training of the spirit

so training plan- check
nutrition plan- updated check

but what about mental training?  how do you prepare for the longest race you've ever run with a section that other runners say is monotonous - so I've run 18-20 miles a few times by myself without boredom or mental fatigue, completed a marathon with a long somewhat boring straight stretch down the main road in the obx- talked myself thru hard parts of races of varying lengths but what about the rumored monotony of 26 on the c&o-  I am good with being with my own thoughts- I prefer to run with myself rather than a ipod music or podcast  often enjoy chatting with others during group runs although I admit I am more of a listener.  can you train for mental part?

I finished The Longest Race this morning and Ed Ayres said that the training of the spirit has been the years already spent training and racing.  we'll see..

The Longest Race