STRETCH THEM LEGS
The following guide depends on your age, level of current fitness, ect, but this should be an okay guideline.
Note: when running, a good way to measure your pace (esp if you're really out of shape/inexperienced): run at a pace where you could talk moderately, but cannot sing.
I'd suggest going out for 20-40min/day (4-5 days/week) for the first 3 weeks.
40-60min/day (4-5days/week) for the next 5 weeks
solid 60-70 min/day (5 days/week) for the next 3 weeks
Last week: 40min on days 1 and 2, 30min on the next few days
DAY BEFORE RACE: 20min easy run, then stretch like hell.
Stretching is the most important thing to do to prepare for this!!! Stretch quads, hamstrings, calves, hip flexors, groin, and glutes.
---------WHENEVER DOING A WORKOUT----------
1. jog for 10 min or so
2. stretch everything, should take 5min or so
3. run
4. cool down after running by jogging for 5 min
5. stretch immediately after cooling down for a good 10 min
This should work for a person between 15 and 40 who is in halfway decent shape.