By Christy Lee

When I was training for my first marathon, I had no idea what I was doing. I had only started running earlier that year. I was excited to stretch outside of my comfort zone and learn something new—but I knew I’d need help. A friend recommended a book called The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer by David Whitsett and Forrest Dolgener. It sounded like exactly what I needed—and it was! That book was one of the many tender mercies the Lord sent to support me on my health journey. It taught me so much—especially since I knew so little about both the physical and mental side of long-distance running.

I learned how crucial it is to have good shoes—and how to find the right ones for my feet. I learned what to eat before a race, how to hydrate properly, how to prevent chafing and blisters, and even why you should lie down with your feet up after a long run.

But the most important thing I learned from that book was a simple mantra about how to love running hills. And honestly, I’ve used it ever since—not just for running, but for any big challenge life throws at me. When you’re at the bottom of a hill you have to climb—literally or figuratively—you say out loud:

“Hello hill, I’ve been expecting you! Come run with me and make me stronger!”

You repeat it as many times as you need until you reach the top. I know—it sounds silly. And maybe that’s why it works so well. It snaps you out of the dread and reframes the task as something meaningful. I’ve used this phrase for running in the wind, for mopping the floors, for eating another salad, or for anything that mentally I know will bring me closer to my goal—but my heart just isn’t in it.

And you know what? It works! I’ve tried it with so many things, and now it’s become kind of a joke among my family and friends. I’ll say something like:

“Hello laundry! I’ve been expecting you! Come hang out with me and help me be more organized!”

Or:

“Hello 5am workout! I’ve been expecting you! Come move with me and make me stronger!”

Doing this helps me reconnect my heart to my goals. It reminds me that the small, consistent steps matter—that they are part of the blessing, not just the challenge.

The ups and downs in life are supposed to be there. It’s part of the human experience! If we were happy all the time, we wouldn’t even recognize it—because we’d have nothing to compare it to. And if everything came easily, we’d never grow. It’s the stretching that builds our strength.

One of my favorite reminders is from Mindset Mastery by Trevan and Leslie Householder:

“The Law of Rhythm states that when we are down, we can be grateful, knowing that (by law) there is an upswing coming. Plan on endless progression upward.” (p. 11)

Having a written vision statement that you read often helps you move with the rhythm of life. The back-and-forth becomes a steady climb upward. Sometimes you’re sprinting, sometimes walking. Sometimes crawling. And sometimes resting. But you know where you’re going—and that’s what keeps you moving.

So here’s my challenge to you: Pay attention to the rhythm in your life. If you’re in a low spot, trust that an upswing is coming. Expect it. Be intentional. That expectation often brings it sooner. And if you’re at a high point—if you just climbed a “hill”—take a moment to enjoy the view. Remember who helped you get there. Yes, there will be more hills ahead, but you don’t have to fear them. Learn to see them for the opportunities they are.

And don’t forget—everyone else has a rhythm, too. We won’t always be in sync. But we can love, lift, and encourage others no matter where they’re at on their path.

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