My Gen X Playlist: Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush

We had to go early in the morning so we wouldn’t get scorched by the sun. They swung by and picked me up just before 6 am and we were off. Hawaii is supposed to be for relaxing, but we heard about the Koko Head Stairs and were going to give it a try.

With 1,048 steps to the top, the trail follows the steep hill that rises 1,200 feet . . . and overlooks Hanauma Bay. Rated as a moderately challenging hike, the out-and-back trail is estimated at 1.6 miles. From the top, you’ll be treated to a stunning panorama of the bay, along with unparalleled views of Diamond Bay and Koko Crater.

Tripsavvy

Now, I didn’t have all the information when I agreed to this. All I knew it was a mile and a half up and back hike with beautiful views. They did mention stairs, but I did the math in my head. A mile and a half up and back means 0.75 miles to the top. Easy-peasy.

Nope.

1,200 foot elevation gain in that short distance equals pain. Pure and simple. And the stairs don’t help. That means you are lifting your entire body weight with each step. This is definitely different from hiking up a steep slope.

I was 3/4 way up. Pain radiated through my legs. I tried doing all the mental summersaults to trick myself to keep going. It wasn’t working. It stopped me in my tracks. And I wasn’t alone. It seemed I was in good company with other hikers around me. We all had similar expressions on our faces. That what did we get ourselves into look. I think I was done.

A fit thirty something cheerfully worked her way up the hill and passed me. She stopped to rest and began chatting with a few ladies on their way down. They were discussing her fractured baby toe and the cute boot she was wearing. What? Fractured toe? They said their goodbyes and she resumed her fast pace scrambling up the steep steps. Awesome.

As I sat there dumbfounded, another lady passed me coming down wearing flip flops. Flip flops! I shook my head. Amazing.

An older woman stopped to rest. Keep going, Sonny. You’re too young to stop. I chatted with her a bit. She was 65 years old. Inspiring.

Finally a local guy passed me coming down. You can’t stop now. The view is worth the pain, he said. You gotta keep going. A good reminder to muster up some grit. Appreciation.

I made it to the top. It was slow and steady, but I made it. It’s been a few days and my legs are still sore. I haven’t decided if this is a one and done hike that I cross off a list and never do again, or if I go for it again the next time I come home to visit family. The jury is still out.

Oh, and by the way. On my way down, out of nowhere the cheery fractured toe girl passed me on her way up again. She was doing it a second time. After making it to the top, she ran down the steps and passed me yet again. All I could think of was Awesome.

Our sore muscles deserved a reward after that brutal ordeal. We figured a stop to pick up Leonard’s malasadas was in order. After a few bites, all was well in the universe once again. Nothing beats fresh hot malasadas to distract you from the pain.

Kate Bush released Running Up That Hill in 1985. Once again, I’m surprised by the meaning behind the song.

This song is about making a deal with God to swap lives with another person. Bush explained in a 1985 interview: “It’s about a relationship between a man and a woman. They love each other very much, and the power of the relationship is something that gets in the way. It creates insecurities. It’s saying if the man could be the woman and the woman the man, if they could make a deal with God, to change places, that they’d understand what it’s like to be the other person and perhaps it would clear up misunderstandings. You know, all the little problems; there would be no problem.”

Songfacts

I’d seriously consider switching places with that cheery fractured toed girl if it were at all possible. You should have seen her in action. I’m going to say it again. Awesome.

It doesn't hurt me (yeah, yeah, yo)
Do you wanna feel how it feels? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Do you wanna know, know that it doesn't hurt me? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Do you wanna hear about the deal that I'm making? (Yeah, yeah, yo)

You
It's you and me

And if I only could
I'd make a deal with God
And I'd get Him to swap our places
Be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
Be runnin' up that building
Say, if I only could, oh

You don't wanna hurt me (yeah, yeah, yo)
But see how deep the bullet lies (yeah, yeah, yo)
Unaware I'm tearin' you asunder (yeah, yeah, yo)
Oh, there is thunder in our hearts (yeah, yeah, yo)
Is there so much hate for the ones we love? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Oh, tell me, we both matter, don't we? (Yeah, yeah, yo)

You
It's you and me
It's you and me
Won't be unhappy

And if I only could
I'd make a deal with God
And I'd get Him to swap our places
Be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
Be runnin' up that building (yo)
Say, if I only could, oh

You (yeah, yeah, yo)
It's you and me
It's you and me
Won't be unhappy (yeah, yeah, yo)

Oh, come on, baby (yeah)
Oh, come on, darlin' (yo)
Let me steal this moment from you now
Oh, come on, angel
Come on, come on, darlin'
Let's exchange the experience (yo), oh, ooh, ooh

And if I only could
I'd make a deal with God
And I'd get Him to swap our places
I'd be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
With no problems
Say, if I only could
I'd make a deal with God
And I'd get Him to swap our places
I'd be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
With no problems
Say, if I only could
I'd make a deal with God
And I'd get Him to swap our places
I'd be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
With no problems
Say, if I only could
I'd be runnin' up that hill
With no problems

(If I only could)
(I'd be runnin' up that hill)
(If I only could)
(Be runnin' up that hill)