Over the hills, and through the mud, to greener pastures we go...

Lord Hill Trail Run, 10 miles  ~ March 6, 2011

Spencer and I are in training for a half marathon we are doing the middle of April. As part of our training we searched for other smaller races to run in preparation for the "BIG" one. Low and behold, we found the Lord Hill Trail Run, a 5, 10, 20, or 30 mile race through the Lord Hill Regional Park in Snohomish outside of Monroe, WA. We've done a trail run before and found it to be so much fun! Combining our love of running in the great, rugged outdoors with our love of hiking. A little earlier in the season than we've done before, but it fit in perfectly with our training schedule. We were to do 10 miles this weekend anyway so we may as well do an organized race to get our minds geared up for April.

It was a great day! Sun was starting to peak its yellow head out of the clouds and there was no rain in the forecast. In the trail description it mentioned that we may encounter a horse or two and some hikers on the trail and to use good judgement and etiquette as we pass. No problem! So we started off on our trot towards the back of the 200 runners. Feeling good about the pace and energized to get these 10 miles under our belts! Our trot suddenly came to a halt as we came up to a muddy pit we had to try and leap over right off the bat. We instantly regretted not wearing our older sneakers as our white running shoes were now brown and soaked. So we continued to squish along the trail, dodging and leaping over and through muddy pathways. Then we hit a big hill...the hill itself was intimidating to me, probably about a 12-15% grade and on top of that was mud and sludge, rocks and weeds. Thankful though for the rocks and weeds for that is what kept us from slipping back down the hill! Spencer was there to support me and help pull/push me along and most of all encourage me as I moaned and groaned most of the way up! He kept telling me that we've done the Incline (in CO), that this is cake compared to that, etc. He's always so positive and uplifting! My legs were killing me and we were only about a half mile into the race. All I could say was, "Are you kidding me?" "Is this how it's going to be the whole time?" "I'm so tired!" I'm such a whiner!!

As we continued along from that hill we finally had a break from the mud and followed the arrows which took us into a lush, mossy green pathway that was fairly flat and mud-less! Hallelujah! We've reached the Promised Land!

As we are running down this new path, I'm starting to feel refreshed and re-energized. I told Spencer that what we just went through reminds me of how life is. We are not going to always have these lush, green paths before us. We will have to navigate through mud, horse manure, rocks, climb hills, and traipse through, over, under and out of all sorts of pits and barriers that will attempt to push us off the path and into areas that weren't meant for "walking on." Our character is built while we're on those yucky paths...we suffer, we get discouraged, we feel pain, we get dirty, we bleed. But if we stay on course and don't get off even when it gets hard to continue on that path, we will come out of the mud and sludge and onto greener pastures! If all we ever had was the easy roads to walk on, how would we ever get stronger? Perseverance is the key to growth!

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." 

James 1: 12

"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 

1 Peter 5:10

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 

1 Corinthians 4:17

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

James 1:4-5

So, all that to say, the road did not stay lush and green at "Lordy" Lord Hill! The course took us through many more challenging obstacles. But, we persevered. Made it to the finish in 2 and a half hours! It was the hardest 10 miles we've ever had to endure, but our feet stayed on course and there was yummy homemade vegetable soup & chili and cold water waiting for us at the finish line! Sticking to the plan has it's rewards! We may be dirty on the outside from having gone through the mud pits, but we are stronger, more steadfast and determined on the inside!

We did it!

My Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for challenges like Lord Hill because it reminds me that you are in control! I could not get through life's ups and downs without your guidance. Thank you for your promises of perseverance. May I continue to use the challenges in life as lessons to build my character and make me stronger and more solid in my faith in you. You are my sustainer and you will never let me fall (Psalm 55:22).