1. they're happy runs. everyone running feels like a pretty okay athlete, because the distance isn't a small feat, but it's not so far that you pretty much want to die at the end. it's just far enough that you're smiling about 80-90% of the way through and right back to smiling within seconds of finishing.
2. you can break it down to a 5k with a 10 mile warm up.
3. you have to train for it. again, it's the distance thing. not so long that it'll kill anyone (i don't think i've read about too many people dying in a half), but long enough that you'll feel the muscles work.
4. they're generally put on with full marathons which means there's decent support staff and cheers.
5. you burn something equivilant to a big mac, chocolate milkshake and medium fries, which is the *perfect* mcdonalds meal.
6. gu is perfectly acceptable. well, at least one is. more than that and maybe you're overdoing it. but nothing like a delicious chocolate outrage about mile 8 for a sweet reward for the work already in ad fuel for the next 5.1.
7. none of that mile 20 temporary insanity nonsense. those of you who've run something over 18 miles more than a few times know what i'm talking about. that moment when you totally lose the ability for rationale thought.
8. in the summer, you'll get a pretty good tan running this distance, but probably won't burn if you have an okay base and forget sunscreen. so long as you don't mind the sports bra and running shorts tan lines. tres chic.
9. 9 or 10min miles at this distance = about 1 movie for those days spend on the dreadmill.
10. unless it's a bad running day, you should probably be able to maintain control of and feel all of your muscles the entire way. none of the "i couldn't feel my legs for the last 3 miles" that you get with full marathons.
11. training takes about half the time. sorta.
12. the full marathon is the next day (if/when you're running the goofy!!!)
13. the medals are just as cool (i assume).
