Why Being a Pre-PA is Actually Like Training for a Marathon

When you start your journey as a Pre-PA, it can feel like a never-ending uphill battle, full of stress, long hours, and more than a few moments of doubt. But here's the thing: being a Pre-PA is a lot like training for a marathon. Yep, you heard that right. It’s a long, tough journey, but when you cross that finish line and get accepted to PA school, it will all be worth it. Here’s why! 

1. The "Starting Line" Feels Like a Huge Commitment 

Training for a marathon doesn’t start with a single run—it starts with a decision. You have to commit to the process, even when the finish line feels way too far off to even imagine. Similarly, deciding to apply to PA school is a huge commitment. You’re in it for the long haul—studying for entrance exams, racking up healthcare experience hours, researching schools, and preparing your application. It’s a bit intimidating, but just like starting a marathon, it’s the first step toward an epic journey. 

2. You Have to Pace Yourself (No Sprinting Allowed) 

If you’ve ever tried to sprint through a marathon (spoiler alert: it’s not pretty), you know that it’s all about pacing yourself. This is where the marathon analogy really hits home for Pre-PAs. It’s easy to want to rush through everything—binge-studying, overloading your schedule with clinical hours, and frantically polishing your personal statement. But that’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, focus on steady progress. Take things one step at a time: prep for your GRE when you can, add shadowing hours gradually, and write your personal statement thoughtfully. Don’t try to do it all in one day, or you'll hit that "wall" sooner than you think! 

3. You’ll Have Some “Miles of Doubt” 

Every marathoner hits a point where they wonder, “What am I doing? Why am I running so far?!” For Pre-PAs, this happens during the application process—whether it’s a tough week of studying or a moment of doubt about your qualifications. It’s normal to feel like you’re never going to make it. But guess what? EVERY marathon runner has felt that way. The key is to push through those moments, remember your goal, and keep moving forward. You’ve come this far, and you’ve got what it takes to finish strong. 

4. You Need to Train (And Train Hard) 

Marathon runners don’t just wake up and run 26.2 miles. They train consistently, build endurance, and gradually increase their distances. Similarly, being a Pre-PA requires ongoing preparation. Whether it’s gaining clinical experience, acing your exams, or perfecting your personal statement, you need to train for the “big race” that is the PA school application process. It’s all about consistency—showing up every day, doing the work, and getting better with each step. 

5. The Support System Is Your Lifeline 

No marathon runner does it alone. From training partners to cheering crowds on the day of the race, support is key. The same goes for being a Pre-PA. Having a support system can make or break your journey. Whether it’s family, friends, mentors, or fellow Pre-PAs, find your tribe who will cheer you on during those tough weeks. The encouragement and advice you get from others can keep you moving when the going gets tough. 

6. You’ll Experience Some “Runner’s High” Moments 

Okay, let’s be real—training for a marathon is hard, but there are also those amazing moments that make it all worth it. Maybe it’s that moment when you hit a personal best during a training run, or when you finally nail a complex concept. For Pre-PAs, these “runner’s high” moments come when you hit milestones—like acing a practice exam, getting that shadowing experience you’ve been working toward, or finally finishing your personal statement. These moments of victory remind you why you’re in it, and they push you to keep going. 

7. The Finish Line Will Be So Sweet 

And then, after months of training, endless hours, and some very tough days, the marathon ends. You cross the finish line. You’ve made it. That’s exactly what it’s like when you finally get your acceptance letter to PA school. All that work, doubt, and sweat will be worth it the moment you get that golden email. It’s a feeling of triumph, excitement, and pride. You did it!

The Takeaway: You’ve Got This! 

So, what’s the moral of the story? Being a Pre-PA may feel like an exhausting marathon at times, but it’s one you’re fully capable of finishing. Pace yourself, rely on your support system, train hard, and don’t forget to celebrate the little victories along the way. And when that acceptance email comes, you’ll realize that every step—every mile—was worth it. 

You’re almost there. Just keep running (or, you know, applying)!