Why the Harder Road Often Leads to Greater Rewards
This weekend I took part in the Delamere parkrun. But it wasn’t the usual forest trail. It was the challenging “B course” – a tougher 5K route that climbs Old Pale Hill not once, but twice. At around 176 metres above sea level, Old Pale may not rival Snowdon, but it’s enough to leave your legs burning and your lungs searching for air.
And yet, as I stood at the finish line, heart pounding and muscles aching, the sense of satisfaction was unmatched. It was tougher, yes – but that’s precisely what made it better.
It got me thinking: when we look back on the most rewarding moments in our lives, they’re rarely the easiest. The milestones that stay with us are usually the ones we fought hardest for. The uphill battles – whether literal or metaphorical – are the ones that forge resilience, deepen appreciation, and heighten our sense of achievement.
This is why I’m particularly looking forward to next week’s Xterra Snowdon Trail Half Marathon in Llanberis. It’s no ordinary race. With steep ascents through mountain trails and a climb up the slate quarry, it demands grit, stamina, and no small amount of determination. It’s not the fastest route. It’s not the flattest. But crossing that finish line feels sublime – a true high earned through effort.
There’s something about physical challenge that mirrors life’s deeper truths. Smooth, easy roads rarely shape us. It’s the hills – and how we climb them – that define us.
So whether you’re training for a race, pushing through a tough time in your career, or navigating personal challenges, remember: it’s often the steepest paths that lead to the most breathtaking views.