Elevation

As we have been here in Missoula, I have noticed that my lungs are having to work a bit harder to run the hills around here. The first day I ran here with your mom, I was breathing harder than I normally do. At first, I thought this was because of the smoke around, but then I realized that this is simply the elevation.

Missoula is located at the western edge of Montana approximately 45 miles (70 km) from the Idaho border. The city is at an elevation of 3,209 feet (978 m) above sea level, with nearby Mount Sentinel and Mount Jumbo steeply rising to 5,158 feet (1,572 m) and 4,768 feet (1,453 m) respectively.
In comparison, Seattle's highest elevation is 520 feet. 

Running up in the foothills of Mt. Sentinel this morning made me think about the elevation and the difference it can make . By working harder here in the mountains, it helps me out in my running back in Seattle.  This caused me to think about the challenges you face with OCD and how you are having to work harder than some to get through certain challenges. I really believe that this is making you stronger (even though it might feel really awful at times).  Please just know that I am praying for grit and strength and grace for you to get up some of the hills when it feels like you are having to gasp for air because I believe that someday the work is going to pay off and that you are going to feel like you are flying...