Tackling problems with hills

After a long and trying week, the opportunity arose to leave work and start my weekend early. Of course, being the opportunist that I am, I jumped at it. What can I say?    

There’s been so much on my mind these days it’s hard to keep up with the every day stuff. The ability to hit the hills for an early long run is like a gift from God.

I suppose I could’ve come home to the piling laundry, the unfinished quilt, and the various other chores in need of my attention. But I didn’t because I knew that these things would wait for me. I needed to quiet the thoughts in my head.

Besides, the hills were calling.

The day was hot, but with a nice breeze blowing, making it a great day for running. Setting out in the direction of my favorite trail, I listened to my music and just ran. The thoughts began to flow in and out of my awareness. I entertained them for a bit, then dismissed them as I focused my efforts on the climb.

It’s just so perfect — this running thing that we do. Each run, like each day, has it’s own function in our life. It’s more than just heathy hearts and slim waistlines. Take hills for example: Suppose we could use the same certainty and confidence, that we use in running hills, when we look at life’s challenges. Maybe, we do this already.

Up ahead I see the first hills on the approach. Just when I think the worst is over, I come around a turn to find another challenge looming ahead. I evaluate it, trying to gauge the pain in advance. And I attack knowing full well that on some days I am stronger than others.

Somedays, I plow right up the hill conquering it with very little effort and other days, quite the opposite is true. Maybe I walk. Maybe I curse. I might even consider giving up…

but I don’t.

And don’t you either because success is sweet and the rewards are great.

• There’s the view
• The feeling of accomplishment is fantastic
• Of course, the reward of running down that hill pretty cool too