I have a theory when it comes to long runs. This is just based on personal experience, and I have no idea if anyone else agrees or not. To me, it seems like the 16 mile long run is the most your body can do on it's own. It is a pretty grueling distance, but entirely different than the 20 mile long run; the longest I will do in training. The 16 mile run requires all the same preparation as the 20 miler, same methods of hydration and on-the-go fueling, but it feels so different. That extra 4 miles, which is an extra 25%, feels like way more than that. My theory is once you get over mile 16, it becomes more mental than physical. Your body is in much more pain and wants to stop. No amount of gels or swigs of gatorade make you feel any better. The only thing that feels good to your body at that point is stopping.
Today was my 16 mile long run. The weather was nice and cool with barely any breeze. I felt good, not great. I ran a pretty hard tempo run this Wednesday (8 miles at 7:35/mi), which I was still feeling the effects of. Nevertheless I was able to trot along around a 9:00/mi pace for all 16 miles. With next week being a taper week, it will be two weeks until my next long run; of 18 miles. I know that the first 16 will be difficult, but the real challenge will be those last 2. I'm looking forward to it.
I think my 10 in 2010 idea will provide an extra boost on all long runs now. I am ahead of pace to hit 1,000 total miles at this point in the year, with just over 252 total miles ran. I'm motivated to hit my overall goal, and excited about my progress.
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