Up Hill

Time: 3 p.m.

Weather: 75 F 

Route: Over the gravel road at Umstead State Park, from ranger quarters to Reedy Creek Road and back

Distance: 3.5 miles 

Sometimes I find I am at a loss when going uphill. Maybe I look and see that I must run a mile to the summit, each step taxing my ability to push forward. Or perhaps the climb is steep, and I feel the need to load in oxygen, taking gulps at a time. There's a slight panic, and I find myself out of rhythm. I forget to stay calm. I force myself to fail.

Through trial and error, I have come to keeping myself calm when facing such odds -- when the task at hand is arduous and the resources to accomplish the task are scarce. Today on the trail, as I surveyed my options, instead of feeling overwhelmed, I just took each breath in its course and settled into an even pace. My actions changed the course in my mind. And the calm brought me the space I needed to enjoy each step, to appreciate the climb. 

Running isn't life. Sometimes the uphill battle includes overwhelming odds not in your favor and no resources to accomplish the task. Yet, there are times -- more than we think, more than I knew -- when a calm approach, with a steady determination, allows the task at hand to be transformed, and then completed. A strong will and calm mind brings the finish line closer. 

As I took my last steps toward the gravel road's barrier, stopped and began walking to my car, I allowed myself to feel the accomplishment of beating the hill. Then I took a deep breath, my experience packed within me, and went on to the next moment of my day.