FAQs

How many miles is a marathon?
26.2 miles. A half-marathon is half this distance.

Which marathon are we running?
TeamAsha will run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on October 25, 2009.

Can I run a half-marathon?
Yes, TeamAsha half-marathoners will run in the Under Armour Baltimore marathon on October 10, 2009.

Is there a minimum fitness level requirement?
Yes, beginning runners (marathon or half-marathon) need only be able to run about 2 miles, or 25 minutes continuously. The training program will lift you to the required fitness level. The key is discipline and commitment to the training program. Talk to our coaches; they'll help you reach your goals.

What is Asha for Education?
Asha for Education is a non-profit organization committed to improving basic child education throughout India. Asha is an IRS-certified 501 (c)3 organization; donations are tax-deductible. TeamAsha is the marathon campaign arm of Asha for Education. To learn more please visit the Asha for Education website .

What does TeamAsha provide?
- A guaranteed slot in the Marine Corps marathon (slots for the general public are available by lottery).
-We have a 6 months comprehensive training program supervised by experienced coaches.
- Clinics on running techniques, injury prevention, nutrition, gear selection.
- Support from our volunteers, including food and beverages after the training runs and on marathon day.
- Advice from our alumni marathoners.
- TeamAsha marathon t-shirts and an Asha for Education volunteer t-shirt.
- Race Day celebration with food, drinks, and a massage at the finish line of the Marine Corps marathon and at the Under Armour Baltimore marathon to enjoy our achievements together.

What kind of commitment is expected from the runners to successfully complete the full/half marathon?
- Keep pace with the Training program and reduce the risk of injury by :

• Train with us from May to October, including a Saturday run, which gradually increases in length.
• You should run 3 times per week, with us or on your own; please complete the long Saturday run with the group.

- Meet the fund-raising goal: at least $1250 (marathoners) or $750 (half-marathoners). Asha alumni runners can receive a $250 reduction in the marathon commitment only, if they wish.

What do we do during training?
- We provide a weekly training program. The training schedule includes a gradual increase in mileage and then a tapering period prior to the marathon. It also incorporates speed training and hills into the weekly program.
- Our coaches and alumni runners provide tips on training techniques, stretching, pacing, etc.
- We provide clinics and information on running techniques, nutrition, gear selection, etc.
- We organize pace groups to help you learn about your optimal running pace and establish a mentoring and support network.
- We advise you to run with a coach twice weekly. This is an opportunity to get personalized advice.

I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise the dollars?
- Our alumni runners will tell you their techniques. The key is to contact your friends, colleagues, and family, early and often. Also, post the marathon info in your workplace to solicit donations. Many corporations offer matching donations; check into this possibility at your workplace!
- We will provide a sample fund-raising letter. You'll want to communicate in person, by phone, and by e-mail or letter. Even sending a nice card will help!
- You'll be surprised at the number of people who want to help when you tell them what you're doing and why.

What happens if I don't make my fundraising minimum?
Fund-raising is part of our mutual commitment. We guarantee you a marathon slot and provide coaching, training, assistance and advice. If we do our job well, you will complete the marathon or half-marathon. Your commitment is to raise the agreed-upon minimum of funds. If your fund-raising falls short, we expect you to make up the difference. You can do this with your credit card or personal check. Our experience indicates the fund-raising totals we require are very achievable.

Where do the funds I raise go?
All funds raised will go to Asha for Education's projects in India. Each runner can choose the project from among the ones Asha's DC chapter supervises.

When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join? What's the fund-raising deadline?
- The training program begins on Saturday, May 10th, 2009. You must pay the registration fee (non-refundable) by Tuesday, July 1st, 2009. That is the last official date to join.
- Your personal target date should be December 31, 2009 for the completion of fund-raising; that will free you to enjoy the last 6-8 weeks of training. However, your fund-raising must be complete before you receive your marathon bib. At that time (in mid- or late-October, depending on your event), we will require you to certify, with your credit card number or personal check, any shortfall amount in exchange for your running bib.
- We hope you understand that this requirement is necessary for Asha to maintain the running program and fund our education projects in India.

I'm in! Where do I go from here?
Register for the program.

I want to know more?
Contact us