. . . and what have I learned?

Ok, so when I started this blog many, many months ago I used to start with: 'week whatever, and what have I learned?'. Well I feel at the beginning of Part 2 I should look at Part 1 and ask that same question, because if I am to succeed with this challenge I really need to take stock of everything I have learned, so what exactly do I need to work at:

1)     I really must work harder at hats.  It's clear I need one but it may take a whole shopping trip all of it's own.
2)     Having studied all the photographic evidence available, longer hair does me no favours - this has already been dealt with.
3)     Also, having studied all the photographic evidence available, I need to smile just a bit when I run.
4)     And also, having studied all the photographic evidence available, camera's are to be avoided when ever possible, before, during and after a marathon, or any form of exercise, or ever really!
5)     Fancy dress for any future marathon's should be given serious consideration, particularly anything with a mask.
6)     However cold  or wet it might be never, never allow myself to be draped in a see through poncho or indeed a tin foil blanket!.
7)     Eating in the days leading up to a marathon or any long run is essential as is drinking.
8)     To take a lot of time organising the whole weekend to make sure it works for me, it's as easy as it possibly can be and there are no hidden obstacles.
9)     To remember on the day all the things I have done during training runs.  I have always said that when I run long distances I kind of go 'inside myself', I have various thoughts for different periods of the run, different things that I say to myself.  I don't remember using any of these strategies on the day of the marathon.  I was so busy taking in and being over-whelmed by everything that was going on around me.
10)     And finally and I think very importantly, I have just got that the marathon is not a team event, you have to run your own race at your own speed, your own way, for your own reason's.

So, quite a lot to work on and at least until Christmas there are many other things and many other people who have to be dealt with and considered.  I have many battles that need fighting at the moment on many different fronts.  They all require time and energy so it will be hard, a lot harder than this year.  First job:  secure a place for Madi and me, oh and I have to sort the student loan people, and I have some photo's that need doing, and a few letters I need to write - but I must get rid of the pile of ironing first or should I clean the windows first . . . and training, I really must get on and get running outside again, that will of course mean going through the garden that is a wilderness, that will need some time, then there's work, what to do about work?.  I think for now, as it's 2 am, I really need to get to bed and re-group in the morning, maybe it will be a bit clearer then.