1. Grab a handy weekly planner.  You’ll need about 15-17 weeks to properly train for a marathon.
2. Search the web for training plans that meet your marathon goals.  Though I hasten to add you need to be realistic in your planning.  If you have, for instance, never run a marathon before you may want to consider solidly finishing your first over qualifying for Boston.
3. Once you’ve found a good plan get your calendar out.  On the days you work, block out work time.
4. Every other free space you have left write in “running.” You can elaborate to match your plan later, but this is pretty much what you’ll be doing.
5. Say goodbye to your friends, family, and social life.
6. Begin marathon training.

Donate now for extra tips on why the above is seemingly a good idea for me for the third time.