The similarities between school and endurance

Ever done a marathon, Ironman or other really long endurance race? There is a point in the race where the monotony (sp?), pain, aggravation, etc just keeps gnawing at you - and you want to quit. Well, school for me was just like that but worse! I was supposed to graduate this semester, then Hurricane Katrina struck. I temporarily lost my job. My school was shut down. Things were not going to plan at all. There was this point about a year ago where I was really close to quitting. Somehow I got past the point and continued on, just like endurance racing. Well here I am just 5-6 weeks out. I am back working, my school reopened under very unusual circumstances. Right now, I feel as if I am the point in the endurance race where you know the finish line is right around the corner, you can barely hear the announcer and crowd in the distance; you are a worn out puppy; your race may have had some low spots; you are sore and tired; you were tired of this race an hour ago; but then - you hear the crowd, suddenly your body summons up the strength. Your limpy wimpy pace gets stronger. Your wilting limp body becomes more erect. The shoulders go back, the chest goes out. The running becomes easy again. Energy and excitement overtake you. You finish strong! That’s how I feel right now in school except to a higher degree. I had more lows associated with this degree than endurance racing. Its exactly like the point in an endurance race when I am just starting to hear the crowd.....