climbing hills
I climb a lot of hills, whether hiking or walking or riding a bike, on trail, on sidewalks, whatever really. I enjoy the climb and the struggle uphill, the satisfaction that I get when I reach the top, and the blissful float back down.
Recently I’ve been climbing progressively bigger hills. Immensely challenging efforts that few would find fun at all. And when I return to my old favorite hills, they are much easier. They actually appear flatter than before. The big hills altered my perspective completely. I’m physically more capable, yes. But I’m also mentally more capable.
The most interesting bit is when I’m approaching a climb and sizing it up. Giving it the ol’ elevator eyes. Especially if it’s one I’ve done before, but even true for new climbs, my internal monologue is changing from “uh oh” to “huh, not bad.”
I’m guessing this is just moving up a learning curve or maybe the experience curve. Not really sure if there’s a name for this phenomenon. Whatever it is I like it, and compared to other non physical areas of my life (work, for instance), it has been the most satisfying journey by far.