I've been meaning to post about my half marathon for quite sometime.  Though I've moved on, I still feel a tribute to that day is long overdue.

13 (for the 13 miles I ran) things a half marathon has in common with life:

1.) It's hard.  Always hard; and though there are easier parts, it is still tiring and trying.

2.) Sometimes you feel like you are ahead of the whole pack and everything is going according, if not better, than planned.

3.) Sometimes you feel like you are lagging significantly behind the whole pack, and quite frankly it's not only discouraging, it's embarrassing.

4.) When you've got to go, you've got to go.  Though I didn't suffer this issue, nature called for many of the runners and they found it fitting to, well, "just go."

5.) The hills seem to come at the worst times.

6.) When you think you can't make it anymore, God always gives you another push.

7.) There has to be "a focus."  If you have no goal in a marathon or life you get off track.

8.) You also have to have an "end goal" to know where all the hard work is headed.

9.) Sometimes God surprises you in the best ways.  I found this in the delight that I was able to use an Ipod during the race, the mist of rain that periodically hit me, the lovely clouds that were perfect for running, and my favorite song ending at the best point as I crossed the finished line.

10.) Sometimes you surprise yourself.  My goal was 12 minute miles, and I did 9:50 minute miles for the whole race.

11.) It helps if there is something or someone good to look forward to at the end. :-)

12.) The accomplishment is worth working hard for.

13.) It's over before you know it, so enjoy!