This spring, I ran a half marathon, and it was, at the same time, worse and better than I imagined. Throughout these 2 hours of running (or 1 hour if you're a professional), you go through many stages, from exhaustion to excitement. In these stages are many, many thoughts. Thoughts to propel you forward, to distract, or (if you're anything like me) to figure out ways to get out of this painful situation you find yourself in. Here are 13 of the many thoughts you have during a half marathon.

1. Wow, it is too early for this. I think I earned my medal just for waking up.

2. Hey, you, dude doing warmups. Why? Why run more than we have to?

3. Wow, I feel great. I feel strong. I'm waving through so many people. I'm on fire!

4. I'm only how many miles done?

5. Oh look, a car. Take me with you!

6. I could break my ankle for this to end. Or just fall down dramatically. Oscars, here I come.

7. I see someone I know! Look tough, look tough.

8. See, only 5 miles to go. That's like a 5K, but like miles instead of kilometers. And I run 5Ks all the time. It's only like 3 miles and then one more mile on either end. Not so bad. I got this.

9. Yes kid, feel free to pass me. That's great for the self-esteem.

10. What am I going to eat after? Pancakes? Pancakes.

11. I'M DYING. Why haven't I written a will?

12. I'LL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN

13. Wow, putting one foot in front of the other really takes on a new meaning in this last mile.

At the end of the half, when the thoughts and the course have been run through, you can't help but feel proud of yourself. And maybe that's the point of running ahlf marathons, to prove to yourself that you can do what you never thought you could. To push mile after mile until you finally say....

(final .1) Yay I finished! Can't wait to do it all again!