Its got to be done. You will never achieve anything if you do not put in the work necessary. Training involves getting out and getting the miles in. How you do this will depend on many factors and the most important will be what your goal or target is. If it is to be a fun runner and complete the odd race then a relaxed schedule of running will do fine up to a point. If you want to be competitive then a more strenuous, targeted approach will be necessary. This will involve training up to 5 or 6 times per week and cover various elements of running ie. short runs, long runs, speed work, hill work etc.
No matter what level you are at you should try and look on it as an enjoyable experience - it will not always seem that way, but if you remain focused and keep to the programme then you will get the results you want and the satisfaction of achieving something worthwhile. The main thing is - stick with it......
