Brad,

Well done again, I like the idea of eating potato chips at the end!! Being so tired amd sore at the end you can at least be comfortable that you gave it your all - but you are right, nothing counts like "time with feet on the street" for preparation.
In working up to the Sydney Marathon ( my first) I just did the Gold Coast Half, my challenge is having the courage to put on the pace at 3km out...however when I finished I looked with admiration at the full marathoners - a great battle of mind over pain and fitness to the fore...well done, keep it up..(See you in Oz!!?)