Perhaps you’ve always been an avid runner and want to try your hand (or, rather, feet) at the big event. Maybe you work out occasionally and have been inspired by a relative or co-worker ( including Oprah) who has pursued his or her marathon dreams.

Or it’s possible that you are like a friend of mine, whose uncle offered to pay for his college education if he completed a marathon. For whatever reason you are preparing for the 26.2 mile test of physical strength and sheer determination, good training is important for every runner, from the most gifted and experienced to the recovering couch potato. It is also useful to remember that you are training your body as well as your mind.

Psyche Yourself Up

The three or more hours it will take you to finish your marathon will leave you with a lot of time to think. Make sure that you are focused on success rather on the various discomforts which are a runner’s constant companions. Mental training is as important as physical training, since even a runner with excellent strength and experience can psych himself or herself out of finishing the race.

Make sure you have a fan club, not only to cheer you on during the race, but to encourage you while you are training. Running can be a lonely sport, so it is important to create a network of other runners to chat with via internet or phone even if you can’t meet face to face or train together. Comparing notes can save you a lot of headaches such as, for instance, buying the wrong shoes, and can foster mutual support.

In addition to consulting with running buddies, it is helpful to involve your spouse, partner or child in your training. It usually isn’t difficult to find someone among your family and friends who is proud to help along potential marathoner. Don’t be shy about bragging to them about a new best in your timed practice sessions or increased distance. When they offer praise in response, bask in it; running a marathon is not easy, and you need to absorb all the positive energy that comes your way.

Many runners practice meditation to focus attention away from physical discomforts or discouraging thoughts during a marathon or training. You don’t have to sit on the floor with crossed legs and closed eyes; simply count your breaths while you run or weed out stray thoughts and focus only on the sound of your feet pounding away.

It’s a good idea to come up with a positive rhythmic mantra to repeat in your head as your run, or program in your mental ipod inspirational songs. Positive visualization is another good technique to fight the running blahs.

Simply take some time before or during training to imagine yourself dealing with and prevailing over obstacles you fear most such as inclement weather or sudden exhaustion. Focus on how you triumph overcome these problems and see yourself finishing the race successfully and comfortably. Imagine this scenario day after day and your marathon dream will become a reality.