“I feel you,” I think, seeing a student staring repulsively up at the top of Bascom Hill. The agonizing walk of pain to a class you may not even want to go to is just enough to make you throw your hands in the air, turn around and walk back home. Unfortunately, we cannot all afford to miss our classes that lie at the top of the hill, and thus must endure the hike. It was a moment like this during my 8 a.m. trek up the hill when I decided to think of ways that would make the walk a little less annoying and possibly a little more fun. Here are a few of my ideas:

1. Race another student up the hill who is walking on the other side

I did this with a boy in a neon green backpack. Although he had no idea we were racing it came to a nail biting finish. I ended up the champion but finding myself winded and somewhat sweaty while neon backpack was calm, collected and breathing easily. I'm not sure this makes me the winner here.

2. Do a lunge workout.

Get the most of your walk by combining it with leg day and complete lunges the entire way up. The best part is that your backpack will act as a weight and you can skip the gym while still feeling accomplished.

3. Play "Duck-Duck-Canada Goose."

Count how many Canada Goose jackets you see during your walk up the hill. You will be so distracted counting you won't even realize you made it until you're at the top. Bonus points for double digits. This can also work with Timberland boots.

4. Instagramotivation.

Motivate yourself to walk up the hill by imagining all the street cred you'll get from your peers when you post a picture of it on Instagram. Make it a selfie, a picture of Bascom or--better yet--the back of Abe's head and the capitol on the horizon. Not only will you get a dope photo, your friends will be impressed you made it to the top and still had time to enjoy the view.

5. Think about better ways you could've written this article.

Or spend your time wondering why this girl really struggles while walking up this hill. Think of the hill as a metaphor for life. I don't know. It's up to you.

So the next time you are faced with Bascom Hill, try some of these ideas and discover for yourself if they make the walk a little more enjoyable. We no longer have to avoid or find ways around it; we can approach it head-on and strong.