USA FIT Denver combines fun and friendship while getting fit

Denver, CO – Runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to join USA FIT Denver for the 2019 training season on Sat., May 4 at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 700 South Franklin Street in Denver. This 24-week program offers support and camaraderie while training for a half or full marathon. Orientation is on Sat., April 27 and includes a coach meet and greet and loop around Wash Park.

Members meet Saturday mornings and Tuesday nights in a group setting to help reach weekly training goals. Additionally, members receive weekly training schedules, running and race walking-related seminars, discounts on races and knowledgeable, certified coaches to answer training-related questions.

“USA FIT Denver trains in a group setting to promote camaraderie and support,” said USA FIT Denver Organizer Melisa Skrbic-Huss. “Training is so much more fun with friends than by yourself. We welcome all fitness levels and help first timers to experienced runners or walkers prepare physically and mentally for a half or full marathon - and have fun while doing it!”

This experience is what keeps Matt Silva Sa and Michael Smith coming back to the program. Although both are now seasoned distance athletes, they rely on the camaraderie and the training environment of USA FIT Denver to continue to meet their goals.

“I have been a member since the 2015 season, and really appreciate the social aspect of Denver FIT,” said Silva Sa. “We are an accommodating group that likes to help each other reach our goals, whether it’s a personal best half marathon, a Boston qualifying marathon, or working towards someone’s first trail race.”

His first season Silva Sa said he leaned heavily on the USA FIT Denver program to qualify for the Boston Marathon and achieve several personal bests for his half marathon and marathon times. Using this model as a baseline, Silva Sa has been able to build up for back to back marathons and ultradistances including several 50-mile races. Silva Sa is currently attempting his first Leadville 100.

“The program is really focused on training safely. I have put together some over eager training schedules that ended up being unrealistic with the amount of time available to train,” said Silva Sa. “This program helps me stay grounded and on track. We work on quality training and knowledge to help keep our members injury free to meet their goals.”

USA FIT Denver also offers a walking program for beginners to advanced racewalkers and provides training from 5Ks to Marathons.

Smith first joined USA FIT Denver in 2003 as a member of the racewalking program. Smith enjoys the goal setting component of the program and uses his training to maintain his health but continues to return to the program for the camaraderie.

“Being with others makes the rigors of training so much more tolerable,” said Smith. “After training on Saturdays, we always have coffee or breakfast together. We talk about training but because we’ve become friends over the years, we also use this time to catch up.”

Smith says he began racewalking in 1995 after being diagnosed with diabetes.

“Because of an injury I quit running for 10 years and my weight ballooned. The doctor said, ‘lose weight!’” Smith recalled. “I lost 100 pounds through diet and exercise — racewalking — and I’ve managed to keep the weight off.”

Now the coach of the walking team, Smith tries to partner new members with someone of similar ability. Smith encourages anyone looking for a way to exercise to join, no matter what their goals or current fitness level.

One of the best parts of the season for Smith is the beginning.

“One of my favorite parts of the season is the beginning, when new people join,” said Smith. “The most motivating aspects of Denver Fit is training weekly with other people who have similar goals. People in the group train at an acceptable pace for themselves yet challenge themselves aerobically.”

The USA FIT Denver program is designed for beginning to experienced runners and walkers and is a great way to train for a fall or winter race. Training is done alongside members of your pace group, and no one trains alone.

“Whether you are just starting out or trying to reach a personal best, we can help you reach your goals — and make a few friends along the way,” said Skrbic-Huss. “Take the first step: join. We’ll take care of the rest.”

Online registration for USA FIT Denver is now open. Use code Denver19 for $10 off registration. Visit www.denverfit.com for more information or to register online.

Matt Silva Sa joined Denver FIT in 2015. Click here to read more about Matt's training journey.

Michael Smith joined Denver FIT in 2003. Click here to read more about Michael's training journey.