There are 3 things that runners love doing,

1. Running.

2. Talking about running.

3. Tricking their friends, family members, significant others, co-workers, and random strangers into running.

I see you laughing, you're laughing because you know that it's true! We've all done it! These are the 12 stages of tricking your friends into running a half marathon.

1. The Opportunity.

Give us a millimeter and we'll run a mile! We see an opening and we're running with it!

2. The Silver Lining.

I know your heart is broken but I know exactly how to distract your heartache! We'll make your whole entire body hurt!

3. The Revelation.

Oh yeah. 13.1 miles! You, me and a half marathon! WE CAN DO THIS! COMMENCE INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH...

4. Vulnerability.

Watch us relate to you and show you how we got through it. (Vindication doesn't hurt either.)

5. The Offer You Can't Refuse.

Is it hot in here or is it just intense? Yeah, watch out because we're going for the kill. We won't take no for an answer.

6. A Moment of Reflection.

Boom. Truth bomb.

7. Resignation.

Time is of the essence when we get a yes. Don't be alarmed when we whip out a phone or a computer so that we can get you registered as quickly as possible.

8. Lock It Down.

Feeling overwhelmed? Fear is good! It's good to feel! Don't worry about it! Just keep entering your information into that registration form!

9. The Pressure.

Don't mind us, we're just doubling down and making sure you don't back out! Don't think about those doubts and fears, just press submit! Just press that button. Just do it. Do it. Do it.

10. The Moment of No Return!

YOU DID IT! There it is! It's done!

11. The Celebration.

Wooooooooooooooooooooooo! We're doing it! We're running a half marathon!

12. The Realization.

Then you realize what just happened and your life flashes before your eyes...Don't panic! It's just one foot in front of the other! It may feel impossible today but step by step, you'll get there! And yes, it just might change your life!

These are the struggles of living with a runner: Being tricked into running a half marathon.