I just joined teamintraining to train for a marathon. so far the going is sore! poor muscles. I would absolutely find a group/groups to train with. a local running shoe/clothing store here in portland has meeting times for group runs posted as well as good running paths/trails around the area with details - length, hilly/flat etc. I'd imagine if you search perhaps craiglist or runnign specific communities you'd find group runs as well.

I'm on a 16 week training schedule which looks pretty much like this: long runs are saturday mornings increasing in distance up to max of 20 miles a month before the marathon (then mileage tapers/decreases). sundays rest days, mondays track work (run some laps, climb the bleachers, jog down, repeat or do squats/lunges/crunches/push-ups/other exercises in between laps on the track), tues& thurs weight lifting, weds easy runs (2-4 miles), and friday rest day.

I just began this weekend. i'm sore... but it's nice to exercise with other people at least half the time, kinda forces me to challenge myself more. =) I wish you luck!
-Kim

I see that a lot of my buddies are training for marathons lately.* I've always been interested but never really known how to get into it.* It seems a bit intimidating.* Any advice?

The best thing to do is join a "masters running" group or just find a bunch of runners that are all training for a marathon.* There will usually be a few personal trainers in the group too.
Basically you all get together several times a* week and do scheduled runs (some short, some very long) and everyone trains together

Running a marathon is one of those things that truly is more mental than physical.* I know that seems hard to believe.* But once you get your mind around the fact that with proper training, any healthy person can run 26.2 miles, you're past the hardest step.* The key is to train gradually - if you're a new runner, especially.* You should be able to run about 6 miles comfortably before you start into any training program.* After that, you just do your maintenance runs during the week (3-6 miles, generally) and a long run once a week that very gradually builds up the distance.*
I highly recommend joining a training group for your first run.* Most major marathons have organized training groups & runs, with little seminars along the way so you can get questions answered.* Having people with experience around is SO valuable.* I used Portland Fit when I decided to do my first one, and it was great.* They map out routes for your long runs, provide support on the courses, give advice, motivation, etc.* There are other "XXXX Fit" groups around the country...."Chicago Fit", etc.* Check to see if your city has one if your'e interested.
I ran track & cross-country throughout junior high & high school and always wondered if I could do 26.2.* When I started training for a marathon I just wanted to run ONE - to be able to say I'd done it.* Kind of one of those "Things To Do Before I Die" items for me.* But the journey and finishing it an accomplishing something like that was so inspiring that I've now done five in the past 4 years.* Three of those were in 2005 (three 'thons in 1 year was too many, in case you were wondering! ).* Now after doing that many I know that when I get above 15+ miles, my knees can't handle the wear & tear.* So now I train for half-marathons - my next one is on 4th of July this year.* I feel like I'm still accomplishing a big goal without going "all-out" on the full marathon.* I can say I've done it though, and that feels great!!
Sorry for the long post, but I'm passionate about running so I wanted to share my thoughts on this one!* Run on!