- How many miles is a marathon? A half marathon?
- Is there a minimum fitness-level requirement?
- What is Asha?
- What is Strides of Hope?
- What does the Strides of Hope training program provide?
- I do not live in Austin. Can I still train remotely and still be part of Team Asha Austin?
- I live in San Antonio/Round Rock/Cedar Park, do I have to go to Austin to run with the team for training?
- Will I still get access to all the benefits if I do not train with Team Asha’s partner?
- Will being part of Team Asha guarantee me a spot at my target race?
- Will Asha cover my registration fee for my target race?
- What kind of commitment is expected from the runners?
- When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join?
- When and where is the marathon I’ll be training for?
- I see several marathons on the Calendar. Do I have to run all of them?
- Can I choose a non-Austin marathon as my target race?
- I might be interested but I’m just not sure.
- I’m in. Where do I go from here?
How many miles is a marathon? A half marathon?
A marathon is 26.2 miles; a half marathon is 13.1 miles.
Is there a minimum fitness-level requirement?
There isn’t a minimum fitness level to join the training program. However, as with any exercise program, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning physical training.
In order to complete a marathon or half marathon, it is recommended that you should be able to run 2 miles continuously at any speed or 30 minutes continuously. Team Asha’s ramp-up program (scheduled in August) leading to the actual training schedule (beginning in September/October) is designed to get all levels of runners up to this stage of running so they can transition smoothly into the regular schedule. Your goal may be more vigorous depending on the type of distance/time you plan to run (such as an under-4-hour marathon). Or your goal may be less; note that it is not required that you RUN the entire distance–some people choose to walk parts of the race. You can and should discuss your individual fitness level and marathon goals directly with your coach. During past marathon programs (organized by various Asha chapters), people from all fitness levels completed their target races. The keys to your success will be discipline and commitment to the training program.
Asha for Education is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to bringing socio-economic change in India using primarily the medium of education. To read more about Asha’s charter and projects please visit Asha Austin’s website.
Strides of Hope (SOH.) is the half-marathon- and full-marathon-training program organized by the Austin chapter of Asha for Education and is one of its core fundraising avenues.
Through this program, we hope to encourage people who are brand new to the world of endurance running as well as those who are experienced runners to make a physical and fiscal commitment to help provide a better future for underprivileged children in India and contribute towards development work.
What does the Strides of Hope training program provide?
- A comprehensive marathon-training package (for full and half marathons) conducted by professional coaches from a Professional Training Organization and supported by experienced runners.
- Schedules for everyday training. This will be a well-paced training program consisting of hard-training days, easy-training days, rest days, suggestions for cross-training, and more.
- The opportunity to draw from the experience of coaches and past runners (mentors).
- The opportunity to network with past marathoners and fellow runners in the local community.
- The opportunity to discuss ideas with past participants and people who have raised funds.
- Buddy runs.
- Clinics on running techniques, injury prevention and diagnosis, gear selection, etc.
- Nutrition clinics (how to train your body to burn energy over sustained periods of time).
I do not live in Austin. Can I still train remotely and still be part of Team Asha Austin?
Yes, you can train on your own and still fundraise for Team Asha Austin. Please get in touch with us and we will tell you more about how to do this.
At this point of time, the training workouts are conducted only in Austin.
Will I still get access to all the benefits if I do not train with Team Asha’s partner?
The benefits are available to all Team Asha runners. However, if you live in Austin, we recommend that you train with our recommended training partner, which will be announced soon. If you are unable to do so, please contact one of the SOH coordinators to discuss this, and we will assist you in arriving at a solution that best fits your needs.
Will being part of Team Asha guarantee me a spot at my target race?
No. We recommend registering for the race early to guarantee a place for yourself.
Will Asha cover my registration fee for the race that I decide to run (target race)?
No. Runners will have to cover registration fees on their own.
What kind of commitment is expected from the runners?
- Train for 4-5 months (train with the team twice a week).
- Have a weekly training schedule.
- Choose a minimum of $750 or $1000 or $1500 in your target race to support the cause of basic education of underprivileged children in India. This amount is not linked to the distance you run. You can choose any of the above amounts and your goal would be to raise the selected minimum amount.
When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join?
The training program begins in September 2011. More details about the dates and locations will be announced soon. It is recommended that you attend the first day of training. If you have further questions regarding the deadline, please contact us.
When and where is the marathon I’ll be training for?
Team Asha trains mainly for the Austin full marathon and half marathon, and the 3M Half Marathon/Relay for the half-marathon program as the main target races; these are on February 20, 2011, and January 30, 2011 respectively. However, it is entirely up to the individual runners to decide which races they are targeting–after consulting with their coaches. Each runner’s training schedule will vary accordingly to satisfy this goal. (Race calendar)
I see several marathons on the Calendar. Do I have to run all of them?
No. Each race is optional. It is entirely up to the runner to decide which race(s) he/she wants to run other than the target race. It is highly recommended to do a couple of shorter races (i.e., those with distances less than what the runner is aiming for in the target race) in the run up to the main target races so that the runner gets a feel for what it’s like to run in a race atmosphere.
Can I choose a non-Austin marathon as my target race?
Yes. You will have to take care of your own airfare, accommodation and other race-related expenses, as these will not be covered by Asha.
I might be interested but I’m just not sure.
Feel free to contact any of the program coordinators or mentors to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
I’m in. Where do I go from here?
Register for the program. We will email you the commitment form and have you on your way to your training!