The phrase "was long" can be replaced by numerous synonyms which can convey a similar meaning. Such examples include "was lengthy", "was protracted", "was extended", "was enduring", and "was drawn-out". "Was prolonged", "was time-consuming", "was interminable", "was lingering", and "was overlong" are also some other possible synonyms. In essence, all of these synonyms highlight the idea of something taking an extended period of time either due to length or the difficulty of the task. Whether you use "was long" or any of the aforementioned synonyms, the key is to use language that accurately depicts the situation without becoming overly verbose or confusing.