Why We Train

There is something about climbing a mountain that makes you feel as if you can conquer the world. It could be the sense of accomplishment you get when you realize you’ve reached the peak, or perhaps it’s the view. Whatever it is, it’s a good feeling.

The surprising part of this experience however, is that the mountain we climb doesn’t always have to be big for us to feel it. It doesn’t always require poles or even camping gear. We don’t have to hike Everest. It is not about scaling the highest mountain, as much as it is about getting to the top of one. If you’ve ever climbed a mountain, you know what I mean.

Recently, Tony and I climbed Mount Penobscot in Maine, and the feeling I had at the top carried me for a few days. But more importantly it encouraged me in ways I am not fully sure I can explain. Only, for you friends, today I am going to try.

In May, Tony and I spent a week in Bar Harbor, Maine. A few miles from where we stayed, lies the only National Park in New England, Acadia. Marked by it’s beautifully rugged coastline, pine trees, and mountains offering stunning views of the ocean, Acadia is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been. And, it has some fantastic hiking trails.

So one day on our trip, I went online and found some possible trails for an afternoon hiking adventure. (Joe’s Guide is an excellent resource for this, if you ever plan a visit) I briefly looked at trails we’d hiked on previous trips, but quickly decided I wanted us to try a trail we’d never done before. And Tony agreed. Soon, we landed on the Penobscot Mountain Trail. It was labeled strenuous. But, it was under four miles, and we were ready for a challenge.

After we ate a good lunch, and put on our hiking clothes, we were on our way. The parking was easy, as it was a weekday in May, and summer traffic hadn’t begun. We got out of the car, Tony grabbed his camera bag, we quickly put on sunscreen, and made our way to the trail head.

I felt a small twinge of excitement and anxiety as we began the hike. Excitement, over what we would find on the trail. Anxiety, about what challenging obstacles might come our way. But I quickly pushed my anxiousness aside and focused on the path before me.

It wasn’t long before the trail became steeper. Where the path had started through the woods, with stone steps leading the way, now we were climbing and scrambling up the rocky side of the mountain. There were narrow trails with hand rails, and before we knew it, excellent views of the pond.

Only, as the trail became more challenging, I began noticing something besides the beautiful views. We were hiking at a pretty solid pace. Most of our stops were about taking in the gorgeous scenery, and not for me to catch my breath.

I felt strong.

When we reached the place where we were above the tree line and things became steep, I was full of energy and wasn’t at all wondering when we’d reach the top. Rather, as we began to climb high enough to see the ocean, and I breathed in it’s fresh salty air, I felt this incredible feeling of peace. I didn’t want to be anywhere else, and there was no thought of turning back.

At one point, Tony remarked how well I was doing. We’ve hiked many trails together and few have I been as strong as I was for this hike. Immediately, I knew what the difference was.

Last month, I shared how I have been working out regularly since January, yet my jeans still fit the same. I have been discouraged. But I have to tell you, on that Mountain, I was reminded of why I train. How working out was for more than just fitting into a pair of jeans. I have been taking care of my body so that it can help me do cool things, like climb a mountain.

When we’re in the midst of training for something—whether it is for school, our career, or even our fitness—we often get fixated on things that are easy to quantify. Getting an A, receiving a promotion, fitting into a pair of jeans—are all we can think about. But sometimes we need to see the big picture. We need to look at ALL our efforts are achieving. What all of our work will enable us to do.

We train, we study, and we work hard for more than what we can quantify. If you are in the middle of a journey to something big, remember you are climbing a mountain. All of your work is not in vain. And the effort you put in now, will help you be strong for the times the trail becomes steep.