Bucket list races

This is the bucket list of races that I've built up so far.

• Bay to Breakers-Running with not just California crazies but the creme of the crop from SF. 
• Mt Hood to Coast-a downhill course. Party on the coast, totally the way to go. 
• Reno Tahoe Relay-Amazing views. Couple it with a vacation. 
• New York Marathon - Marathon Major
• Big Sur Marathon-The race is supposed to be hilly but the views are supposed to be amazing. 
• Escape from Alcatraz-this is a tri that's pretty unique. You start off in the Bay and do a swim-run bike run
• London Marathon Marathon Major
• Tokyo Marathon- Marathon Major. Couple it with a vacation. 
• Bolder Boulder-Heard great things from a friend that worked at the race
• Pune Marathon-Just to say I ran a marathon in India. Would be afraid of being run over or drinking in water, or stepping in cow shit. 
• Athens Marathon-The Original. Enuf said. 
• Steamboat Classic 15k-Hilly and typically humid race in Peoria, IL. 

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.