It can be difficult to determine a good marathon training schedule and then stick to it. I know all too well the temptations that can lead us astray. It's that temptation to eat that entire chocolate cake in one sitting. And then there's the all-too-powerful temptation to spend a whole Saturday in your bed, only getting up when you have to go to the bathroom.

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. It's very important to remember a few things after you've determined your marathon training schedule.

- 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 simply can't get motivated to do that running you planned do over the weekends for three months, get your loving family members to help out and try what I did: My husband drove the car a few feet in front of me and held a candy bar out the window.

- Yes, you do need to break in your jogging shoes. No, it does not mean using a meat mallet. It means you have to put on your new shoes and run with them.

- 'Choosing a running partner' means a human, and not a bottle of Jack Daniels.

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

- When you're jogging back home and have three miles to go, don't resort to hitchhiking.

- Taking a little nap in a ditch by the road is not only inadvisable, it's downright unsanitary.

You can find the motivation for sticking to your training schedule if you imagine the faces of the other competitors when you cross the finish line first. Picture them sobbing, screaming, and yelling; pretend to be modest as you're thinking, "No autographs please, just bask in the glow of the champion!" Have fun with your marathon!"