20+ mile training runs

This Saturday I'll start my first of three 20+ mile training runs. for my one and only marathon (last summer) I only did one 20 mile run, 3 wks prior to the marathon, and I don't feel that was enough for me. So this round I'm doing a 20, 22, and another 20.
I'm already dreading the 20 miler this Saturday and it's just the beginning! I need to turn my attitude around, or it's going to be a real LONG 3 hours!

Oh it's weird but I kind of miss long runs. I agree with you if you can get a couple of 20+ long runs in that should help you substantially. I think you need the really long runs to prepare mentally. Good luck and please check back in after your long run this Saturday to let us know how it went

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GPRunner,

Good luck with the 20 miler...stay positive and it will work out. Try envisioning the finish and how great you will feel...I have gone through a training session recently where they say to put yourself already in the accomplishment and it makes it that much easier to get through it.

Can your 20 be a loop? I run in a park that is 2.6 miles long I love the loop. it breaks it down in easy parts. run two then fuel.

no more thinking about how long it is going to take...turn that frown unside down with you are gonna have x amt of hours ALL TO YOURSELF!!!

break it down to easy doeable parts then start chipping away at it. GP you are so tough...those super LR are gonna do the trick to help you reach your goal.

you need new music! do whatever you can to get some excitment into your run. I wish I could run with you. that would be fun!

Iam with Geely. I love loops. I ran Sparks Marina. 2 mile loops. It sounded so much better saying on 11 loops instead of 22 miles. Or 3 more loops to go.

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thanks for the feedback everyone! I appreciate it.
This 20 mile run will be a bit different than the next 2 that I do. I'm actually running a 10K in a neighboring town that morning. So my running partner and I are going to get there early, run the course once, then get ready for the race to run it again. I won't be "racing" it per se, but will pick up my pace somewhat. Then after the race we'll run another 8 miles. It's on a bike path that stretches for about 30 miles, so we'll have some new scenery and no traffic to deal with.
So, in most respects, this 20 miler will be mentally easier than the next ones I do because it'll be broken up into three things basically.

I always say if I get to the point where I don't enjoy running I will quit! We are lucky we can run that long I have friends that are suffering from cancer that are ultrarunners so I run for them. When I run my 40 mile training run Friday I don't dread it. I am thankful for it!!!
Remember we are lucky.

That is so true. Good way to look at it. When I was doing my long runs at the Marina when I'd start hurting I'd see people in wheelchairs cruising the Marina and I thought what they would to do be in my shoes and to feel what I am feeling. That always pushed me through my pain on my long runs. I'd catch myself tearing up over that sometimes.

Long runs hurt but when your done you feel so proud. It's worth it.

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You will have a lovely run. When your done please come back and post how it went k.

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I love the loop idea but I end up getting so bored with them, I feel the same way about out & back runs... I hate having to carry all my crap with me when I go out, but I am so afraid that if I stop home to refuel on a long run day it will be too hard to get back out the door! Does anyone have suggestions for staying motivated on the last few loops?