Pressing Past Our Limits
My reservations about this particular backpacking trip materialized within 24 hours of leaving home. I found myself on the side of a hill, trying to lead a group of 20 students, with leg muscles so contracted I could barely bend my knees. My legs were done. The only problem was, we were still miles from our campsite.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...."
That is how Charles Dickens begins his famous literary novel A Tale of Two Cities. To me, that sentence also describes the difficulties and triumphs of my most recent hiking trip in October with 21 other individuals in northern Minnesota.
I’m an experienced hiker having completed more than 200 miles of rigorous terrain carrying a 50 pound pack in all weather conditions since 2008. All of my miles have been logged along the rugged and rocky ridgeline of Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) which is located along the north shore of Lake Superior.
I had some reservations about this hiking trip before I even left. It’s not like I’m unfamiliar with the trail and its topography. But this trip was different. For the first time in six years, I did not properly train or prepare my physical body.
I tried to downplay what I was feeling. After all, I have excellent gear, knowledge of the terrain, and the experience of numerous trips under my belt. Plus, I heard the particular section of trail for this trip was relatively flat and easy.
Little did I realize that within 24 hours of leaving home, my reservations would become painfully clear.
TIME TO HEAD NORTH
Our group of 22 hikers arrived at the trailhead near the Pigeon River around 11 p.m. After unloading our gear and helping the students get their packs on, we gathered together as we always do for a picture and prayer, and then hit the trail for a serene and enjoyable night hike. Because the weather was perfect, (peaceful and calm with a starry, moonlit sky), we decided to take advantage of the excellent conditions and therefore extended our night hike for a few additional miles. By 1 a.m., we were setting up camp and beginning to settle down for our first night.
Unfortunately, I slept terribly that night—I got one, maybe two hours of sleep. So even though I felt fine Thursday morning, my body did not get the rest it needed. Secondly, I didn’t eat as much as I should have for breakfast. I did not leave camp hungry…I simply should have eaten more food and a better combination of carbohydrates and protein before we left camp.
I was raring to go and as the leader out front in charge of setting the pace for the entire group, I was looking forward to showing all those high school students what a strong and experienced leader I am.
The first few miles of the trail on Thursday were great. Everyone was in good spirits while enjoying the abundant supply of fresh air, babbling brooks, and forest views the SHT has to offer. However, by the time we stopped for a lunch break, I could sense that something didn’t feel right…especially in my legs. They were a bit stiff and sore. That is not an unusual feeling for one who hikes or backpacks, but not at such an early stage on the first full day.
“I’ll be fine,” I thought. Never let them see you sweat, right?
After lunch, we were off again. The weather was typical…about 44 degrees, a bit breezy with overcast skies. Eventually, the clouds decided to let loose. We all have good rain gear, but let’s face it; it’s a bummer to hike in the rain. You are cold and wet, the trail is soggy and slippery, it’s more difficult to see, the woods are darker, and it requires more focus, intensity, and energy. Not a good combination for one who is already low on sleep, strength, and nutritional fuel.
To make matters worse, there were several elevation changes in the trail, and with every step up or down to the next rock or tree root, my legs were becoming weaker. Then, around 3 p.m., my muscles began to seize and stiffen. I've been tired on these trips before, but not like this.
I drank more water and tried to nibble on some snacks as I struggled along, but I could not stop to rest because as the leader out front, it was my job to set a consistent pace and keep the group moving so we would reach our destination campsite before dark.
“What the heck is going on?” I was asking myself. “Why are my legs not working?” I was confused. At the same time, I was also trying to push words such as "weakness" and "failure" out of my head.
I did my best to keep everyone moving forward, but my pace was slower now and I knew something was wrong. "I don't want anyone to see I am struggling!" So as my pride kept pushing forward my legs kept pushing back—eventually to the point where my muscles began to contract, tighten, and literally lock up.
"What is THAT feeling?!" I asked myself. "Since when do my leg muscles harden and seize up?" I have never experienced that dynamic in my life. "NOW what do I do?" I could barely bend my knees. On two different occasions, my legs were so stiff I actually lost my balance and had to stabilize myself by quickly sticking my trekking poles out to the side or I would have fallen over like a log. "How embarrassing," I thought.
I rested here and there, but as soon as I started moving again, the empty, depleted feeling in my legs immediately returned. Even my son Ellis could tell I was having a hard time. After almost falling over halfway up an incline, I could hear the concern in his voice when he said “Dad, you need to just stop and rest!”
Finally, I had to be honest with myself. I knew my legs were done. The only problem was we were still miles from our campsite.
I tried to assure him. “I’ll be alright. I think we only have another mile or so to go.” But inside I was concerned. "What will I do if I can't make it to camp, even though I want to? I'm supposed to be stronger than this! Why is this happening to an experienced hiker like me?" I began praying over my legs while also trying desperately to keep thoughts of fear and doubt out of my mind.
On a typical day, we plan our miles and hiking pace in order to reach our campsite between 5-6 p.m. So when we staggered into our originally planned campsite around 4 p.m., most of us thought we were finished for the day (thank God!). But not Mr. Ford, our primary group leader. Because it was earlier than normal (thanks to the extra miles we hiked the night before), he decided to press forward to another group campsite farther down the trail.
I usually love the idea of getting ahead of our plan and chewing up additional miles, but not this time.
I felt weak and defeated. I didn't think I could take another step let alone lead the group for a few additional miles. My legs were begging me to stay, but my legs weren't in charge...Mr. Ford was.
So, we pressed on.
It was only a short time later when I decided I had to let Mr. Ford know what was going on. I found a nice flat spot at the top of an incline, and while the kids were resting and drinking some water, I wobbled my way to the back of the line where he was.
I told him that I don’t know what was happening to my body, but I couldn’t bend my knees. I explained I was moving slowly because my leg strength was gone and these strange muscle seizures were occurring every few minutes now and keeping me from increasing my speed. I asked the experienced, 20-year trip leader if he had any advice. And without hesitating, and while standing in front of the entire student group, he simply replied, “Do you want me to hold your hand or something?”
Nice.
I guess I wasn’t surprised at his response. He wasn’t trying to be cruel; he simply said what he had to say in order to make sure I didn’t give up. It worked. I faked a smile, turned around, and went back to my forward position and began to put one foot in front of the other again.
It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t fun, but we eventually came upon another campsite just before 7 p.m. which contained both an acceptable water source as well as enough tent pad areas to accommodate our large group. I was so exhausted, sore, and miserable, I hardly noticed the bone-chilling rain anymore. We set up our tents, cooked supper, and then I immediately went to bed.
FACING OUR BATTLES
That was the most brutal day of hiking I have ever experienced in my life. As I lay in my tent that night with my son next to me, initially all I could do was think about why the day was so challenging, why my body acted the way it had, and what I could have done to either prevent that situation or better prepare myself for it.
Why didn't I work out more before the trip? Maybe I could have packed less gear? If only I would have eaten better, etc.
Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda.
But then I caught myself and realized I was missing the point.
I couldn't ever recall a time when I faced such a blatant physical limitation, yet still pushed through. For more than six hours, my body was sending "mayday!" signals to my head, but somehow with the grace of God, I was able to push through my barriers and keep going.
I won't lie; Thursday was tough, but the Lord reminded me that I can do more than I thought I could—even when my physical and mental capacities are spent. Talk about a confidence builder!
As I drifted off to sleep that night, I thanked God for giving me the strength and tenacity to complete my mission. I paid the price of becoming a better hiker that day, and the satisfaction of finishing my course made me smile. It was a good lesson about what I am made of, and for that alone, it was worth it.
FINISHING STRONG
I slept much better that second night and woke up Friday morning feeling refreshed and resilient. The soreness and stiffness had vanished and my legs and shoulders felt great! More importantly, I could tell something had changed...on the inside. The fear, doubt, and second-guessing that was beating me up yesterday, was gone. I had a renewed sense of strength, confidence, and optimism.
All of us enjoyed a casual morning and a hearty breakfast. We packed up our tents under a much-welcomed blue sky and hit the trail with more strength, attitude, and eagerness than ever before.
For the rest of the trip, my legs were fine. If anything, they became stronger with each passing mile. Friday and Saturday were wonderful, scenic days, and by the time our hiking trip ended Sunday morning, our initial vigorous efforts paved the way for one of the most gratifying, memorable, and record-setting endeavors we have ever had, including:
- The most miles ever completed in a single day: 16.9 (Saturday)
- The most miles ever completed in a single trip: 39
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Gal. 6:9
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
In the book of James, Paul calls those individuals who persevere under trial, "blessed" (James 1:12). Why? Because those individuals, having stood the test, "will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
I can assure you, when my strength was depleted and I was struggling through every step Thursday afternoon, I had a lot of different thoughts run through my mind. But "blessed" was not one of them! It was only later, after the Lord helped me persevere and venture beyond my own limits, did I understand how blessed I was to have had that experience.
What sort of problem or challenge are you currently going through?
Whatever it is, I encourage you to step out and go for it—and never give up along the way, no matter how insurmountable your barrier seems. With some determination, faith, and persistence, you might just surprise yourself regarding what you can do in Christ.
THANK YOU
This ministry would not exist without you; therefore, whether you are a visitor to our website, a member of cfaith.com, or a subscriber to our email services, we want you to know you are appreciated!
It is our prayer that God will use these monthly emails as a source of ministry and encouragement to you and others around the world.
Determined to press ahead with you no matter what,
Jeff Litfin
ministry operations leader
cfaith
As a Certified Estate Planner, Jeff works side by side with our attorney partners to provide each client with professional and comprehensive solutions. As our face to the client, Jeff utilizes his 30 years of public speaking, corporate communications, and business management experience to make the estate project process seamless. Jeff conducts GLS estate planning workshops and takes the lead role in client engagement. Clients appreciate Jeff's ability to take complex legal topics and explain them in an easy-to-understand manner. No one helps families and individuals navigate the Bermuda Triangle of estate planning (legal, finance, and tax) better than Jeff. In addition to his CEP certification, Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from North Central University and a Minnesota Life, Accident, and Health Insurance license.
