End Of Line and Acupuncture

I have reached the second fourth week of my training plan, so I am now in a recovery week. It has been a rough couple of weeks. I ran some excellent training runs, had a PR on a 4.4 mile trail race, and had a few obstacles along the way including a calf strain and some really long hours at work. With all of this in the bag, I am seeing results. I ran some track intervals today for the first time in years... 17 years to be more precise. And to make things fun, I ran them at a track that I had not run on for 21 years! During my runs today, I was clocking 7-8 minute miles for several of the laps. I was not expecting those results. I also noticed that my easy runs are now averaging 9-10 minute miles. My heart must really be appreciating what I am doing as it is not working as hard as it used to. I get to recover this week... just a few short runs, and a couple of core/stength video workouts. All of this adds up to remind me that it is just 4 more weeks to my first 10K race.

I am also really looking forward to my acupuncture appointment this week. I have been seeing an acupuncturist since my foot injury last fall (which was not really an injury, but some really tight muscles). My acupuncturist also performs massage work at the same time, which really makes it a great experience. I was hesitant about acupuncture in the beginning but now that I have gone more than a few times, I have to say it really works for me. (Thank you to my wife, Kristy, for encouraging me to try it.) I did not schedule my appointment this week for my recovery week, but it just happened to work out that way and I am going to try to make sure to do the same in the future. I see no point in getting relaxed only to go out and undo everything with a strenuous run immediately afterwards.

On a side note, I went to the Endurance Sports Expo at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA today. It was a great place to learn about new products, stores and events in the area. I got a few of samples of products that I hope to try out soon. I also picked up several flyers for some other races and rides that I am going to think about running and riding. I also picked up a DVD from the On the Road series (by Spinervals) to help keep me motivated during my indoor bike training.