How to train for your first full or 1/2 marathon, for unmotivated runners

This isn't music, but it's informative!

Training for a marathon is not an easy task; hours of training and the right mindset are needed for successful completion. To become a marathoner, it is a complete change of lifestyle. But for those who are looking for the accomplishment of completing their first marathon, there are only a few steps needed to push yourself in the right direction.

1. Start small. You cannot become a marathon runner in a month. Give yourself a longer amount of time than suggested for training (22-weeks is usually suggested for a full marathon and 12 for a half), that way you have a little bit of leeway time and can ease yourself into the process.

2. Join a running club that meets weekly. Most running groups meet on a weekly basis and have a certain mileage planned. This requires you to run during the week in order to keep up. Many groups cost money as well, so it’s easier to push yourself out the door to run.

3. Think of running as more than a means of exercise. Once you are able to think past the pain of running, it will become an outlet and it will become easier to run on daily basis. It will be easier to fit running into your routine and will eventually become an important part of it.

4. Make a bet with someone. It can make things more interesting and the bet can be about your finishing time or about your completion of the race. Either way, it can be that extra push to prove to yourself, and someone else that you can do it. To make it even more fun, it can be a bet over something simple like dinner or a round of drinks.

5. Post your progress on daily sites. It will motivate you to run so you’re able to post your progress, and others’ progress will be motivating as well. Daily sites and forums provide runners with “virtual friends” that are experiencing the same things as they are and can give some very helpful advice. Some helpful sites are runningforums.com and dailymile.com.

6. Volunteer at races. Races of all sizes are always looking for volunteers to hand out water or work tables. Once you see other runners’ satisfaction of completing a race, and being around the energy, it will encourage you to run. Running blogger and 40-time-marathoner, Michael Schilling, said that just being a spectator at a race can also bring encouragement to non-motivated runners. “In essence, my motivation is based on the spirit, happiness and overall positive energy of these events. Every new runner will find the same,” Shilling said. “It's contagious.”

7. Sign up for races ahead of time and while your training, that way you have small goals to reach and you have already paid for the races along the way. Having small goals makes it easier to achieve them. During the summer months, there are multiple races every weekend. It will help you get into the groove of race running.

8. Some runners also use unorthodox tactics while running, like marathon runner Kevin Lemley. “I love that SNL sketch where Sean Connery is playing Jeopardy. I picture him running beside me and insulting me.”