My running watch said 5:43 a.m. and my window to get into the shower was slamming shut.
Thus is life at the Ramsey house on a school morning. It’s orchestrated chaos. You have to hit your marks.
I was about a quarter of a mile from the house and the shortest route back was the hardest — it was straight up the biggest hill in my neighborhood. I have an affectionate nickname for that hill, but I won’t share it here. This is a family blog after all. Let’s just call it #$%$.
I looked at the time. I could go straight (the flatter route) and risk throwing the shower schedule into chaos. Or take #$%$.
Another glance at the watch.
#$%$ it was.
One of the most important things I’ve learned from running is that hills are 90% mental. And isn’t that true in life as well? I broke the hill into 10-yard mental segments. “If I can only make that mailbox.” “If I can make it to that driveway.” “If I can make it to the next house.” I looked at the ground in front of me, concentrating on each step I took, not the steep rise ahead of me. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Exactly one minute later, I had crested the hill. My heart rate was screaming but I had done it. I sprinted down the other side and into the shower. I had finished my 3.16 mile run, peace was saved, avoided a shower by garden hose and all was right in the Ramsey world.
I had conquered the hill known as #$%$. And now, I’m ready to conquer any other hill life throws my way. One bite at a time.