Running slow has its own advantages. You get to see the place and people around you in more detail. You pay attention to things you have not noticed before. Last weekend I had to start running slow because of a side stich in my stomach – I thought I could do a long run without water. I did not want to stop a long run and decided to keep going. That was good – I doubt I would have run in the place I did otherwise. It is important to remind yourself to slow down and to see what is out there. I think my passion for the long runs comes from the need to slow down – you have to start going slower and that is the best part of it.