Saturday morning long run in DC

I've decided on a long run route. I'll start on New Hampshire Avenue (just Southwest of Dupont Circle) about halfway between N and P Streets. I'll continue on New Hampshire Avenue and circle around Dupont Circle to P Street, on which I'll run East. Continuing on P Street to 15th Street, on which I'll run South. Continuing on 15th Street to L Street, on which I'll run East. Continuing on L Street to 14th Street, on which I'll run South to Jefferson Drive. I'll circle The National Mall twice and head back the same way to Connecticut Avenue and Dupont Circle. ~8.1 miles -- ~.1 miles shorter than my long run last week

I think it was smart to have chosen a long run route equal in distance to that of my long run last week. Two reasons: 1) It's recommended that runners, particularly those training for marathons, build mileage at a percentage no greater than 10. I have been building mileage at ~15%. That said, this is an opportunity to bring my mileage more in line with where it should be; 2) Although, technically, not a recovery week, it's smart to build these into your plan, whenever possible. By not adding one mile or more to my long run this week, I'm, in essence, giving my body a break from the addition of more miles (albeit not less but equal). I hope this proves to benefit my training and leaves me fresh for Week 6.