland, between the lectures and the bulletin board, you have a forum to learn more about the sport and how to do it.

There's less decision making too. The schedule is set--you just show up. You don't have to figure out how to do 15 miles--someone will map that out, set up water stations, etc.

I never would have started walking without it. Mind you, I've always liked walking the 3ish miles to work, and I've done a lot of that, but I never would have considered doing races or long distances. And I joined cuz a friend was already enrolled, so I knew somebody (though she runs, and I don't). The structure of the weekly long walks made me make a commitment. They really take care of everything -- providing clif bars and sport drink as well as water, free 5 minute massages, group stretching, a little store-tent with socks and gu and bodyglide. In Portland, we get discounts at running stores, and for massages and races. And the structure of the group is really very nice. There are lots of assistant coaches (AC), who are basically there to support walkers and runners, answer questions, remind people to not run out in front of cars, so you have a nice one-on-one to ask questions and get information in a really unthreatening way. Lots of folks return to the program too, and don't necessarily AC -- I'm hoping to AC this year, but I'll be returning whether or not I get to AC.

I think the various USAFits have different aims. PFit's aim is to prepare people for the Portland Marathon, while some other Fits might have a goal of a half marathon.

For me, it's been a tremendous source of encouragement and information.

There are probably other games in town. Here in Portland, there are several programs that similar to USAFit. You might want to do some asking at your favorite running store--what do they think of Denver Fit? Is it worth it?

I totally think it's worth the money. I can't vouch for any other Fit program, but Portland Fit has changed my life. (and that's why I talk about it all the time :)

Any progress is good progress. I have had better luck with very slow weight loss, than with quick loss (and quick regain). Keep it up! I've lost 45+ lbs, 15 more to go to meet my doctor-prescribed "ideal weight".

VJ you are an inspiration! Keep up the great work!