In reply to fast eddie:
Day after your first marathon, you'd swear you'll never do one again. After a few days, you'll say it wasn't so bad. Give is a week or so, and you'll be looking to knock off +30 mins next time.
For winter, I try and keep up park runs. Easier said than done given the rain and cold. I also do a lot of exploration runs, just finding out where that track goes, or whats up that hill etc. They may not be long, but they keep me interested. Winter is a good way to test out kit, for when you do your first ultra...