There are many, many different ways to go about successful training.  There are no "right" or "wrong" training programs.  Being out there on the roads, trails (treadmill for me on the cold days!) consistently is huge.  That being said, there are some training methods which have been proven to be more effective than others.  Training specific to the demands of the race you are training for is of the utmost importance to performing your best on race day.

 

I usually don't like "cookie-cutter" training programs, but if you're looking for some quick, easy, and individualized training, nikerunning.com has some good schedules.

 

Go to www.nikerunning.com and click on the "Train" button.  From there, you'll have to register.  Then click on "Schedules" and you'll be asked some questions regarding goal times, experience and some generall running questions.  You can pick a goal race and a goal time.  A schedule is then created for you to guide you to your goal race.  

 

Good Luck with your training!