You don't have to run a marathon but it certainly helps to train like a runner. The HDA Fitness Philosophy to an Athletic Lifestyle consists of 5 parts:

Run!  It's the easiest thing to do and no other cardio excercise comes close to burning the calories given duration and effort.  But always be in the process of training for something meaningful! Make it a challenging event. Let your family and friends know what you're doing! It helps to make you accountable.  Half Marathon and Marathons are good examples. Make sure you have a well thought out plan that incorporates the right amount of running, cross training, strength training, flexibility training, nutrition and recovery! (This exact plan is delivered in detail for all of my athletes)

Reload!    When the milestone is reached, enjoy the moment, but recognize that the Journey is far more important than the goal.  Reload immediately and stay on the Journey! You can find a marathon or half marathon (not to mention about 8000 5Ks, 10Ks, 10 milers, etc. ) every weekend in this country.  A solid training program will be broken into two main training cycles per year.  A spring/summer training season for a Fall Marathon, and a Fall/Winter training season for a spring Marathon or Half Marathon. 

Cross Train with CrossFit  Runners must stay healthy!  Strengthening your entire body is essential to an athletic lifestyle and keeping you on your feet.  Crossfit utilizes a number of techniques to strengthen, tone, and most importantly keep your body healthy. 

Nutrition!  At Hammer Down Athletics nutrition is delivered in two parts.  Weight Loss or Weight Maintenance.  All athletes at HDA work with Coach Todd to create the exact nutrition ratios to fuel the body correctly and appropriately.

Communicate with Coach Todd.  Every individual varies and adaptiations to training occur at different rates for different people.  Communicating with Todd on a weekly or even daily regimen is an essential portion of the program.