Exam certs are like marathons

With my CISSP exam coming up this weekend, I was thinking about the exam. I realized that preparing for the exam itself is very similar to training for a marathon. Granted I've only done one marathon but the experience has stayed with me (for better or for worse)

• A marathon training plan is typically 18 weeks ~4.5 months with a decent amount of conditioning.
  Exam prep takes 18+ weeks of consistent studying.
• With a marathon, never ever ignore your long run. It is what helps you get ready for the full race distance.
  With the exam, taking multiple full length exams will help you get a feel for the types of questions and the amount of questions and help you ration your time.
• Most marathon training plans have the last 2 weeks as taper weeks with low mileage. My last two weeks before the exam have been relatively light so as to not stress myself out too much.
• Commitment-Both obviously take lots of commitment to do well with.
• Relief-once you're done you feel so relieved.

If I go any further, I'll just be stretching the analogy.