SLR- Slow Long Run- Building the Base and More

This is what my Sunday morning looked like the other week. Garmin/Big Brother knows where I ran, how hard my heart was beating, how fast my legs were turning over, how many calories I burned and much more. What it does not show is immeasurable, it is beyond the data. In so many ways, that is so much more helpful.

I've been trying to put into words and describe what running has meant to me and the impact. There is a community running with me that is more than the miles on the marathon route. It's the friends and family who help me put in the training and stay committed when it is cold and dreary. It is the supporters who generously contribute to a bigger cause. It is the motivation knowing that I am having an impact beyond the race.  It is the accomplishment of being part of a larger community, challenging ourselves and hoping to create inspiration through perspiration.

The marathon is months away and this is base building. Slowly building the base and incrementally putting on the miles. The long runs are the core of the training. I am trying to be patient as these runs are slow. That's why the're called SLR- Slow Long Runs. So every weekend I am adding a few more miles, about 2 at a time every few weeks. 14 miles feels like a long way and I wonder how will I run 26.2?

I know I will and I can run 26.2 miles, but I need to be patient and consistent. I planted bulbs in my yard this past fall and they are steadily growing just like my long runs. Last spring, Boston had pots of daffodils welcoming back the race.  Looking forward to daffodils this spring.

-- 

I'm honored to be running the 2015 Boston Marathon on the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Team! 

Please consider supporting me by donating online at

https://www.crowdrise.com/girlscoutsboston2015/fundraiser/malissazimmerman. 

Any contribution would be appreciated, even $10 for my 10^th Boston or $25 for my 25^th marathon.