Surprisingly to myself I was able to run 10 miles at 6:43/mile tonight in training without too much discomfort. I changed to a 2-1 breathing pattern for the last two miles, but even that wasn't painful at all. My 10-mile PR is 1:06:49. Tonight I hit the 10-mile mark at 1:07:17, and the effort was definitely not race effort. Another comparison that I hit the 10-mile mark in the Urban Bourbon Half at 1:04:39. Not a whole lot faster than tonight, and that was definitely race effort, tapered, perfect temperature, (though with some tough hills). In any case, it seems like I at least maintain my form. Good signs all around.

Jack Daniels says that the psychological value of marathon paced longer runs is important. I get it. It's nice to know that I can.