Training and Annealing

Through the past 8 weeks of training, I have come to realize one thing. The farther you push your body, the better it gets!! Of course, overtraining or overexerting will mean damage, but if one can find the perfect balance to push oneself, but not overdo it, then training can do wonders to the runner's fitness! That is where having such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable coach like Tom really helps!!!
Training can be compared to the process of Annealing!! In annealing, a metal is heated to high temperatures, and then slowly and systematically cooled so that equilibrium is achieved at each temperature level. This improves the metal's microstructure and its properties, such as ductility and malleability.
Training is just like that! Every week, we have been pushing ourselves much further than what we have been used to. The body gets fatigued, and then is allowed to recover. When the recovery is complete, the body actually attains a higher fitness level than what it was at earlier. In the process, the ability of the body to sustain high stress is increased. The body becomes flexible enough to adapt to different loads. I guess you could say the body becomes more malleable and ductile!!
But training in a systematic manner is the key!!
Its a great feeling, when each successive week, I challenge myself to longer distances, or better times, and my body responds to achieve that goal. It really gives you lots of confidence in yourself!!
Last but not the least, I have been reading about running, related problems etc. The following links are a good reference for runners:

1) Selecting a good pair of running shoes:
http://www.therunningadvisor.com/running_shoes.html

2) Typical running related injuries and problems:
http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/runnersknee.htm
http://home.sprynet.com/~holtrun/knees.htm