The Big One

It's a beautiful, warm and sunny day here in the metro DC area, and I have the day off from work, so I figured I'd take advantage of the conditions to do my 20 mile run, the longest run of my training. Sadly, it ended up being something closer to 18 or 19 miles, and included more walking than any "run" should. I can't say what it was exactly that made this run so hard, aside from the distance. My knees hurt (but I finally bought some new running shoes, so I hope that helps soon!) and I was super thirsty--I lost another water bottle from my belt today, but thank goodness for Will, who sent me some extra bottles not too long ago, to replace the one we lost on our run way back in August. So, I'll have one to add for next time. Thanks, Will :)
More than anything, though, I think I was missing some necessary mental fortitude today, as always. I bought the most recent edition of Runner's World, which focuses on the upcoming fall marathons; included among its many tips were several references to mental training. I really need to work on that. And hills.