gracie7

1. You can do it! You just have to really want to do it.
If it's something you've always dreamed of, then go for it. It's an awesome experience. Whatever your current fitness level, as long as you give yourself enough time to train properly, you've got this. However, if your reason for signing up is simply the prospect of bragging on Facebook, post a Grumpy Cat meme instead. You'll probably get more likes.

2. Pick the right time.
If you sign up for a springtime race, be aware that your training will take place in the winter, and that means a lot of running in the dark and cold. Perfect if you want New Year fitness motivation, but if that's too chilly for you, try a summer or fall race. You can take advantage of all those extra daylight hours throughout the summer.

3. Go see a physical therapist.
You know that pain in your hip you get when you run more than a few miles? Or the tightness in your calves that makes stairs tricky the day after? Don't let little irritations become big problems. A good physical therapist will be able to identify your weak points and give you exercises to do at home to strengthen and protect those areas before you start training properly. Preventing an injury is so much easier than recovering from one.

4. Be prepared to skip the bar.
Warning: Training will take over your weekend mornings, and there will be early-morning wake-up calls and evenings when you're asleep by 9 p.m. Commit to following your plan — even if that involves skipping post-work beers or tying your sneakers on rainy days when you'd much prefer to curl up on the couch with a pizza and Netflix for company. (Don't worry, you can still do that after your run.) All your hard work will pay off on the day of, pinky swear.

5. Do what works for you.
Everyone's different, so a traditional plan with up to five runs a week will suit some people, while for others, just two to three runs per week plus cross-training sessions is more effective. Yes, you do have to put the hard work in, but that doesn't mean wearing yourself out logging a gazillion miles per week. Build up gradually with a plan that suits your fitness level and hopefully you'll enjoy training (and feel super content as you see your fitness level improve).

6. Don't forget cross-training.
One of the best ways to become a better, stronger, and faster runner is to cross-train. Cycling, swimming, rowing, anything that gets your heart rate up is great for building cardio fitness, minus the impact running puts on your joints. Already play a sport? Keep it up! It all counts as cardio. Mixing things up keeps your body guessing and keeps your training interesting.

7. Stretch it out.
Runners are just about the most inflexible group of people out there. Even if you can touch your toes, a proper stretching session or yoga class a couple of times a week will do your crunched-up running muscles so much good and could help you avoid injuries. Marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe swears by yoga — and foam-rolling — to keep her muscles supple. And hey, if it's good enough for Paula…

8. Get some rest.
It sounds a bit touchy-feely, but you have to learn to listen to your body. Rest days, lots of sleep, and even the occasional skipped session when you genuinely need downtime are all part of staying healthy during training. (Sorry, this excuse doesn't cut it for the days when you just can't be bothered.)

9. Make it fun!
Whether you catch the marathon bug and end up signing up for 10 more, or want to make this your one and only, have fun with it. Maybe you get hooked on a podcast that you only let yourself listen to while running, choose routes with postcard-pretty scenery, or treat yourself to super-colorful athletic clothing that puts a smile on your face whenever you put it on. Running a half or full marathon is a massive achievement that takes dedication and determination. Be proud of yourself for what you achieve and enjoy the process — and the celebrations! We'll toast to that.