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) 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.

What is Asha?

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 our website.

What is Strides of Hope?

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.

What does the Strides of Hope training program provide?

• A comprehensive marathon-training package (for full and half marathons) conducted by professional, 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.
• 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).

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.
• Raise $100 per mile in your target race to support the cause of basic education of underprivileged children in India. This means that your goal will be to raise $2,620 for a marathon and $1,310 for a half marathon.

I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise 2,000+ dollars?

The backbone of the fundraising campaign is the participants' efforts to reach out to their family, friends, and colleagues, asking them to donate to the cause. This can be done through various channels such as writing emails or letter, or simply making a phone call. People will be glad to support you in the cause. Many people find that donating money is an easy alternative to committing time.

Other fundraising strategies will be shared during the course of the program. Last year, the Asha Silicon Valley team of 40 runners raised over $160,000 (an average of $4,000 per runner). Almost all of them did this for the first time in their lives. It's highly doable and it's a fun experience, too!

Where do the funds I raise go?

The funds raised will go towards some selected projects. You will have the opportunity to learn about the projects for which you'll be helping to raise money.

How much money actually goes towards the cause?

There are costs involved in the training program and the races, but we aim to spend not more than 15% on operational expenses. We guarantee that at least 85% of the funds you raise will go towards the cause; this percent will increase if we are able to limit operating expenses.

When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join?

Asha Austin's Ramp Up starts on August 5; non-runners should start with this group. Casual runners should join in with the Ramp Up program on August 12. Rogue's training program begins the first week of September. Experienced runners should start with Rogue.

When and where is the marathon I'll be training for?

Team Asha trains mainly for the AT&T full marathon and half marathon as the main target races; these are on February 17, 2008. 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.

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.

I live in San Antonio/Round Rock/Cedar Park, do I have to go to Austin to run with the team for training?

Yes. Unfortunately, at this point of time, the training workouts are conducted only in Austin. For the shorter weekday workouts, there are many Austin locations as well as one in Round Rock, all of which follow the same schedule. For the longer workouts on the weekends, there only two locations: one in North Austin and one in South Austin.

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. Swipe/mail in the $125 registration fee and you'll be on your way.