Update

I crossed the finish line after 5+ hours. All finishers were given a medal. It was not as hard as I imagined. The training was pretty simple but the running strategy was the challenge. The beginning was very dark and cold that I was having a hard time warming up. However, once I was moving it was easy to find a good pace and breathing rhythm. I stopped at every water station for a sip of gatorade  and two sips of water. This way my sugars got burned off when I reached the next water station as well as having a constant source of water coming in. When I hit the 13.1 I knew I was going to finish. There was plenty of athletic hotties that inspired me not to quit and even pursue Hahahaha . By the back half, I was seriously fading but the selfless support from the fellow runners and spectators was much appreciated. Surprisingly, my legs feel fine but what is bothering me is my middle back. May have to go to the chiropractor for an adjustment.

One more item crossed off my TO DO list.  

BTW I saw lots of people finish who did not look to be in such great shape. Overweight people, older people (60s), and even some muscle heads got medals for finishing. I am even considering a TER group to run in 2015. Just a thought

The way that I trained was pretty easy. First, I am 5'8" and weigh 240 Lbs. I have a heavy muscular build (12% body fat as of September) so moving this body requires lots of fuel and oxygen. The training started with a partner who is an experienced marathoner. We would start with a slow jog without music. We would converse together as we ran. Once I got winded, she would continue talking to me. This calmed me down to the point that I would not have to slow down. Not once did she push me or encourage me. Calming me down with slow conversation worked miracles, unlike my weightlifting trainers who shout encouragement and bark commands. Once we established a pace, the miles just rolled by. While training we did 10 miles two times a week while I ran two days on the treadmill. The treadmill technique was a little different. Every two songs I had to slow down and sip gatorade, then go back to speed. Kind of mimicking the water stations on an actual marathon.  

Pace, breathing, hydration and heart rate are the keys to completing a run. Secondly, finding a proper fitting pair of running shoes. I went to the New Balance store in Friendship Heights and spent a pretty penny on footwear just for this reason. I had to drop out of a run in Hawaii because of a blister caused by improperly fitting running shoes.  

The only hard part was the initial soreness. The quads and calf muscles hurt pretty bad the first couple weeks. A steady diet of an Amino Acid called Glutamine and the Jacuzzi helped immensely. After that my body got acclimated and it actually came easy.