Long Runs Getting Very Hard...

Well, a few weeks and no posts is no good. But I'll put an end to that for at least a moment. Did my long run yesterday, Sunday was a change since I went to Belleville for the first part of the long weekend. Then it was back on Saturday afternoon to have a nice evening with Meg, a run Sunday and then off to dinner with Meghan's parents.
The run this Sunday wasn't as bad as last weeks, this was only 12 miles, but there was still a bit of a headwind at times (and headwinds and I are mortal enemies....). The 16 miles Kev and I did from Stittsville to Richmond and back last weekend were much worse. I kept up to Kev for probably somewhere in the 10 mile range, but after that the headwind destroyed me. I split a lot of walking at that point with some running. I finished 20 minutes behind Kev, but, at least I finished.
This weekend the 12 miles as I said, wasn't as bad. There was a headwind at times, but most of the run was fairly pleasant, it was a lot warmer for one. I ran (or at least started) with Kev, Steve and Grant... all of them in much better shape than I. At a mile into the run, I said goodbye to them... and started a walking break. These guys didn't break until 1:20 into the run, almost 3 miles from the end. Crazy. Anyway, I last saw them as I came upon Dow's Lake, they were about to cross under Bronson. I probably finished somewhere in the neighbourhood of 20 minutes after them again... but, that's fine. I finished. 18 Miles this coming weekend - daunting.