USC Marathon Team
Various common questions:
* How long is the L.A. Marathon?
Same length as all marathons since 1924, 26.2 miles.
There's an interesting wiki entry.
*Can I walk during the marathon?
Yes. No shame in a little walking. Or, a lot of walking.
*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 at least 3 times a week.
*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
*What is the average mile time for team members?
Most people finish between 4 and 6 hours. Thus, a 10-13 minute average mile pace is common.
*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. And it will be
entirely your fault.
*I can't run with the team over the Christmas break. Is that okay?
What? You have a home? With loving parents and annoying siblings? Can I come?
The point of the team, again, is to run with other people in a consistent fashion to provide
encouragement and support. But if no one else is running, you certainly don't have to.
*Let's say I got hurt on a run, and I was at the end of the pack. What would happen? Is there a support van?
This reminds me of a joke: Pirate walks into bar, bartender says, `Mr. Pirate, why do
you have a steering wheel in your pants?' Pirate says "Yarr, it's driving me nuts"
Eventually we'll come and look for you. However, you'd be better off a) telling someone, or
b) carrying a cell phone or two quarters and calling one of the coaches.
*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 weekday runs. Is that safe?
We generally run down Fig, a well lit street, in groups. I don't think
anyone has ever 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?
Nothing that you don't get back in tshirts and jerseys. $45 by Nov 1.
Note that you have to register separately for the LA Marathon.
These are the people that actually organize the marathon.
*I have medical problem x. Is that a problem?
Students with any health doubts should always consult with their doctors before
beginning training. We are certainly not liable. You signed the form, remember?
*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
Just mention the USC Marathon Team
*Will I lose weight?
Maybe. Likely, you will replace some
padding with muscle. Runners tend to increase the amount
of food they eat to match their mileage; the balance of proteins
and fats and carbohydrates one choses to eat will in some ways determine
how fast you are and how much your weight changes.
We will have a nutritionist come and speak to us during the season.
Her notes are available here
*During the fall semester, I was interning at a
leper colony in
the Maldives. Can I join the team for the spring semester?
Sorry, no. We are focusing on team cohesion and reduction of injuries this year.
And starting at 16 miles isn't the way to achieve those goals.
*I am a big fancy pants. I'm so awesome, I can show up the
week before the marathon and run a 2:10. I do all of my workouts with a
personal trainer. Can I get a tshirt?
Sure! We'd be happy to sell you a tshirt in the retail dept.
Just contact one of the coaches! But no jerseys will be sold. We're firm on that.
*I'm actually kind of slow. Can I get a tshirt for my mom?
Sure! We'd be happy to sell you a tshirt in the retail dept.
Just contact one of the coaches!
* Based on the SCampus definition of hazing
it seems the USC Marathon team violates rules 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 of the
University Policy Concerning Hazing during the course of
a normal run. What do you have to say about this?
Ahem. That's an interesting point. You signed the form, right?
But, seriously, if you ever feel uncomfortable with anything we ask
or you feel a route is dangerous or whatever, let us know.
We will make accomodations.
*What are some of the ways I can get hurt? 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.
And no, we are not are not liable for anything that happens. Some common
problems are covered here .
You are not
allowed to run with the team until a liability release form is completed and
on file. You might think you are running with us, but you're actually
just running at the same time.
* Should I stop at street lights and stop signs?
Yes, you should. Your safety is our top priority. And it should be yours, too.
* But I saw a coach run a red light!
One bad apple spoils the bunch.