The run began like every other run, by making a choice. A choice of which direction I should run, and whether I should run into the wind or with it. I love running with the wind, it makes me feel fast and light on my feet, but however far I run, I know I will have to run the same distance back into the wind. Foolishly, I chose to run with the wind at my back. It felt great running 5 miles, until I turned around to return home. 5 miles with the wind pushing me along, turned into 5 miles being blasted in the face and opposed every step of the way home.

Much of life I’ve wanted only the easy way. I’ve wanted the wind at my back, but never any resistance. Unfortunately, it never seems that is how life actually works. If you want to run with the wind, you also have to struggle against it. If you want to enjoy the view of the world, you have to climb the mountain. If you want to experience the thrill of the downhill, you have to first run up.