Why Being A Parent Is Like Training For A (half) Marathon

1. Training begins before sunrise.
2. It's 70% mental ("I can do this") and 30% physical.
3. Goals should be realistic and broken down into smaller milestones
4. Having a plan in place is essential
5. Rest is scheduled and necessary for recovery
6. While the flat course is ideal, there will always be hills
7. For every hill there is an up AND a down
8. You are stronger than you think you are
9. Part of training is figuring out what works for you...and what doesn't
10. It may be painful at times, but giving up is not an option
11. Don't forget to enjoy the scenery
12. It's not about winning, it's about doing the best you can do and finishing what you started