Something that I've begun doing on a relatively consistent basis is hiking up the ski slopes of Rib Mountain. I've done it plenty of times; for cross country during high school we would walk up the main slope for a warm up, and than run up the slopes for a work out. So I have gotten well acquainted with going upwards (as opposed to alpine skiing). I started doing it at the end of May/beginning of June, and have continued to do so. It's become a time for me to be away from others and process my thoughts, along with some good, uninterrupted prayer. I enjoyed it enough where when I got to the top, I kept walking all throughout the park on the trails, the observation tower, wherever.
When I first began, I threw 35lbs in my main backpack and hiked. My initial intention was to only do it once, as a way to get a measure of what kind of shape I was exactly in. I had only walked up the slope once since cross country (2 and a half years ago), but I knew I could walk up it without anything on my back. But even with the pack on I did fine, I only stopped once and that was only to look back to see the view. The next four or five times I took the bag along, but soon dropped it since I realized that physically I was doing just fine.
My reasons for going on the hike quickly evolved; it went from a measurement and increase of physical ability to mental honing, relaxation, and a chance to converse with God. I quickly found listening prayer to be easiest when there are limited distractions, my mind is relaxed, and when surrounded by God's creation. While the hum of Wausau is in the background, it's silent enough to make civilization feel distant.
For the last few hikes I've done, I've broken my walk into three separate parts. The first part is the walk up. I try to do a quicker pace, not enough to make me drop but enough to get me rather tired. I try to get my calves burning and to exhaust my cardio. Not necessarily for physical benefit, but to remind myself that I'm not invincible. It may seem petty, but since getting out of high school I haven't really done any type of workout routine, outside of work. It reminds of me of times when I've felt physically depleted or unable (like after many Rib mountains workouts in cross country).
The second part is my walk through the state park atop the hill. After taking it easy, lowering my heartrate and getting my breathing back to normal, I start to talk to God. And in a casual way, just like a conversation with a friend. I tell Him about how I admire His attention to detail when He created life, as I see the trees. I thank Him. I tell Him where I've see Him working lately. I pray for others (if you have gotten a snapchat from me while I'm on the hill, odds are high I just got done praying for you) Than I listen. I simply walk. I look at the natural beauty that surrounds me and I listen for what God has for me. I always get a sensation of extreme peace at this time. A peace I long for as soon as I begin to head home. This is my favorite part of the hike, and has been integral to keeping me coming back.
The last part is simply the descent. I take it easy, and think about what lies ahead. I think about the World Race, which launch is a mere 15 days away. I think about the people I'll meet, the people I have already met, and what is in store for me. It is a chance for me to calmly assess, the best I can, my near future. This is where I find myself getting excited for the race. I pump myself up thinking about the awesome year God has for me. And I know I don't want to miss anything He's going to throw my way.
