Kelly Langfeldt and Andrea Feltz are more than friends, they're training partners -- a plus for anyone considering a marathon.

Andrea says, "It keeps you motivated, makes you show up. You know you have other people waiting for you – gets you out of bed and gets you going."

To make it through the miles, Certified Fitness Trainer Lori Johnson urges runners to cross train. Along with three to four runs a week, work muscles laterally, not just back and forth.

Lifting weights and strengthening the core helps prevent injuries. Then it's time to pick a race.

Lori says, "Start with something small. You can make small goals and attain those goals. Do a 5k, then a 10k, then a half marathon or a marathon. It will also give you an idea of what happens at an event."

If you're eyeing a full-blown marathon, check the calendar. It takes about 14 weeks of training to get up to speed.

After six marathons, Andrea and Kelly know personal bests are nice, but the best feeling is just crossing the finish line.

Kelly says, "You don't have to be a fast runner to be a good runner. There are people that walk and run. You don't have to be competitive with anyone. Just go do it for yourself."