1. The race doesn't start at the gun.

Performance is dependent on preparation. Sure, that might mean spending a week running hills at practice or waking up before dawn to get in some training before classes, but you'll be that much faster for it. (You can thank Coach later)

2. Giving up isn't an option.

Okay, yeah. You might debate faking an injury at mile 2, but deep down you know that crossing that finish line is really the only way out. So leave it all on the course and ride out that runner's high on the cool down mile. (There will be water at the finish line)

3. A little bit of pain just means that you're trying (or dying, who knows).

Side stitches, shin splints, and sore legs have become commonplace. It's been months since you haven't struggled up a staircase after practice. But hey!, you're actually feeling yourself getting better. You're actually feeling progress. And, chances are, you're also feeling a little sense of pride from a job well done. (Don't worry, if you can't climb into bed, sleeping on the floor is always an option)

4. People are crazy.

You're crazy. She's crazy. Every single runner on the line is crazy. I'd be willing to bet that first place is the least sane of us all. It takes a special kid of person to willingly run as fast as they can for miles and miles, but that kind of drive is what sets distance runners apart. (What is "normal" anyway?)

5. The right team can make any number of miles bearable.

Misery loves company and nothing brings a group of strangers closer together than blood sweat and tears stretched out over the course of approximately one million miles. Spending your Tuesday afternoon running 8 miles or enduring a 2 hour bus ride at 6am on a Saturdamight not fit the conventional definition of "fun", but somehow your teammates make it all worth it. (Love you guys.)