This is a full 26 miles?
Have you done much running? (e.g. Half Marathons?)
I don't know if it is doable in such a short time - I've never done more than 13 myself.
The key thing is to get your feet / legs working comfortably and reliably.
Blisters can be prevented by keeping your feet dry, and good shoe fit. 2 pairs of running socks, and a good spray of anti-perspirant can help. Try not to get them on your long training runs.
Cut your toe nails back as far as you can. I don't know how many you'll lose over 26 miles.
You need a proper set of road running shoes once you've had your gait analysed, but get out with your current trainers and figure out where your weak points are... Do you get calf pain? Are they tight? Are your feet moving around in the trainer (blisters)? Are you heavy footed? and then you'll have a better idea what you need.
In training terms, daily 1/2 hour runs will build up strength and make you run more efficiently, then perhaps a longer run each week with a rest day in between.
It is worth joining your local Parkrun (
www.parkrun.org 9 am Saturday). The trails they use are softer on the legs giving you an opportunity to open the taps and race a bit - the breakthroughs in technique happen in the final 200 yards.
Get your iPod out and use a varied song selection. Some to make you push and some to relax you. It will make the training runs much less of an ordeal.
I have a load of useful stuff I've been emailed that I can forward if it helps.
If you're new to running, it is a brilliant sport. The euphoria you can feel at times, and the physical and emotional benefits are immense. You get a track day every week!
Good luck with it!
