Breakthrough: My legs stopped complaining as much around June 22nd and some of my speed came back, making interval track work tolerable. Nice to feel "strong" again.

Had satisfactory 4 mile & 10k races near end of month, not real fast, but I ran tough and as competitively as I could, getting top "masters" in one race, 2nd "master" in the other... That's OK, I'm training for longer races...I was able to run long miles in the days following those races without ill effects, the rewards of training are kicking in.

I really like the shorter races in small towns, glad I'm getting to do some of them, takes me back to what I feel for me is the essence of the sport. Nothing like a summertime lung-burning, leaden-leg last mile duel with other runners to the finish line. High-fives, hand shakes, and sports drink after the battle as well.

Will be on a slight "intensity" taper (while maintaining most of the mileage) for the next two weeks leading to the next 50k trail race, which is promising to deliver a beating.