"Having a child is a lot like running a marathon. An incredible challenge, but a worthwhile and transformative experience." Obviously you've never run a marathon. Raising a kid makes running a marathon look like a joke. Marathons are a LOT easier, and not nearly as rewarding, worthwhile OR transformative. But I get what you're saying. The problem is there really is no simile that I'm aware of that does justice to the experience of having & raising a kid. -steve, a fat guy (BMI=33) who's run close to 30 marathons and ultra-marathons, up to 106 miles (having a kid is a lot harder and more rewarding than 106 miles, too.)