After completing my second half marathon over a week ago, I thought I would share what I believe to be the 5 stages of running 13.1 miles just for fun. Just remember you're only half crazy if you run a half marathon.

Stage 1: Pre-Half Marathon Nervousness

You wake up early and remember that you willingly signed up to run 13.1 miles. Your emotions are excitement with a whole lot of nervousness. You start to think: can I do it? Well, take a deep breath because you can and you will; grab your sneakers and your protein bar because its time to run. Just remember the brunch and the medal at the end.

Stage 2: Starting Line Adrenaline Rush

At this point you are near the starting line. You are suddenly so excited to take off running even if it's for 13.1 miles. You look around you and see all the other runners who come in all shapes and sizes. With the adrenaline starting to take hold you start thinking about if you'll pass some of these people and how you can definitely run it all, right?

Stage 3: The First 6 Miles Success

The first 6 miles are done and you are feeling great. You have passed a bunch of people, listened to some great tunes, and your adrenaline is still pumping. There might be a huge hill coming up, but you know you can get over it. The gatorade stations keep you going and you figure you are almost halfway done. You can do this.

Stage 4: The Last 7.1 Miles Struggle

You might have spoken too soon. That hill was a lot harder and steeper than you thought. If you are like me then your hip is starting to hurt and the struggle is becoming real. Just remember the finish line and the awesome medal at the end. It hurts now, but you can make it.

Stage 5: The Crawling Finish

You see the finish line around the corner and even though your body hurts you still push yourself forward. You know there are race photographers taking finish line pictures so you put on the biggest smile you can muster and run across that line. Even though you just want to lay down and never get back up, you walk to your medal and the chocolate milk station. Your family is there to support you and to take pictures of you finishing. Though you know your body is going to be incredibly sore, you know that you just kicked ass and ran a half marathon. Nothing can beat the feeling of the medal around your neck and a cold chocolate milk in your hand.