genuinegirly

I'd like some advice from the seasoned distance runners.

Sunday I set out for a nice, long run. The goal was 18 miles. At mile 6, I was doing fine. By mile 7, I started falling apart. My legs became stiff and my muscles were sore. There wasn't any cramping, only dull aching muscles. I slowed down and stretched for about a half hour before starting back up again, but before long I was stiff again. I ended up walking the last 9 miles, feeling utterly defeated.

My pace was relaxed, on the slow side so I could enjoy the scenery. I was running on level roads with a few mild hills. I think I was adequately hydrated: about a liter over the 18 miles. It was humid and ~80 degrees Fahrenheit. I wasn't running on an empty stomach, but I don't recall what I had eaten beforehand.

While this was supposed to be my longest run yet, I've never experienced something like this, especially not as early as mile 7.

Have I hit some sort of wall that I need to overcome, or would I have done damage if I had decided to continue running? What causes this? Should I be more cautious about my diet and hydration for similar runs in the future? Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy