You can try rumrunn6's advice but be careful. I've found that kind of set up to be mushy at best. I find that brakes are better when run close to the wheel and just learn how to apply the needed pressure for stopping and speed control. That's a reason that people rave about discs. There is very little lever travel from full off to full on.

Also be careful about having too much travel. Brakes don't do any good if the lever is bottomed out at the handlebar and the bike isn't stopping