Put aside the 13.1 bumper sticker and obvious bragging rights that come along with running a half marathon, there are many other reasons that come to mind to run a 13.1 mile race. In 2013, I thought it would be "cool" to do one so I just signed up one day, not realizing what the next two months had in store for me. I was already a month into many suggested 3 month training plans so I decided to put this in my own hands. I became hooked, and little did I know that it would be the first of four (and counting!) races that I'd run

I started to run 3-4x a week, anywhere from 2-5 miles. It became an incredible commitment. I would wake up and run at 6:30 am before school and sometimes run after school and tennis if I was feeling up to it. The other 3-4 days I was cross training. I played tennis and I took spin classes at Flywheel, which gave me an incredible amount of endurance through interval training and nonstop cardio. I sprinkled a bit of yoga in here and there to increase flexibility and work on my breathing. Life got in the way a lot, and I wouldn't be running as much as I would have liked to, but so what? I was still working as hard as I could, and it was becoming a full time job!

I ran the Philadelphia Half Marathon in 2013 and 2014 and the Odyssey Half Marathon in 2014. The Philadelphia Half Marathon was incredible, running beside 30,000 other athletes. I'll never forget the last 15 seconds of sprinting to the finish line- knees weak, legs like spaghetti. The finish line is something you can always keep in the back of your mind. Struggling on finding a thesis for your paper? Tell yourself "if I completed that half marathon, I can do this." It gives you an "I can do anything" mentality. Of course, this may not help you construct your thesis faster, but it will give you more confidence. It will give you something to look back on and something to look forward to. I've had countless flashbacks to spots on both courses, where I wanted to quit but didn't. I struggled (to say the least) at miles 8-10 in both races and became very negative, but then I looked around and saw the thousands of other people in my position. It was almost like a metaphor for our lives. No matter what's going on in our heads, we need to open our eyes and realize that we're not alone. Even though I wasn't running these races for time, I couldn't walk for more than a minute because hundreds of runners would pass me. They pushed me and they didn't even know it. I listen to my half marathon playlist every time I take a run and listen to songs that remind me of running by the Zoo or down Broad Street, surrounded by signs, cheerleaders, and cowbells.

It was mile 6 in the Philly Half and I walked for the first time to get up a hill (wasn't doing so hot to say the least). A complete stranger on the sidewalk said "Go Eliza! You can do it!" Wait....Who are you and how do you know my name? I was confused for a good minute until I looked down at my runner's bib and realized it had my name on it. Yes- I felt SO stupid, but I smiled and laughed (even with crazy cramps in my quads) because this stranger was cheering me on. Feelings of worthiness and invincibility will flood your head as you pass screaming fans at each mile. I'll be taking on my third Philly Half in three weeks.

So why should you run a half marathon? Maybe its for the endless food afterwards. Or the confidence booster. Or the medal. Or for the classmate who was an avid runner that passed away recently. Or the love for pain and burn. Or the simple thrill and adrenaline rush you get when the horn blows and the clock starts and your favorite song comes on. Or the amazing shape you get in, physically and mentally. Or maybe it's to be known for something, as that girl or boy who loves to run half marathons and is incredibly dedicated to running and fitness. Or finally, that feeling that no can stop you, no one will stop you. It's you, your head, and your 13.1 mile course. Conquer it, defeat it, or do whatever you need to do to cross that finish line physically and mentally. You won't regret it.