Submitted by Jenna

Just when you think you have had enough, life can hand you more… Today I completed my 4th half marathon and I'm halfway through my first marathon training. This race was challenging, lots of hills and lots of rocky dirt roads. As i was wandering these hills and enjoying the mountain view, I couldn't help but relate this to life. I would see the hill upon me and I would prepare for the climb, make it to the top and ease back into the run just in time for the next climb. We brace ourselves for the pain that we can prepare for, but sometimes just when we've had enough we realize theres another "hill" up ahead. We enjoy the in betweens and we coast along until the next challenge arises. Until i really got into running, and I mean really got into running I didn't understand it. The pain, the miles, the sweat ,the injuries, but every time I run I realize the reason... and today again like every time it hits me. Final stretch last mile, this energy comes over me and all I want to do is race!... because you have to finish strong after questioning every single mile, you are on your last one and you know whats at the end. Life is full of ups and downs, but when you succeed in handling them and get the "finish" You are the person you never thought you might be. Maybe even your own hero.