For all you endurance athletes out there, here are some of the emotions you experience during a marathon, triathlon or a cycling century

Anticipation– Waiting at the start, fully prepared and wanting the race to commence

Euphoria– The race is underway, floating along in a crowd

Adrenaline– Setting a quicker than usual pace early in the race

Fortitude– Slowing down to normal pace, still a long way to go

Boredom– not even half way and your mind is wandering

Denial– Your pace drops off and your legs feel tired, you believe its just a minor blip.

Anger– Why did you get into this, who decided it should be so long

Bargaining– Telling your tired legs they can have a short rest but must then go on to finish

Depression- You seriously think about quitting, when will the pain end you ask yourself

Acceptance– You know you will not achieve a great time but will finish with dignity

Fortitude– Not far from the end, you decide not to give up and just keep going

Adrenaline– close to the finish and cheered by crowd you get another burst of energy

Euphoria– you cross the finishing line feeling no pain or discomfort

Afterglow– You get a buzz and want to do another long race sometime soon