* How long is the Los Angeles Marathon?
26.2 miles, or more precisely, 26 miles, 385 yards. In the 1924 Olympics, the marathon distance was standardized at 26.2 miles.

*Can I walk during the marathon?
Absolutely! There is no shame in a little walking..or a lot of walking. Simply finishing a marathon is a great accomplishment. Walking during long runs is perfectly acceptable as well, especially if you are new to running.

*Do I have to be fast to be on the team?
No. In fact, if you are really fast (and expect to be under 3:15), you probably won't be challenged by our program. Most people that fall between 3:20 and 6:30 will be very happy with our training schedule. There are pace groups that should suit everyone, fast and slow. The team is geared toward a fun, fairly casual approach to training. That said, we do expect everyone to show up to team practice at least once a week Sunday, and to be keeping up with weekly running distances, whether with the team at weekday practices or on your own.

*How much should I be able to run at the start of training?
Once around the school would be just fine. The distance will just go up from there. You might want to check the practice schedule, here. If this is your first time running, attending pre-season training may be a good environment for you to start building distance.

*What is the average mile time for team members?
Most people finish the marathon between 3:30 and 6 hours. Thus, anywhere from 8-13 minute average mile pace is common. Feel free to take as long as you want on the runs. Coaches will hang around to make sure eveyone finishes and we don't mind waiting at all.

*I can't run on Sunday mornings. Is that okay?
No. The weekend long runs are the most important runs for both training and being part of the team. If you are planning on consistently missing weekend runs, this isn't the team for you. In particular, if you miss two long runs in a row during the spring season without some pretty serious make-up training, you probably will get hurt.

*I can't run with the team over the Christmas break. Is that okay?
That is fine. We totally understand and expect that people have homes and family to go to over the holidays. There are no mandatory runs over break. Just keep in mind that you probably will want to keep up with at least SOME running on your own over break, or returning to training in January will be difficult, to say the least.

* What happens if I got hurt on a run, and I was at the end of the pack. What would happen? Is there a support van?
At every Sunday run, everyone must check in before and out after the run so the coaches know that everyone has returned. We will not leave until everyone has been accounted for. If someone does not return after an extensively long time after everyone has finished, we will certainly come looking for you. If you think you will be slow, we recommend carrying a cell phone with you, so you can either call for a rescue if you need it, or coaches can contact you to make sure you are alright.

*I don't have a car. Is that okay?
Yes. We will set up carpools every week for all off-campus runs.

*You run Downtown during evening weekday runs. Is that safe?
We generally run down Figueroa, a well-lit street, in groups. No one has had any problems. Women on the team have also said that they always feel safe.

*How much does it cost to be on the team?
There is a $45 membership fee. For the fee, you get a t-shirt, jersey, and other perks like food after runs and at the team banquet. Note that you have to register separately for the LA Marathon.

*I have medical problem x. Is that a problem?
Students with any health doubts should always consult with their doctors before beginning training. While we are happy to share our personal experience in running and can give you some advice, everyone is ultimately responsible for his or her own health. We are not liable for health problems you encounter, as indicated by the waiver you signed when you joined.

*Where can I get shoes and stuff?
You can get a 10% discount and custom fitting at our long time friends,

Starting Line
(310) 827-3035
114 Washington Blvd
Marina Del Rey, CA

OR

A Runner's Circle
(866) 347-1966
3216 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA

Just mention "USC Marathon Team".

*Will I lose weight?
Maybe. Weight loss depends entirely on the balance of calories eaten and burned in exercise. Especially as we increase mileage, you will be burning much more calories per week, but if your intake increases accordingly, your weight will probably not change, although, you may replace some padding with muscle. Runners tend to increase the amount of food they eat to match their mileage. Be aware of using running as an "excuse" to eat senselessly. It is possible to gain weight if you do so. For the school nutritionist's advice for runners, check here.

*During the fall semester, I was studying abroad. Can I join the team for the spring semester?
Sorry, no. For the sake of team cohesion and injury prevention, we prefer not to have new people joinging us halfway through our season. Starting at 16 miles is a sure-fire way to get hurt.

*Can I get a t-shirt for my mom?
Sure! We'd be happy to sell you a t-shirt in the retail department. Shirts are typically $15 for current team members and alumni, and $20 for all others. Just contact one of the coaches.

*What are some of the ways I can get injured? Is the team liable for any injuries?
Common injuries include knee inflamation and pain, shin splints, dehydration, skinned knees, broken feet, sunburn, asthmatic episodes, blisters, black toenails, car wrecks, bicycle collisions, and excessive flatulence. We are not are not liable for anything that happens, for this reason, you will not be allowed to run with the team until a liability release form is completed and on file. Check here for more on running injuries.

*Should I stop at street lights and stop signs?
Yes, we ask that you stop once the white man "walk" is gone and the flashing red hand appears, even if you still have 20 seconds to cross. Safety is our top priority. And it should be yours, too.