It's really hard to determine a good marathon training schedule, let alone sticking with it. There are too many temptations to eat an entire chocolate cake in one sitting (I know.)

However, through my learning experience, I am able to give you some tips on what NOT to do so that you can stick to your schedule. When you have determined your marathon training schedule, remember a few different things.

- Running your butt off for a few minutes will not substitute jogging for 30 minutes. You have to do all the jogging you've got planned on your schedule.

- If you have planned to run every weekend for three months, and can't find the motivation, try what I did. My husband drove the car about three feet in front of me dangling a snickers bar out the window.

- Breaking in your jogging shoes before the marathon does not include a meat mallet whatsoever. It actually means that you have to run with the shoes on.

- Don't choose Jack Daniels or Captain Morgan as a 'running partner'-- get a real human.

- Sticking to your marathon training schedule does not involve taping the paper to your rear end.

- While you're jogging those three miles back home, resist the temptation to hitchhike.

- It is neither advisable, nor sanitary to take a small nap in the ditch off the side of the road.

Here's another trick for finding the motivation you need to stick with your running training schedule: Imagine the faces of your competitors when you finish first place. Visualize them crying, howling, and roaring as you use false modesty although all the while you're thinking, "No autographs please, just gaze upon the champion!" Good Luck with your marathon!