How to Run Up a Hill

(I wrote this blog many years ago as an avid runner. It was written to be lighthearted yet true. I dedicate this to my former teacher, editor, coach, running buddy, friend, and mentor, Mr. Russell. His recent death has impacted me in so many ways. His voice and red-ink edit will forever impact every word I put on paper.) 

Some simple things are just plain good to know for those just-in-case moments in life. At those unexpected times, you find yourself in a situation that catches you off guard, and you wish someone, somehow, somewhere along the way, had given you a heads-up. For instance, knowing the best way to run up a hill might be something that one day will prove invaluable. You never know. 

You’re lucky to be reading this article. One day, mid-hill, the advice I’m about to share could be the difference between popping the top (don’t worry, I’ll explain!) or lying down in the ditch and giving up (self-explanatory). 

Whether or not you’re an actual runner, like me, or a person who’s running this race we call life, we are all faced with hills from time to time. Sometimes we see them coming, and other times we turn a corner, and BAM, there they are. It’s hard to say which is better: knowing there’s a hill to climb or being caught off guard. Either way, the hill must be faced. 

Like any good competitor, you don’t want to just run up the hill; you want to conquer it. You don’t want the hill to think you’re afraid of it. Give it only a quick glance. Almost as if to say, “Yep, I see you, but you’re not all that!” However, knowing you’re at the bottom of the hill, now is not the time to get arrogant. 

All the little bumps in life prepare us for the hills we are destined to face. So, don’t dodge the bumps. They’re there for a reason. For those who like to be in control, it’s okay to not look good when you hit the bumps. Don’t worry about it. Keep your eyes on the road before you and know that the bumps won’t take you out of the race-they make us stronger. 

Although you’ve only glanced at the hill, let it quickly burn into your mind so that you can still see its size when you close your eyes. After this, lean into the hill and look no further than the next few steps. Here’s something that might surprise you. Your body will do whatever your mind tells it to do. It’s true. If you say to your feet to keep moving, believing that you want them to keep moving—they will keep moving. If you tell yourself that the hill is too big and you’ll never reach the top, your feet will stop trying. They will believe they are outmatched. 

Don’t start out too aggressively at the bottom of the hill. Lean in and slowly yet consistently, build momentum until you know you’re about two-thirds of the way to the top. Like in life, you will instinctively know when you’re at this point. Your mind may be screaming for you to give up. There may not be anyone beside you to cheer you on. This is when you’re thankful you didn’t dodge the bumps. This is when you decide how to reach the top of your hill. Gasping, panting, barely at a crawl, or popping the top with the grace and energy of a person who feels the strength the hill has produced? Decide for yourself how to ascend the top of the hill. 

So, my fellow racers, I challenge you to dig deep in this race we’re all running. Coast on the downhills, but never give up when facing the hills. Don’t try to stay pretty. Grunt and groan if necessary. An avid hill runner has rosy cheeks, is soaked in sweat, eyes are focused straight ahead, and is grinning from ear to ear at the conquest of each hill. 

Follow this advice, and someday, mid-hill—you’ll thank me. 

Stay the course...

Sheila