jack & jill went up a hill

One of the first thing a child quickly learns when he or she begins riding a bicycle is that going down hill is way better than going up. Bicycles are wonderful inventions--they take a person from point A to point B in a relatively quick amount of time with not a lot of effort, unless there is a hill involved.

One of those hills happened to be part of Jill and Jack's recent excursion. It was a perfect day for a ride...no wind, moderate temperatures and a few high, puffy clouds to cast a shadow on the couple when the sun's rays began to feel unbearable. The bikes were in top shape--greased sprockets, properly inflated tires, perfectly adjusted seats. What could go wrong?

The ride began with a gentle slope on a smooth, paved path. The self-created wind was cooling on their damp faces. Racing down the path felt exhilarating...until they looked up and up and up.

In a car, this hill may cause the engine to crank up the torque, but who really pays attention? On a bike, this hill brings fear to the faint of heart or weak of legs. That was Jill. Even though she felt like she was in good shape, she wasn't sure if her muscles could meet the task.

Just focus on the path, don't look up, one pedal at a time. Down shift the gear, and again, okay one more time. Cars whiz by, Jack is way ahead, but it doesn't matter.

"I can do it," she reminds herself. "I'm not a wimp!"

The end is almost here. "I am going to make it...YES! I did it!" she informs Jack, patiently waiting at the top, not sure if she really would make it.

But then her pumping heart and wheezing lungs catch up with her diminishing adrenolin. "I don't feel so well, I think I need to sit down."

Time passes, her heart eases into a tolerable rate and cool water fades her flaming complexion. Time to saddle up and continue the ride, but on the way back she informs Jack, "I'm walkin' it!"