A fair ways across town rests a hill steep and sound,
A hill that is far, a hill that is long.
This hill is quite challenging, a breath stealer indeed,
To conquer it, you feel as though you've lost all your speed.
Slowly pumping, arms at both sides, your lungs collapse deeply in your chest trying to survive.
Your legs become heavy, weighed down by this mount, but pressing onward, you silently begin to doubt.
A challenge indeed this hill hast provided, a challenge that has frightened away many runners and sidewalk climbers.
Gradually with one final push you find yourself at the top as all the air you'd neglected to breathe rushes to and fro around you. Your lungs become heavy and thick with a strange sting, your legs become bulky as the muscles scream.
My oh my, we have conquered this hill...if I didn't know any better I'd assume it an army drill.
The thing about long hills, stinging lungs and throbbing muscles is the addiction that rises in your running spirit to try it again, to go once more.
Now not just once, or twice..but three times this hill has met it's match and conquered it I have.
Without realizing the impact its made, my legs are secretly becoming stronger, my lungs breathing deeper.
Last week I climbed the bluffs and puzzled by my lack of heavy breathing I pressed my way to the top. I suppose I owe this easy climb to the hill that has so easily consumed my training time. This morning, among the rain clouded sky, I set out to jog and found my heart wandering...a fair way across town, to the hill far and long..up, up, up I went never slowing down. Reaching the top, my heart began to pound. Thundering so loudly, pumping blood into my veins, I felt healthy and fresh, rejuvinated and freed. This time my muscles neglected their uncomfortable bulking and sting, and instead rejoiced as the tension released.
For all who claim to be runners, we know hills are tough. Sometimes we face mountains and fearing the pain, we turn away to a trail more frequently traveled, a softer pathway, an easier climb. I've realized when we match up against the hills, far and long, as we reach the top, a certain victory resounds. Running is relaxing and challenging in the same breath, but hill running, up steep, steep hills is difficult. The more willing I am to reach the top, the easier I find my climbs to be.
Sometimes I feel like a warrior, screaming my battle cry as I charge forth against the steepness of the hill...as I reach the top I feel as though a certain victory has been claimed, a burden lifted, a freedom received.
If you have nothing to do today, go for a run...and if you're feeling adventurous, find a hill, far and long and give it a try!
