Frequently Asked Questions (for runners)
General Questions
How does the TeamAIDAsha program work?
It is simple: we help you train for a full or half marathon over about 4 to 6 months, and you help us by raising funds for AID and Asha. For more details, see this page.
What is the agenda for the information session?
You can find details of the information session at this link.
I would like to join the program, but I will be out town during the information session. What can I do?
We recommend that you try to attend the information session as much as possible. It is your best opportunity to get first-hand information from a large number of the alumni runners, volunteers and our coach. On the day after the session we will post the slides from the information session at this page. You can get an overview of the program from the slides and by going through all the pages on this web site. Even if you miss the information session, join our weekend group runs as much as possible to talk to the coach, alumni runners and mentors for additional questions. You can also contact us using the ‘Contact us’ page on our web site.
How late can I join the training program for this season?
Our training program starts in late April and ends at the end of October (please check the calendar at the web site). If you are a beginner runner, we recommend that you join the program as early as possible. Experienced long distance runners can join the program later in the season, but it is a good idea to join as early as you can to be in sync with rest of the team in training and fundraising. If you are in doubt, please contact us and we can figure out what is best for you.
Which marathons and half-marathon options do I have ?
You can find the marathon and half marathon options at this page.
I would like to run/register for a different marathon/half-marathon than the ones listed in the program web site. Can I still join the team for training this season?
You can choose to run another race that is not listed here. But, our whole training program and events will all be scheduled to target the 'official' target events listed above. Within reason, we will try to work with your preference.
Are there any pre-requisites for joining the TeamAIDAsha program?
How much time commitment do I need to make for the program?
The time required will greatly depend on individual running pace. On an average you can expect to spend about 3-4 hours per week for the training, most of it on Saturdays for the long runs. During the peak training period (August-September period), you can expect to spend 1-2 hours more because of the longer runs and recovery period. During the peak fundraising period(July-October), you can also expect to spend about 1 hour per week for contacting your friends, colleagues and family for help with fundraising.
Who are these ‘mentors’?
Mentors are alumni runners who have successfully completed the program in the past. They have gone through and completed a full or half marathon and have completed the fundraising. They have volunteered to help new runners by answering any questions or concerns and guide them through the season. Each registered runner will be able to select from our pool of mentors. Note that mentors are not coaches. Any questions about training must be directed to the coach.
Will I get reimbursed for my expenses during this program?
No, TeamAIDAsha will not reimburse any of the runner expenses. We work very hard to make sure that as much of the money raised as possible go to the grassroots projects in need. We thank you for your sacrifice.
What kind of expenses am I likely to encounter during the program?
Here is a rough estimate. This is only a general estimate, individual expenses may vary.
Can I get credit/tax receipt for the expenses I encounter for the TeamAIDAsha program?
Sorry, we will not be able to give you tax receipts or donation credits for your expenses.
What if I have to drop out of the program in the middle?
Once you formally register, we request that you follow through with the program to its completion. Slots are the marathon and half-marathon events are precious, and once reserved, cannot be transferred to another runner. However, we understand that there can be individual situations that may be beyond any-one's control. If you are having any issues continuing with the program anytime during the season, please use the ‘Contact us’ page on the web site to let us know as soon as possible so that we can work with you to find a suitable solution.
Training
I have never run before (or, I have not run more than 1 or 2 miles before), can I still participate in the TeamAIDAsha program?
Yes, you can. Most of our runners are beginner runners, some even without any prior running experience. Our training starts with very low (1-2) miles in the beginning and gradually build up the mileage over many months. You could start with a run-walk mode and slowly progress to a steady running pace that is comfortable for you. Chances are, you will find people with the same/similar pace as you during the first few weeks of training. Each runner develops the mileage at his/her own pace. Join us for a couple of group runs on Saturdays with no obligations and then you can make a decision for yourself.
I am a slow runner, can I still participate?
Your pace of running is not an issue, we train you to do long distance running at a pace that is comfortable for each runner. The goal for your first marathon will be to finish it while staying healthy during the training season.
My job requires me to travel out of town frequently. Is it OK if I miss the group training runs on weekends?
It is OK if you occasionally miss the group training runs on Saturdays. We recommend that you try to follow the training calendar (which includes mid-week and weekend training runs) published by coach as much as possible, even when you are out of town. May be you can explore and find the city or town you are in by running. Please make sure you are in safe neighborhood while running in unfamiliar places.
When/where will the training runs be?
Most of our group training runs will be on Saturday mornings in and around Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington areas. During peak season, we will also have some mid-week group training events. The start time for the Saturday run will vary throughout the season depending on the weather and sunlight conditions. We try to finish the run before it gets too hot to be running outside. We may start the group runs as late as 10:00AM or as early as 7:00AM start in peak summer. Please check the calendar and groups each week to get last minute updates on location, route and time for the Saturday run.
I live far from Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington. Can I still participate?
Sure, you can. We have had runners who used to drive 1 or 2 hours to get to our weekend group runs. You will need more motivation than the local runners to get up earlier and drive on Saturday mornings. But, it is well worth the effort!
My friend, who has done a few marathons told me to follow XXX training plan and YYY diet during the season. What should I do?
There is no one correct way to complete the marathon. Depending on each individual’s experience, health and personal situations, there are many ways to accomplish that goal. We recommend that you follow our coach’s recommended plan so that you stay in sync with the rest of the team. Our plans are fine-tuned over many years and have proven to work for a large number of runners who have completed their marathons with us.
How do I choose between a half or full marathon?
If you are a first-time runner, you may be more comfortable choosing the half-marathon option. However, please keep in mind that most of our marathoners are first time runners as well. If you are in good health and are able to follow our coach’s training plan regularly, then you could target the full marathon even on the first year. Also it is easier to do fundraising in the first year when you are doing a full marathon (we find that runners doing fundraising for a second year in a row collect lower amounts compared to their first year). We offer some flexibility to switch between races during the season. Stay tuned about the deadlines for commitments for each target race so that you can take a decision that works best for you.
Where can I find the training details?
Once you officially register, you will be added to the Flotracker group for this season. The group will have a detailed calendar and training plan for the whole season.
Fundraising
I have never done a fundraising before. I am nervous about the big target. What can I do?
Over many years, we have helped a large number of people who were doing their first charity fundraising with TeamAIDAsha. We have a proven system that worked for almost all of them. Make sure that you attend the fundraising clinic and follow the advice from your mentors and coordinators and you will reach your fundraising target comfortably.
Where does the money we raise go to?
Almost all the money (96% to 98%) AID and Asha raise go to grassroots education and social development projects in India. You can also see the list and details of the projects supported by the funds at this page. You are also most welcome to attend the AID and Asha chapter meetings any time to understand how the money is being used. Meetings are open to public. Please check the web sites of AID and Asha for more details.
Is it possible to make sure that the money I raise go to an AID or Asha project that I select?
Sorry, no. The funds we raise go to the general project funding pool for AID and Asha Boston/MIT chapters. Funds are allocated to various projects each year, depending on the needs on the ground, review and approval processes by the chapter volunteers. You are also most welcome to attend the AID and Asha chapter meetings any time to understand how the money is being used. Meetings are open to public. Please check the web sites of AID and Asha for more details.
How do I collect donations?
Once you officially register for the program and pay the registration fees, a personal web page will be automatically created for you. You can customize the page with your own picture and personal message etc. You can use the link to your personal page and email your friends/colleagues/family and request them to make donations online using their credit cards. Online donations are collected via a secure page using ‘Google checkout’.
When will I start fundraising?
Our fundraising clinic will give you in-depth information on how to do a very effective fundraising campaign. You may want to attend the fundraising clinic before starting to send out emails requesting donations.
How do I know if/when someone makes a donation online?
When someone makes a donation online using their credit card, Google first verifies the credit card user information and then charges the card. The verification and charge process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Once the credit card is successfully charged, the donation information will be posted to your account in the TeamAIDAsha web site and you will receive an email notification with the donation information. It may take about 1 to 2 hours before an online donation confirmation gets emailed to the runner.
How do I make sure that my donor’s donation is counted towards my fundraising target?
Make sure that you send your personal web page link to your donors and ask them to click on the ‘Donate button’ next to your name. This will make sure that the donation is tagged with your name in the database and the amount will be counted towards your target.
Will the donor get a receipt?
Yes, once the donation is successfully charged, donor will get an email confirmation at the email id entered during the donation process. Donors will also receive tax receipts during January/February of the following year.
How does corporate matching work?
Each company has their own process on how matching works. Normally the steps are like this.
Can someone donate by cash?
We recommend donations using our secure online credit card donations as much as possible. There is no mechanism to collect cash donations in the program. If a donor has no other choice, you could collect the cash and make a credit card donation in his/her name. Note that the email acknowledgement and tax receipts for the donations, if any, will only go to the email and address entered for the donation.
Can someone donate by check?
We recommend donations using our secure online credit card donations as much as possible. Check processing adds a huge manual process overhead and months of delays before the check can be deposited. This is because the check need to be collected at the local chapter, locally processed, then forwarded to the central treasury for additional manual processing before being deposited to the central bank account. All this manual work is done by a limited number of volunteers. We recommend the online credit card donations to avoid adding additional overhead work to the volunteers.
Can someone write a check in a foreign currency?
No, checks themselves are discouraged to reduce the load on our volunteers. Please see the answer above. We cannot accept checks in foreign currency.
Can someone outside US make a donation, say from India, Europe or the Middle east?
Yes, they can. Our online secure credit card processing is handled by Google checkout processor. Credit cards from a large number of countries outside US are accepted
What if I am unable to reach the fundraising goal?
TeamAIDAsha program provides a LOT of support to help you reach your fundraising goal through our fundraising clinic, personal web page, guidance and support from mentors and alumni. You will be able to reach the target comfortably, if you learn from the clinic and follow the advice from the mentors and coordinators. In the unlikely event that you are unable to reach the target, we request that you write a check to make up the difference. But again, this is very unlikely to happen if you follow our advice. Talk to your mentor if you are still concerned about fundraising.
Can the registration fees be counted towards my total donations?
Yes, your registration fees will be counted towards your fundraising total.
I still have more questions. Where can I get help?
General Questions
How does the TeamAIDAsha program work?
It is simple: we help you train for a full or half marathon over about 4 to 6 months, and you help us by raising funds for AID and Asha. For more details, see this page.
What is the agenda for the information session?
You can find details of the information session at this link.
I would like to join the program, but I will be out town during the information session. What can I do?
We recommend that you try to attend the information session as much as possible. It is your best opportunity to get first-hand information from a large number of the alumni runners, volunteers and our coach. On the day after the session we will post the slides from the information session at this page. You can get an overview of the program from the slides and by going through all the pages on this web site. Even if you miss the information session, join our weekend group runs as much as possible to talk to the coach, alumni runners and mentors for additional questions. You can also contact us using the ‘Contact us’ page on our web site.
How late can I join the training program for this season?
Our training program starts in late April and ends at the end of October (please check the calendar at the web site). If you are a beginner runner, we recommend that you join the program as early as possible. Experienced long distance runners can join the program later in the season, but it is a good idea to join as early as you can to be in sync with rest of the team in training and fundraising. If you are in doubt, please contact us and we can figure out what is best for you.
Which marathons and half-marathon options do I have ?
You can find the marathon and half marathon options at this page.
I would like to run/register for a different marathon/half-marathon than the ones listed in the program web site. Can I still join the team for training this season?
You can choose to run another race that is not listed here. But, our whole training program and events will all be scheduled to target the 'official' target events listed above. Within reason, we will try to work with your preference.
Are there any pre-requisites for joining the TeamAIDAsha program?
- There are normally minimum age requirements for marathons (16 to 18 years). Check the target races at this page for specific requirements for the race you wish to participate. The youngest runner we had was 19 years old and oldest was 60 years. We do not have an upper age limit for our program.
- You must check with your primary care physician to make sure that you are in good health to participate in the long distance running program.
- You must have your own insurance. TeamAIDAsha program do not offer any health insurance or liability coverage.
- You must purchase the necessary running gear (good running shoes, athletic wear suitable for long distance running etc). Normally you will go through 2 pairs of good running shoes during the marathon training season.
- You may also need to make some adjustments to your personal schedule. For example, if you are used to staying up late at parties on Friday nights, you may want to consider moving your ‘day out’ to be Saturday nights instead of Friday nights. We recommend that you eat and rest well during the training period, especially on the days before the longer training runs.
How much time commitment do I need to make for the program?
The time required will greatly depend on individual running pace. On an average you can expect to spend about 3-4 hours per week for the training, most of it on Saturdays for the long runs. During the peak training period (August-September period), you can expect to spend 1-2 hours more because of the longer runs and recovery period. During the peak fundraising period(July-October), you can also expect to spend about 1 hour per week for contacting your friends, colleagues and family for help with fundraising.
Who are these ‘mentors’?
Mentors are alumni runners who have successfully completed the program in the past. They have gone through and completed a full or half marathon and have completed the fundraising. They have volunteered to help new runners by answering any questions or concerns and guide them through the season. Each registered runner will be able to select from our pool of mentors. Note that mentors are not coaches. Any questions about training must be directed to the coach.
Will I get reimbursed for my expenses during this program?
No, TeamAIDAsha will not reimburse any of the runner expenses. We work very hard to make sure that as much of the money raised as possible go to the grassroots projects in need. We thank you for your sacrifice.
What kind of expenses am I likely to encounter during the program?
Here is a rough estimate. This is only a general estimate, individual expenses may vary.
- Registration fees: $125 (non-refundable. This will be counted towards your fundraising target)
- Running shoes: may need 2 pairs of shoes over the 4-6 month period, costing about $80 to $100 per pair
- Athletic gear: optional, based on personal preferences.
- Travel, food and accommodations: optional, depends on which races you choose to participate. For races like the DC marathon, you can reduce the cost significantly by booking flight and hotel in advance.
Can I get credit/tax receipt for the expenses I encounter for the TeamAIDAsha program?
Sorry, we will not be able to give you tax receipts or donation credits for your expenses.
What if I have to drop out of the program in the middle?
Once you formally register, we request that you follow through with the program to its completion. Slots are the marathon and half-marathon events are precious, and once reserved, cannot be transferred to another runner. However, we understand that there can be individual situations that may be beyond any-one's control. If you are having any issues continuing with the program anytime during the season, please use the ‘Contact us’ page on the web site to let us know as soon as possible so that we can work with you to find a suitable solution.
Training
I have never run before (or, I have not run more than 1 or 2 miles before), can I still participate in the TeamAIDAsha program?
Yes, you can. Most of our runners are beginner runners, some even without any prior running experience. Our training starts with very low (1-2) miles in the beginning and gradually build up the mileage over many months. You could start with a run-walk mode and slowly progress to a steady running pace that is comfortable for you. Chances are, you will find people with the same/similar pace as you during the first few weeks of training. Each runner develops the mileage at his/her own pace. Join us for a couple of group runs on Saturdays with no obligations and then you can make a decision for yourself.
I am a slow runner, can I still participate?
Your pace of running is not an issue, we train you to do long distance running at a pace that is comfortable for each runner. The goal for your first marathon will be to finish it while staying healthy during the training season.
My job requires me to travel out of town frequently. Is it OK if I miss the group training runs on weekends?
It is OK if you occasionally miss the group training runs on Saturdays. We recommend that you try to follow the training calendar (which includes mid-week and weekend training runs) published by coach as much as possible, even when you are out of town. May be you can explore and find the city or town you are in by running. Please make sure you are in safe neighborhood while running in unfamiliar places.
When/where will the training runs be?
Most of our group training runs will be on Saturday mornings in and around Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington areas. During peak season, we will also have some mid-week group training events. The start time for the Saturday run will vary throughout the season depending on the weather and sunlight conditions. We try to finish the run before it gets too hot to be running outside. We may start the group runs as late as 10:00AM or as early as 7:00AM start in peak summer. Please check the calendar and groups each week to get last minute updates on location, route and time for the Saturday run.
I live far from Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington. Can I still participate?
Sure, you can. We have had runners who used to drive 1 or 2 hours to get to our weekend group runs. You will need more motivation than the local runners to get up earlier and drive on Saturday mornings. But, it is well worth the effort!
My friend, who has done a few marathons told me to follow XXX training plan and YYY diet during the season. What should I do?
There is no one correct way to complete the marathon. Depending on each individual’s experience, health and personal situations, there are many ways to accomplish that goal. We recommend that you follow our coach’s recommended plan so that you stay in sync with the rest of the team. Our plans are fine-tuned over many years and have proven to work for a large number of runners who have completed their marathons with us.
How do I choose between a half or full marathon?
If you are a first-time runner, you may be more comfortable choosing the half-marathon option. However, please keep in mind that most of our marathoners are first time runners as well. If you are in good health and are able to follow our coach’s training plan regularly, then you could target the full marathon even on the first year. Also it is easier to do fundraising in the first year when you are doing a full marathon (we find that runners doing fundraising for a second year in a row collect lower amounts compared to their first year). We offer some flexibility to switch between races during the season. Stay tuned about the deadlines for commitments for each target race so that you can take a decision that works best for you.
Where can I find the training details?
Once you officially register, you will be added to the Flotracker group for this season. The group will have a detailed calendar and training plan for the whole season.
Fundraising
I have never done a fundraising before. I am nervous about the big target. What can I do?
Over many years, we have helped a large number of people who were doing their first charity fundraising with TeamAIDAsha. We have a proven system that worked for almost all of them. Make sure that you attend the fundraising clinic and follow the advice from your mentors and coordinators and you will reach your fundraising target comfortably.
Where does the money we raise go to?
Almost all the money (96% to 98%) AID and Asha raise go to grassroots education and social development projects in India. You can also see the list and details of the projects supported by the funds at this page. You are also most welcome to attend the AID and Asha chapter meetings any time to understand how the money is being used. Meetings are open to public. Please check the web sites of AID and Asha for more details.
Is it possible to make sure that the money I raise go to an AID or Asha project that I select?
Sorry, no. The funds we raise go to the general project funding pool for AID and Asha Boston/MIT chapters. Funds are allocated to various projects each year, depending on the needs on the ground, review and approval processes by the chapter volunteers. You are also most welcome to attend the AID and Asha chapter meetings any time to understand how the money is being used. Meetings are open to public. Please check the web sites of AID and Asha for more details.
How do I collect donations?
Once you officially register for the program and pay the registration fees, a personal web page will be automatically created for you. You can customize the page with your own picture and personal message etc. You can use the link to your personal page and email your friends/colleagues/family and request them to make donations online using their credit cards. Online donations are collected via a secure page using ‘Google checkout’.
When will I start fundraising?
Our fundraising clinic will give you in-depth information on how to do a very effective fundraising campaign. You may want to attend the fundraising clinic before starting to send out emails requesting donations.
How do I know if/when someone makes a donation online?
When someone makes a donation online using their credit card, Google first verifies the credit card user information and then charges the card. The verification and charge process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Once the credit card is successfully charged, the donation information will be posted to your account in the TeamAIDAsha web site and you will receive an email notification with the donation information. It may take about 1 to 2 hours before an online donation confirmation gets emailed to the runner.
How do I make sure that my donor’s donation is counted towards my fundraising target?
Make sure that you send your personal web page link to your donors and ask them to click on the ‘Donate button’ next to your name. This will make sure that the donation is tagged with your name in the database and the amount will be counted towards your target.
Will the donor get a receipt?
Yes, once the donation is successfully charged, donor will get an email confirmation at the email id entered during the donation process. Donors will also receive tax receipts during January/February of the following year.
How does corporate matching work?
Each company has their own process on how matching works. Normally the steps are like this.
- Runner requests the donor for donation
- Donor makes the donation on the TeamAIDAsha web site using the runner’s personal page
- Donor informs his/her company about the charitable donation that was made (normally using an online or a paper form with information about the amount and the charity that was donated to)
- Company contacts the organization (AID or Asha) to confirm the donation and the tax id information as needed
- AID or Asha responds to company’s request for information
- Company approves the matching donation and sends the money to AID or Asha
Can someone donate by cash?
We recommend donations using our secure online credit card donations as much as possible. There is no mechanism to collect cash donations in the program. If a donor has no other choice, you could collect the cash and make a credit card donation in his/her name. Note that the email acknowledgement and tax receipts for the donations, if any, will only go to the email and address entered for the donation.
Can someone donate by check?
We recommend donations using our secure online credit card donations as much as possible. Check processing adds a huge manual process overhead and months of delays before the check can be deposited. This is because the check need to be collected at the local chapter, locally processed, then forwarded to the central treasury for additional manual processing before being deposited to the central bank account. All this manual work is done by a limited number of volunteers. We recommend the online credit card donations to avoid adding additional overhead work to the volunteers.
Can someone write a check in a foreign currency?
No, checks themselves are discouraged to reduce the load on our volunteers. Please see the answer above. We cannot accept checks in foreign currency.
Can someone outside US make a donation, say from India, Europe or the Middle east?
Yes, they can. Our online secure credit card processing is handled by Google checkout processor. Credit cards from a large number of countries outside US are accepted
What if I am unable to reach the fundraising goal?
TeamAIDAsha program provides a LOT of support to help you reach your fundraising goal through our fundraising clinic, personal web page, guidance and support from mentors and alumni. You will be able to reach the target comfortably, if you learn from the clinic and follow the advice from the mentors and coordinators. In the unlikely event that you are unable to reach the target, we request that you write a check to make up the difference. But again, this is very unlikely to happen if you follow our advice. Talk to your mentor if you are still concerned about fundraising.
Can the registration fees be counted towards my total donations?
Yes, your registration fees will be counted towards your fundraising total.
I still have more questions. Where can I get help?
- For questions about the program administration or fundraising, contact your mentor or use the ‘Contact us’ page on our web site.
- For questions about the training for marathon or half-marathon, contact the coach (you will receive contact information when you formally register, or you can talk to the coach during the weekend run).
- For any health related questions, contact your own primary care physician. Please note that our coach or mentors will not be able to provide you medical advice.
