You need to start running everyday even if it's a slow pace. You could even take up cycling. It allows you to get good endurance and is easy on the joints.
Always stay hydrated before and after runs. But honestly right now I can run at most 9 miles. I wouldn't even think of running 26.2 in Feb unless I trained everyday.
STRETCH! Also, but some good running shoes.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.