The Wall

I have always been told by experienced runners, that if I can just make it past "the wall" then I can experience the "runner's high" and run long distances with no problem.  I can now say, I understand what they mean.  Last week I was able to finally break through the wall and run seven miles.  It's a new record for me!! YAY!! I actually felt good enough that I wanted to run more, but due to time I had to return home.  My question for you, is at what mile do you usually pass through the wall?

For me, the first mile of running is no big deal and enjoyable.  It's once I hit mile one the wall hits me like a thick black cloud of fog and I feel as if I am struggling to get through it.  Breathing becomes difficult and my body aches.  I have noticed that if I start the first mile out slower than my normal pace that these feelings come on less strong.  This week while running I've noted that it wasn't until I hit mile four that I knocked through the wall and finally experienced the "runner's high".  It really is exhilarating; something I could not understand until I finally accomplished it!