Psychology of the long run

I have to admit, psychologically 22 miles seems a lot longer than 20. So while I was driving to Smithville lake for the last really long run on my training schedule I was a little apprehensive, and maybe even a little nervous. I'd already run 35 miles for the week, and I wondered if my legs would carry me another 22 and all in one chunk. I'd finished my first two 20 mile training runs successfully, but I didn't feel great about either one.

It was cool and clear, but not yet dawn, when  I got under way. I debated all the way to the lake (it takes about 25 min. to get there) and for the first few miles what my loop would be. I didn't think I could carry enough sports drink to go out 11 and then back to the truck, so how many miles would I want remaining once I did get back to the truck? 10? 8? 6? This was another psychological dilemma. I sure didn't want more than half the run remaining, and I also didn't want much, but at the same time I didn't want to run low on hydration.

Once I got warmed up and could gauge my hydration needs, I finally decided I'd go to the end of the trail - a little over 9 miles, and then back. With a couple of little side trips, I reached the truck with 2.9 miles remaining. I rested for a couple minutes, ate part of an orange, drank quite a bit, and debated briefly whether I really needed that extra 2.9. I didn't, actually, and it sure was comfortable sitting around stuffing my face, but I knew I wasn't going to feel right baling at 19.1. I talked myself into running back down the trail the way I'd just come (oh the tedium), and finished it off as planned.

This long run was the best of the bunch so far, and it should have been, so I guess the training is working. I felt good all the way and my legs never really got very tired. If any part of my body was complaining at the end, it was my feet, which were getting a little weary. I did exactly 22 miles in 3:30:01, which is a 9:33 pace. I finished the week with 57 miles, and unless I run on Sunday, 166 for the month despite logging zero miles during one entire week.