Man, running is hard. Whether it's the 10k at the conference championship or the 100-meter dash at a dual meet, we all understand the pain of trying to run track. So here I am today to bring to light the 11 phases of racing, as told by everyone's favorite cartoon sponge.

1. When your coach tells you what event you're racing.

It's Tuesday afternoon at your daily track meeting and coach pulls you aside and says, "Hey, I put you in the 5k for this weekend, GET READY." THAT IS 12.5 LAPS NO ONE WANTS TO RUN.

2. Trying to get everything ready for race day.

So, it's Friday night and per usual, you have done absolutely nothing to prepare for the meet until the last possible second. Now you're trying to get everything ready in a 2 hour time span.

3. Waking up and walking to the bus.

For some reason, all coaches like to be THE FIRST ONES AT THE MEET, so your departure time is 7 AM or earlier. If you're anything like me, you went to bed at approximately 12 AM, and try to pry yourself from your soft bed on the morning of a meet.

4. Standing on the line.

You've warmed up, you've eyed up the competition, you've eaten all your meals and snacks and now you are REARING UP AND READY TO RUMBLE. The guy starting the race seems to be taking hours, so that just adds to your excitement/anxiety.

5. When your competitor starts making their move.

So it's mid-race and you've gotten out well, but then you notice a light breathing right over your right shoulder. You notice your competitor is gaining on you quickly and has now passed your teammate, who was a few meters back from you. You start to get worried, but keep your eye on the prize.

6. When you get to the finishing straightaway.

Applicable to every event because you know when you get to that straightaway, you are leaving it all out there. Your teammate has dropped your arch nemesis rival from another team and both of you are BOOKING IT down the final stretch.

7. When you cross the line and see you got a new personal record.

You finish your race and shoot a quick glance over to the clock to see your time when you realize you actually PRed. You are so overcome with joy that you forgot that you have actually been laying on the track for 10 minutes and the officials are yelling at you...BUT THEN YOU REALIZE

8. THAT YOUR BFF PRed TOO

So now both of you are laying on the track holding hands and the officials have had just about enough of both of your antics.

9. When the hype dies down and you realize you're missing something.

Ok, you were really excited before and you just ran a race so you are probably PARCHED. Honestly, you could drink a whole pitcher of water if it was put in front of you. So off you go, in search of that special, sweet elixir.

10. Eating after your race.

Cooldown is done and you are FAMISHED. So the team stops at some grocery store on the way back to school and you buy 45 mozzarella sticks, 32 subs and a 2 liter bottle of soda because heck! You raced today, you deserve it.

11. When coach reminds you about long run.

You're just about to step off the bus, when coach stops everyone and says "DO NOT FORGET. 8:30 AM LONG RUN TOMORROW" and a small piece of you dies inside.

Running is hard work, but in the end, it's always worth it. Good luck out there, folks! Stay focused and kick some butt!