Twenty Mile Training Run

I know I said I would not be running around the Lake Merritt 6 times but I did not want to carry water so I decided to bite the bullet as I was not able to make the group run since out of town. It does make it easier running in a giant circle although the scenery is a bit on the repetitive side. I do not listen to tunes while running - and running solo for that many miles is a challenge but one does see quiet a few "interesting" people when spending 2 1/2 hours in a setting where many people appear to be walking during their lunch break. I was hoping to possibly meet up with someone putting in some long miles but they appeared to be going in the opposite direction- so it was indeed a run on my own. I have a new pair of shoes I am breaking in and am only having problems with my left shoe- a constant rubbing on the ball of my foot. It appears the shoe is not as snug as the right so I had to make many adjustments with the laces on just about every lap- finally solving that after 15 miles. I'm considering placing the shoe in boiling hot water to see if it will shrink a bit but that probably won't work- or maybe 2 socks in that shoe? It feels like sandpaper or a burning on my skin- but after taking off the shoe I saw that there are no blisters. I know that might be a problem in the run- and of course the feeling of fatigue at mile 20 (which I did feel) and how I might be able to move through it mentally. I feel pretty good tonight so I think my recovery will be quicker as compared to the first 16 mile run accomplished weeks ago which stayed with me for days afterwards. I also wanted to have a feel for the concrete that I will be pounding during the run. I know it will be more exciting during the race which will make the time and miles pass by quickly. I also wanted to run the flats and not push it like I do in some of my other workouts with hills. I will be patient and believe that it all will come together for the marathon. Days off here and there, sickness or minor injury will not make a difference in finishing - that is where the strength of mind will come to play in the final 6 miles.