If you're anything like me, you will spend countless hours researching training strategies, nutritional advice, and running groups. If you’re even more like me, the effort is only 50 percent related to the run itself. The rest has everything to do with procrastinating.

But thanks to Google and various running websites, you have no excuse to burn a lot of time looking for information, whether you’re trying to shave minutes off your time or you’re just trying to finish. So, there’s really no excuse for putting off your runs. You can find everything you need within a few minutes. Here are some of my favorite resources:

1. www.mapmyrun.com
This site was my North Star, guiding me through the easiest and the toughest training days. You can map your own route, and the site will tell you its distance and elevation. You can also peruse routes created by fellow runners all over the country. It also has a pace calculator and a training calendar. Invaluable.

2. www.runnersworld.com
I got my training schedule for my first marathon from this site. It has plans for every experience level. Plus, there are articles on every conceivable running-related issue.

3. http://www.marathon-training-program.com/three-day-program-faster.html
My body took a serious beating from my first marathon, and because my second was just six months later, I wanted a program that would be a little gentler. This plan only has three runs per week plus cross training. It helped me shave 15 minutes off my time.

4. http://www.seafairmarathon.com/
Everything you need to know about the run, including a course map.

5. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/4/4_1/96.shtml
This gives you a very quick, easy calculator for figuring out your pace and mileage.

Now, let me tell you about the major “challenges” that you will likely face but others may be reluctant to write or talk about it: blood and poop. Let’s just put it straight out there. First, you will likely chafe during your training and will almost certainly blister or bleed in some previously inconceivable way during your race. Body Glide (or one of itsclose relatives) will be your best friend. Put it along your short line, under the seams of your clothes, on top of your feet, wherever there may be problems. Boys, get some band-aids to put over those nipples. No kidding. I know you may feel self-conscious, but it certainly beats the attention you’d get from having blood stains running down your shirt.

As for Number Two (sorry, couldn’t resist), food consistency is key. Let your body get used to digesting the same meal before all your long runs, and you’ll be thankful. Also, use the same energy gels and sports drinks throughout your training and race. You’re going to be shaking up everything in your stomach for 26 miles. If there’s anything new and different in there, it’s like shaking up cola in a can. And, look out. The explosion ain’t pretty.

All runners have their own opinions about what to eat and drink during the race. The Runner’s World website has a lot of great info. I found that G2 was my favorite drink because it has all the electrolytes but wasn’t as sweet. Accelerade gels got me through the toughest patches – tasty, full of carbs, and each pack also has some protein in it, which really helped my muscles recover. Now get off the internet and run.