San Jose Fit Training Programs
When someone completes their first marathon or half marathon, the experience is so powerful that they carry it with them for the rest of their lives.
The physical and psychological benefits gained from this intensive training are truly remarkable. Here at San Jose Fit, our goal is to safely bring these benefits to as many people as possible, including couch potatoes, Boston-qualifying athletes, and everybody in between.
The program is simple but powerful. Over 26 weeks, through safe and steady coaching, members progress from little or no running base to race condition. Members follow our carefully developed training schedule during the week; then, on the weekends, the entire group meets for ability-based long runs. These group meetings are great for lots of reasons. First, they’re a good chance to share the challenges and joys of training with others who are going through the same thing. Second, the weekly group meetings are important because members receive educational seminars on running or walking-specific topics that round out their training with essential practical and strategic information. Our emphasis is on safety and achievement, and we find that often, these meetings represent the beginning of many lifelong friendships. We hope you’ll join us.
Our Running Training Program
San Jose Fit’s runners form the backbone of our membership. Runners all receive weekly educational seminars, a schedule specifically designed for their ability level, an online support forum, and more.
The program’s general format is as follows:
- Before each Saturday run, members will come together for the week’s announcements and to hear an educational seminar on key training topics designed to prepare runners for the rigors of this endurance sport.
- Members participate in an organized training run each Saturday morning with runners of similar training paces.
- Weekend runs will be followed by a brief discussion about the day’s workout and instructions for the coming week.
- Members adhere to a schedule of mid-week training runs. Those runs are built with busy lifestyles in mind, so they keep members moving toward their goals while requiring only a moderate amount of time on the road.
- Weekly speed training sessions may be available once the group has built a sufficient training base to handle it safely and comfortably.
How do I find my pace group?
Our Walking Training Program
Walkers comprise an enthusiastic and growing segment of San Jose Fit. This group is specifically designed for people walking a 15-minute-mile or greater pace or have never run before, but the goal is the same: to help you push your personal boundaries and achieve your performance and speed goals in an encouraging, safe environment.
Walkers receive all the same benefits as runners. All athletes meet on Saturday and progress through an increasingly rigorous schedule each week until the season’s ending taper. Everyone receives the same excellent ability-based coaching, weekly educational seminars, mid-week support, and more.
Coach Ted is asking you to just show up and not be concerned about your pace; groups will be formed by pace.
Optional Training
San Jose Fit offers additional mid-season training for those wishing to run together and get a bit of an extra workout.
Click on the text below to read more.
6:30pm Monday hill runs start midway through the training season and continue until late September on Mondays. Hill runs help strengthen legs, increase endurance, and are just plain fun. San Jose Fit meets near the bathrooms at beautiful Rancho San Antonio:
22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014
Both experienced hill runners and new hill runners are welcome. Hill runs are divided into larger pace ranges than typical weekend runs and groups gather at all junctions to ensure nobody is left behind. Those new to hill runs are encouraged to go with a group slower than their typical weekend pace group. Some may find that they enjoy running at that pace, but some may find that they are extremely strong on the hills and move up to faster pace groups. Some runners are stronger on the hills than their weekend pace coach!
Hill runs are included in your San Jose Fit membership at no additional charge. Many members say that Rancho Runs are their favorite aspect of San Jose Fit training, so please come out and try it!
Please take care to review trail safety regarding mountain lions at Rancho HERE.
Hill walks/runs at Rancho San Antonio: Announcements: Coach Eric, Coach Bill and/or Coach Georgiana
- Where: Rancho San Antonio Park, 22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014 (Link to video about how to get there HERE)
- When: Mondays starting May 13 through September 23, 2024
- Run/walk starts at 6:30 p.m.; After Labor Day we will start at 6 p.m.
- Meet: At the restrooms in the lower parking lot at Rancho San Antonio OSP
- Map: Video on how to get there
PLEASE BRING HYDRATION!
In Case of Emergency call emergency dispatch number for Midpen Rangers at 650-968-4411. This number is for emergency use only. Please add this number your cell phones to report any need for emergency services while at Ranch San Antonio or any other Midpeninsula Open Spaces.
Please Note: We will be running /walking rain or shine.
San Jose Fit Track: Coach: TBD
- Date: Wednesdays beginning June 19 through September 25, 2024
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Meet: Raymond J. Fisher Middle School, 19195 Fisher Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95032
- What to bring: Hydration, watch
The San Jose Fit Track Program is included in the San Jose Fit training program (no additional charge), but it is completely optional to participate.
The track workouts consist of high-intensity running intervals, supplemented with agility, strength, and flexibility activities.. Bring a watch with a seconds timer to the workouts (required)!
Please Note: We will be running /walking rain or shine.
A strong core, from your shoulders to your hips, will improve your athletic performance, help prevent back pain and help strengthen your abs. This 60-minute class incorporates strength exercises to challenge areas from your glutes to your shoulders, helping to increase stability, functional fitness, and better walking/running posture.
As you develop core strength, your muscles become more flexible, stronger and tighter. You’ll also notice improved breathing and posture. Core class has been part of San Jose Fit for many years and is especially important for runners and walkers who want to run short or long distances, increase their speed, and/or maintain their stamina, while avoiding potential injuries.
We are excited to announce that Coach Fernanda Perdomo-Arciniegas, who joined San Jose Fit in 2018 and found the training and people incredibly inspiring and supportive, will be your core coach this year! Coach Fernanda never considered herself a runner but with the help of San Jose Fit, she has ran over 20 races in the last 15 months, including 9 half-marathons and two marathons! Throughout this process, she has listened to the advise of her coaches and created her own core routine to tackle her knee and hip pain. She will be sharing this routine with all of you and her passion to make you the strongest walker/runner possible! Fernanda says that if she was able to ran all those races, YOU CAN do it too!
- Date: Tuesdays beginning May 21 – August 27, 2024
- Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Sports Basement in SUNNYVALE, 1177 Kern Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Meet in the Summit Room, large meeting room at the back of the store
- What to bring: Yoga mat, two hand weights (1 to 5 pounds each), water, jump rope and hand towel
- Questions? Email Coach Fernanda at fernanda@usafitsanjose.com
The Advanced Training Program (ATP) is a one of a kind, highly effective program designed by Dr. Owen Anderson, one of the foremost coaches and researchers in the field of running. It is a high-intensity circuit training program that incorporates (1) special warm ups, (2) general running strength, (3) special strength training exercises, (4) core strengthening, and (5) explosive running training. Each class ends with cool down and stretching.
- Designed to create the largest-possible improvements in VO2 max, lactate-threshold running speed, and running economy, as well as running-specific strength and power
- Targeted training for more experienced half and full marathoners, or less-experienced marathoners interested in making large improvements in their performance
Requirements to register: An experienced runner has to be training regularly and run about 30 miles per week or more and completed a marathon within past 6 months.
NOTE: this is a strenuous training program.
ATP Lite: (open to those who have registered for ATP, led by Coach Arnon and Coach Shannon)
- Date: Wednesdays beginning May 22 through October 9, 2024
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Meet: Raymond J. Fisher Middle School, 19195 Fisher Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95032
- What to bring: Yoga mat, two hand weights (5-10 pounds each), water.
- Questions? Email Coach Arnon at arnon@usafitsanjose.com or Coach Shannon shannon@usafitsanjose.com
Please Note: We will be running /walking rain or shine.
- Virtual Class: ZOOM link will be provided by Coach Lalitha, please email her if you wish to join lalitha@usafitsanjose.com
- Date: Tuesdays starting May 7 through October 22, 2024
- Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Please be ready before dialing-in: Wear comfortable clothes and a Yoga mat, two hand weights -optional
- If you wish to join or have questions: Email Coach Lalitha lalitha@usafitsanjose.com
Coach Lalitha’s Yoga Program is included in the San Jose Fit training program (no additional charge), completely optional to participate.
