prep for marathon

Question
Hello Milton !

About three months ago, I started preparing for a marathon. Last weekend I ran 6.2 miles (the marathon is 26 miles).
Based on my experience in the 6.2 miles run
-- no issues with breath
-- no issues with legs. but minor pains from my heel spur (right leg)
-- lot of sweating. causing sore nipples towards the end ( I did wear a cotton t-shirt)

I have about 5 months to prepare for my 26 miles run. Please help me with:
-- should I stay away from the 26 miles run because of the heel spur and sore nipples are the two pre-disposing conditions for injury ? if not, how should I approach my preparation so that I do not aggravate any exposure from heel spur and tendency for sore nipples.
-- how should I create my practice plan ? meaning, in what increments should I increase the distance/time? how many times a week should I run for short times and longer times ?
-- should I use whey protein supplement? if yes, how much before/after the running ( I am 6 feet and weight 195 lbs)
-- any specific tips you might have for me to follow.

thanks.

Anil

Answer
Hi Anil,

I am not qualified to talk about how to run a marathon, because I never ran any. I have done a lot of ultramarathons and ran across the USA, twice, but the pace is very different and the training program is not the same.

But I can tell you about the nipple problem: just put a bandaid, or tape over them. I like to use tape, the kind you use for bandages.

Regards,

Milton